Immigration Court Procedures
Immigrants who are facing removal (or deportation) will need to interact with an Immigration Court, formally known as the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR). Like any court, this one requires that strict procedures be followed when it comes to matters like scheduling, appearing, and making requests of the judge or trial attorney. Learn more here.
The First (Master Calendar) Hearing
The First (Master Calendar) Hearing
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What Does My Notice to Appear (NTA) Mean?
How to read the document showing the charges against you for immigration proceedings.
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What Will Happen at Your Master Calendar Hearing?
Step one in your removal proceedings will be to attend a preliminary, scheduling hearing called a master calendar.
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Can I Switch to a Different Immigration Court Than in the State Where ICE Arrested Me?
When and how to apply for a change of venue when noncitizen living in a different state.
The Merits Hearing
The Merits Hearing
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What to Expect During Your Individual Deportation (Removal) Hearing
At an individual "merits" hearing, the non-citizen gets the chance to present arguments before an Immigration Judge and defend their right to remain in the United States. The judge will make the final decision to either allow the non-citizen to remain in the U.S. or be deported to their designated country.
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When Is an Immigration Judge's Decision Final?
If the judge in Immigration Court orders the non-citizen deported, when is that a done deal?
Other EOIR Procedural Matters
Other EOIR Procedural Matters
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Can I Switch to a Different Immigration Court Than in the State Where ICE Arrested Me?
When and how to apply for a change of venue when noncitizen living in a different state.
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How to Get a Copy of Your Immigration Court Records
The EOIR holds all records of current deportation, removal and/or exclusion proceedings, including judges' orders and decisions, and you will need to submit a separate FOIA request to it in order to see your court records.
After the Judge's Decision
After the Judge's Decision
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Won a Cancellation Case: When You'll Get Your Green Card
It's great when the judge decides that you have won your cancellation case, but how do you actually prove to employers and others that you're now a permanent resident?
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I Was Ordered Removed in Absentia! What Can I Do?
If you were a no-show at an immigration court hearing, here's what to do about the order of removal that the judge likely issued against you.
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What Does It Mean When the DHS Attorney Reserves Appeal After Removal Hearing?
Most deportation court cases in immigration court can be appealed, whether by the non-citizen or the U.S. government.
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