If you have a case in immigration court, you should be aware of a few important issues.

Hearing Dates: Hearing dates have been changing frequently, particularly throughout the pandemic. You should receive a hearing notice by mail, but the immigration courts have been delayed in sending out timely notices, so it is important to check in at least once a week to keep up to date with future hearings; you can do this by:

• Calling the EOIR automated case information line at 1-800-898-7180, information is available in Spanish and English; or
• Visiting EOIR’s Automated Case Information online portal

You will need your "A" number. Both systems provide your next hearing date, the time, and the location.

Address Changes: Be sure to tell the immigration court if you move. You can do that by completing and filing a Form EOIR-33IC, if your case is before the immigration court, or Form EOIR-33BIA, if your case is before the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA). Both forms can be downloaded and printed for free at: https://www.justice.gov/eoir/list-downloadable-eoir-form.

The Immigration and Nationality Act permits an immigration judge to order a person removed from the United States for not appearing for a scheduled hearing where they were provided with proper written notice. It is extremely important that you follow the above procedures and that you appear in court, when necessary, and keep your address updated with the court.

All immigration courts have different operating procedures. Most immigration courts are currently open. But, to find out the operating procedures for your local immigration court, visit the EOIR Operational Status page at: https://www.justice.gov/eoir-operational-status/ operational-status-map