What is the expected outcome when a case is designated for certification?

When a case is designated for certification, it is expected to be referred to an appellate authority. This process indicates that there is a substantial legal question or an issue in the decision that necessitates further examination by a higher authority within the immigration system. Certification serves as a mechanism to ensure thorough legal scrutiny and consistency in the application of immigration laws and regulations.

This is critical because it allows for a more experienced adjudicator to review complex or contentious cases, potentially leading to a correction of errors or an affirmation of the original decision. The involvement of an appellate authority helps to clarify and set precedents that can inform future cases, ensuring that the adjudications are fair and legally sound.

The other options, while they might suggest forms of review or reconsideration, do not accurately reflect the formal process associated with certification, which distinctly requires referral to an appellate authority rather than simply re-evaluation or reprocessing, or returning to the applicant without further analysis.