I got a court date or a Notice to Appear
Understand the notice, never miss a hearing, find a lawyer.
5 steps
Step 1 of 5: Understand the notice
Read what the notice means and what comes next.
- Notice to AppearA Notice to Appear means the government wants an immigration judge to decide whether you can stay. It is serious, and it is also the start of your chance to be heard. Here is how to read it, check your case, keep your address current, and get help this week.Guide
- My Notice to Appear worksheetPrint it and fill it in by handChecklist
Step 2 of 5: Do not miss a hearing
Check your hearing date, and keep your address up to date with the court.
- Missed HearingYes, you have to go. If you miss your hearing, the judge can order you deported without you there, and you can lose ways to stay for 10 years. If you already missed it, there may still be a way back, but the clock is running. Here is what to do.Guide
- Tell USCIS you movedMoved? Tell USCIS within 10 days. It is free, it takes a few minutes online, and it keeps your cards and notices from going to an old address. If you have an immigration court case, the court needs its own notice. Here is every step, and who else to tell.Guide
- I missed my hearing: what to do this weekPrint it and fill it in by handChecklist
Step 3 of 5: Find a lawyer
The court usually does not give you one. Start looking now.
- Free Lawyer Immigration CourtHere is the hard truth first. In most cases, the immigration court will not give you a free lawyer. But free lawyers do exist, and many people find one. The court must tell you about them. Here is who can get a lawyer paid for by the government, where adults and children in the Bay Area can find free help, and what to do while you look.Guide
- Find a Trusted LawyerCheck before you pay. A few minutes can protect your money and your case. Here is how to look up a lawyer or a Department of Justice accredited representative, what a fair agreement looks like, what to ask at the first meeting, and what to do if something goes wrong.Guide
- Finding a lawyer: call logPrint it and fill it in by handChecklist
Step 4 of 5: Prepare for your first hearing
Know what happens in the room.
- First Court HearingYour first hearing is usually short, and you will likely be one of many people in the room. The judge explains your rights and the charges, asks you some questions, and sets your next date. You can ask for more time to find a lawyer. Here is what to expect, what to bring, how to find your court, and where Bay Area hearings happen now.Guide
- Immigration Court Complete GuideAn immigration court case is long, and it has rules that can trip you up. It also gives you real chances to be heard. This guide walks the whole path, from the Notice to Appear to bond, hearings, ways to stay, appeals and the 2026 changes, so you can find where you are and take the next right step.Complete guide
- My first hearing: what to bring and what to sayPrint it and fill it in by handChecklist
Step 5 of 5: Get help from a person
You do not have to do this alone. Ask about cost, languages and current openings before you share documents.
- Immigration court case status (ACIS)The federal immigration court system's online lookup for basic case status, including hearing dates and decisions. You need the person's A-number and nationality.Organization
- Immigration court pro bono legal service providers listThe federal immigration court system's list of nonprofit organizations and attorneys who have committed to free legal services at each immigration court. It is updated every January, April, July and October.Organization
- ImmigrationLawHelp.orgA national directory of free or low-cost nonprofit immigration legal service providers. Search by ZIP code, county or the name of a detention facility.Organization
This page puts DNLH guides in a useful order. It is general information, not legal advice. Each guide shows its sources and the date its facts were checked.
Not quite your situation?
All situations- ICE detained someone in my familyFind them, get legal help and keep the family going.6 steps
- I want to be ready if agents come to my door, work or carYour rights, what to carry and how to report.5 steps
- I want a plan in case I am separated from my childrenWho cares for them, the forms, money and talking with kids.5 steps
- I want to know if I have a path to papersYour status today, the main paths and getting screened safely.5 steps
Show 4 more situations
- I have a green card and want to become a citizenCheck first, apply, study and prepare for the interview.6 steps
- Someone hurt me, or I survived abuse or traffickingSafety first, then the immigration options made for survivors.5 steps
- A notario, consultant or lawyer hurt my caseProtect your case, report it and try to get your money back.4 steps
- My USCIS case is stuck, or I movedCheck, ask, escalate, and keep your address current.4 steps