HOW TO: CHANGING YOUR IMMIGRATION COURT HEARING TO ONLINE

WHO CAN USE THIS GUIDE?

This guide gives easy tips for people who are handling their own Immigration Court case (without a lawyer) and are thinking about changing their in-person court meeting to an online one.

Important Tip: Your hearing will likely stay in-person unless the Immigration Court says yes to your request. It's usually a good idea not to assume your hearing will be online just because you asked.

The information below is a condensed version from the National Immigration Project.

STEP 1: GATHER ALL INFO

GATHER YOUR A-NUMBER

You need to know your A-number to access your hearing and Immigration Court information. Your A-number can usually be found on your immigration documents.

KNOW THIS INFORMATION

Is your next hearing in person or online?
Is it a "master" or "individual" hearing?
What is the address of the Immigration Court?
What is the address of the government attorney?

The information should be found on your immigration documents. If you cannot locate the answers to these questions, visit EOIR GOV or call 1-800-898-7180. You will need to provide your A-number to obtain the information.

STEP 2: PREPARE YOUR REQUEST

A complete request includes:

Motion to Change Format: Document for you to explain why you need an online hearing.
Evidence: Any documents that prove what you are saying in your motion.
Proposed Judge's Order: The judge will use this form to approve or deny your request.
Proof of Service: Proof that you mailed the request to the Immigration Court and government attorney.

To fill out a request, click on the Blank Sample below that was prepared by the National Immigration Project.

Next, click on the Sample Guide to help you fill out the request.

STEP 3: Mail Your Request

Make Copies

Make at least two copies of all pages of the request.

Mail The Request to the Immigration Court and Government Attorney

Send the complete request with your wet-ink signature to the Immigration Court. Send one of the copies to the government attorney on the same day. Keep at least one copy for yourself.

It is recommended that the request be mailed with the "return receipt requested" to have proof.

STEP 4: Await A Response

If you do not hear anything back from the court, do not assume that your request was granted.

You will most likely receive a notice from the court before your hearing informing you whether your request was approved. If you have not received any information and your hearing date is coming up, you should call the court to find out if they received your request and their decision. Click here to see a list of courts. It is your responsibility to stay on top of your case

Keep in mind, you can always visit EOIR GOV or call 1-800-898-7180 to find out more information about your case.

More Information

If you need further assistance or guidance in filling out this form, please check the link at the top of the page to the National Immigration Project. They provide a more detailed English and Spanish guide which includes additional tips if you cannot locate Immigration Court or government attorney information.

Disclaimer

Please be advised that the content provided by El Puente - Bridging Hope on this website, in any publications, programs, or events, is for general informational purposes only.

The information shared is not intended to be, and should not be construed as, legal advice or professional advice regarding any specific situation.

It is designed to provide general understanding and education.

You should consult with a qualified attorney or other professional for advice tailored to your individual circumstances. El Puente - Bridging Hope is not acting as your attorney and no attorney-client relationship is formed by your use of our resources.