Receiving a Notice to Appear (NTA) is serious, but it is not an automatic deportation order — it’s the start of a legal process where you have the right to defend yourself before the US Immigration Court.
Here’s what to do right away:
1. Don’t ignore it: There is no good outcome from pretending this isn’t happening. Missing any of your court date will likely result in an automatic order of removal.
2. Read it carefully: The NTA contains the charges and allegations against you, your hearing information (date, time, location), and instructions for what to do next. Note the specific charges listed. Many times, the NTA is incorrect and may not meet the requirements under the Law. Speak to one of our experienced Immigration lawyers at the Law Office of Elizabeth Anu Lawrence before admitting or denying the NTA.
3. Note your hearing date: If a hearing date is listed, write it down immediately. If no date is listed, you will receive a separate hearing notice — watch your mail closely. You can find your next court date and time by calling the EOIR automated number at 1800.375.5283 or at https://acis.eoir.justice.gov/en/. You’ll need your Alien Registration Number (A-Number), which is on your NTA.
4. Contact an experienced immigration attorney immediately: (most critical step) Contact an experienced immigration attorney immediately. Studies consistently show that represented respondents win their cases at significantly higher rates than those who appear alone. If you can’t afford one, ask about nonprofit organizations that offer free or low-cost immigration legal help — the NTA itself may include a list. At the Law Office of Elizabeth Anu Lawrence, LLC., we aggressively defend our clients during Master and Individual Hearings.
5. Verify the information is accurate: Make sure all information is accurate. If any detail is incorrect — especially your address — contact the immigration court immediately to update it using Form EOIR-33.
6. Gather your documents: Collect all relevant personal and immigration documents — passport, visa, I-94 arrival record, birth certificate, and proof of relationships to U.S. citizens or residents — to support your case.
EOIR-33. Failure to update your address means you may miss hearing notices and be ordered removed without knowing it.
You’ll need your Alien Registration Number (A-Number), which is on your NTA.
8. Update your address if you move If you move at any time while your case is pending, you must notify the immigration court within five days using Form
Important: I’m not a lawyer, and your specific situation matters enormously here. Please consult the experienced Immigration lawyers at the Law Office of Elizabeth Anu Lawrence, LLC as soon as possible — we will identify defenses and relief options specific to your case.