Get Up-to-Date Immigration Case Information With EOIR Phone Hotline

The U.S. immigration court system has been backlogged with deportation (removal) cases for quite some time. Thus it is crucial for non-citizens in removal proceedings to double check where their case is in the pipeline, and when they might be called for a hearing before an immigration judge (IJ).

This article offers information on how to use the toll-free automated phone line set up by the Executive Office of Immigration Review (EOIR).

What Number to Call for Immigration Court Information

This phone line is different from general immigration customer service numbers. It's an automated line, meant for people with a case pending in an immigration court or at the Board of Immigration Appeals (B.I.A.).

The number is 1-800-898-7180.

Although it's theoretically reachable at any time of day and seven days a week, the line is sometimes unavailable due to system maintenance.

Navigating the Immigration Court Information Line

When you call, the line will first ask you pick your language preference between English (press 1) and Spanish (press 2). Next, it will ask you to enter your A-number. This is your unique nine-digit identification number, which you can find on most of your court documents including your Notice to Appear or NTA (the document that begins the removal process). If your A-number has only eight digits, start by entering a "0."

Once you enter your A-number, the system might respond that your number does not match one in the system or it has not yet been filed with the immigration court. If you receive this message, try entering your number one more time, to be sure you did so correctly. If you still receive this message, then you have not been given a first hearing date yet.

If you have not been given your first hearing date, you should call the line at least once a week to check on your case. While the U.S. government should mail you notification of this first hearing date, these notices can get lost in the mail or sent to the wrong address. If you miss your first hearing, you could be ordered removed in your absence ("in absentia"), so it is in your interest to check the line frequently.

Once you have been given a court date, the system will spell out your name and ask to confirm by pressing 1. Listen to the name being spelled out to check that it is in fact your case. Once you have confirmed that you are accessing your information, you have several options.

• Press 1 (next hearing date): If you press 1, the system will give you information on your next scheduled date in immigration court, including whether it is a preliminary ("master calendar") hearing or final ("individual" or "merits") hearing, the date and time of the hearing, the name of your judge, and the place of the hearing.
• Press 2 (case processing information): If you press 2, and are applying for asylum, the system will give you information on your asylum clock, which is important for employment eligibility. If you have not filed an asylum application, the line will state that there is no clock.
• Press 3 (decision information): If you press 3, the system will tell you the current status of your removal case. If it's still ongoing in court, the line will say that your case is pending. If the judge has made a decision in your case, the line will say either the judge "granted relief" (that means gave you want you asked for) or "ordered removal" (that means you will be sent away from the United States). The line will not specify the type of relief the judge granted. Examples of relief include voluntary departure, asylum, and cancellation of removal. The line might also say that the judge administratively closed your case, which means your case is on hold. This usually happens because someone is waiting for some type of relief to become available or the U.S. government agreed to not pursue removal at this time.
• Press 4 (case appeal information): If you press 4, the system will give you information on an appeal with the Board of Immigration Appeals. If your case is still in immigration court, option 4 will not have any information. If you have filed an appeal with the B.I.A., the line will tell you the date your appeal was filed and when your legal brief is due and when the government's brief is due. With rare exceptions, there are no in-person hearings before the B.I.A., so you must be sure your brief is filed by the due date or you won't be able to make arguments in support of your appeal.
• Press 5 (filing information): If you press 5, the system will tell you the address of the court where your case is pending, in the event that you wish to file documents or applications for your case.

If information is missing from the system or it is different from other notices you have received, you should directly contact the immigration court where your case is pending.

Getting Legal Help

If you are in deportation proceedings or have been ordered deported and are not sure what to do, it is best to contact an experienced immigration attorney as soon as possible to discuss your potential options.