Going to a Removal Hearing in Immigration Court

Make sure to review your notice to appear. Confirm it has a definite date and time for your scheduled hearing. If it does not, consult with a lawyer well in advance of your master calendar appearance.

Since the pandemic, many hearings have moved online. However, there has been a return to in-person hearings. Your notice to appear or notice of hearing will tell you the format of your hearing. Typically, in cases where an attorney appearance has not been filed, you must appear in person.

However, you can find information about the specific court, judge, and the rules regarding how you must appear in your case. Visit the Executive Office for Immigration Review website. You may also contact the immigration court where you are scheduled to appear to request this information.

If you retain a lawyer, there will be limited time to request to change an appearance from in person to online. Make sure you consult with a lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your options and the best time to file.

For more information visit http://www.IllinoisLegalAid.org