Navigating immigration court hearings can be a challenging and often intimidating process. Understanding the process is vital to ensuring a smooth legal progression through your case. Here are 4 keys that you need to know:
- Hearing Dates – Hearing dates in immigration court may change frequently. Although you should receive a hearing notice by mail, immigration courts can be slow to send these notices. Hence, checking your case status often is crucial to keep current on future hearings. You will need your A#, a 9-digit number found on your court documents. There are two ways to check your case status. Both systems offer information about your next hearing date, time, and location in both English and Spanish:
- Call the EOIR automated case information line at 1-800-898-7180.
- Visit EOIR’s Automated Case Information online portal.
- Types of Hearings – Many courts have adopted modern technologies and now offer video and telephonic hearings. You must check with the immigration court regarding your case to determine if your hearing will be via video, on the phone, or in person. If you’re uncertain, attending your hearing in person is advisable. More information on each immigration court can be found here. WARNING: Failure to attend a hearing may lead to the immigration judge ordering your removal (deportation) from the United States. It is essential to appear for your hearings, irrespective of the medium.
- Address Changes – The law mandates that you keep your address current with the immigration court where your case is located. Complete and file Form EOIR-33IC for cases at an immigration court, and use Form EOIR-33BIA for cases at the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA). Both forms can be found here.
- Court Closures – Sometimes, immigration courts close due to severe weather, COVID-19, or other unforeseen circumstances. To find out if an immigration court is open on your hearing day, visit the operational status map.
Understanding the complexities of immigration court hearings is vital for anyone facing this legal process. By keeping informed of hearing dates, understanding the types of hearings, maintaining an updated address, and monitoring court closures, you can navigate your case with confidence and in compliance with the law. If you have specific questions or need further assistance, consulting with an immigration attorney is always recommended.
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You may have questions regarding removal proceedings and immigration court. We invite you to contact our team at Richards and Jurusik for detailed guidance and assistance. We aim to provide the most accurate and up-to-date information to make your immigration process smoother and less stressful. The immigration lawyers at Richards and Jurusik have decades of experience helping people to work and live in the United States. Read some of our hundreds of 5-star client reviews! Contact us today to assess your legal situation.
