My first hearing: what to bring and what to say
A printable from First Court Hearing. Fill it in by hand. Nothing you write is collected by this website.
My first hearing: what to bring and what to say
The day before
- Checked my hearing at acis.eoir.justice.gov or 800-898-7180
- Date: ____________ Time: ________ Place: ____________________
- Planned my ride and left extra time for security
- A trusted adult knows where I am and who to call
Bring
- Notice to Appear and hearing notice
- Photo ID, if I have one
- Copies of my immigration papers and any court or police papers
- List of legal services I called, with dates
- Pen and paper
What I can say (if I do not have a lawyer)
- "Your Honor, I need more time to find a lawyer."
- "My best language is ____________. I need an interpreter."
- "I do not understand. Can you please explain that again?"
- If the government lawyer asks to end my case: "I do not agree. I want time to talk to a lawyer."
Write down before I leave
- My next hearing date: ____________ Time: ________ Place: ____________________
- Deadlines the judge gave me: ____________________
- Judge's name: ____________________
From First Court Hearing. Facts checked October 21, 2026. Free information, not legal or medical advice.