What is a Notice to Appear and what information does it include?
A Notice to Appear (NTA) is a document given to an individual that explains why they are are in removal proceedings.
The NTA will have:
- Information about the individual in removal proceedings (full name, mailing address, etc.)
- The Alien number or “A-number” of the individual. This number is a unique number issued by immigration and used to identify the individual. This number begins with the letter A and is followed by eight or nine digits.
- The government’s facts or “allegations” stating why the government believes the individual should be removed from the U.S.
- The law or statute under which the individual can be removed.
- The (date) and (time) the individual is instructed to appear before an immigration judge.
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How do I find my immigration hearing date?
At the bottom of the form, it says “YOU ARE ORDERED to appear before an immigration judge of the United States Department of Justice at: on (date) at (time).” That is the hearing date and the individual must go to court at the address indicated on the NTA on the date and time it states. Not attending court will result in a removal order. It is very important that you pay attention to the date and time of your hearing. It is possible that the date and time listed in your Notice to Appear:
- Is not a date and time when the Immigration Court is open.
- Does not include a date and time and instead lists the following initials TBD, which stands for To Be Determined.
If you are in any of the situations just listed, you might need to take extra steps to figure out when your actual hearing is.
An individual will also be served with a Notice of Hearing in Removal Proceedings. The hearing notice will be mailed to the individual at the address provided in the NTA. The hearing notice will contain the following information:
- Information about the individual in removal proceedings (full name, mailing address, etc.).
- The Alien number or “A-number” of the individual.
- The date and time the individual must appear before the immigration judge (court date).
- The full address of the immigration court before which the individual must appear.
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How do I call to confirm my immigration hearing date?
Immigration court hearing dates can change for various reasons. As result, it is crucial to periodically confirm the individual’s hearing date.
The Executive Office of Immigration Review (EOIR) has an automated 24-hour phone system, which allows an individual to confirm his or her hearing date. To complete this step, Have the Alien number or “A-number” for the person in removal proceedings.
To confirm a hearing date:
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Executive Office of Immigration Review: 1.800.898.7180 |
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Complete the following steps:
- Press 1 for instructions in English or 2 for instructions in Spanish.
- Enter the nine (9) digit Alien number or “A-number”.
- Confirm the Alien number inserted is correct and press 1 to accept.
- Confirm the Alien number matches the individual’s name and press 1 to accept.
- Note the individual’s hearing date.
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What if I change my mailing address?
If the individual changes addresses or their phone number, the law requires to file a Change of Address Form (Form EOIR – 33/IC) with the Immigration Court. The individual or must file this form within five (5) working days of a change in your address or phone number. The individual will only receive notification as to the time, date, and place of hearing or other official correspondence at the address which you provide.
The form can be hand-delivered at the Immigration Court window or mailed to the following address:
Immigration Court
1717 Avenue H
Omaha, NE 68110
In addition to mailing or hand-delivering your change of address form to the Immigration Court, a copy must be sent to the Office of Chief Counsel at the following address:
Department of Homeland Security
1717 Avenue H, Suite 174
Omaha, NE 68110
ALWAYS keep a copy of any documents you send to Immigration Court for your personal records.
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