FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q. Do I need an attorney?
A. You may obtain an attorney, at your own expense. A
list of free legal service providers is available at the court and by clicking
here. Whether to obtain an attorney or accredited representative or to speak/represent
yourself is a personal decision which you must make.
Q. How do I notify the court of my change of address?
A. You MUST notify the court of any change of address
within five days while proceedings are pending. Form
EOIR-33, is the appropriate form you must file with the court to inform
of any address change. The form is available from the clerk or the Immigration
Judge. However, simply filing a form EOIR-33 will NOT automatically change the
location of the hearing.
Q. Will there be an interpreter present if I do not speak
English?
A. At your first master calendar hearing, it is likely
that there will be an interpreter available to translate for you. However, depending
on the language and/or dialect you speak, the Immigration Judge may adjourn
your case in order to obtain an interpreter.
Q. Where can I obtain USCIS forms?
A. USCIS forms are available on the internet, at the local
USCIS office, and some forms may be available at the court.
Q. Will my application require a fee?
A. With the exception of asylum applications, most applications
for relief require a fee. Please see the standard
fee schedule for details. The regulations provide that if you are unable
to afford the fee for an application -- cancellation of removal, for example
-- you can request a waiver from the Immigration Judge. The procedures for requesting
a fee waiver can be found by clicking
here.
Q. Where do I pay fees for applications?
A. The Immigration Court does not accept fees for applications.
All application fees are paid to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) located at 8940 Fourwinds Dr., San Antonio, Texas.
Q. Where do I pay a bond?
A. All bonds are paid with the USCIS Detention and Deportation
at the USCIS building located at 8940 Fourwinds Dr., San Antonio, Texas. You
may also pay bonds at any USCIS District Office and at the Laredo CCA.
Q. When I file my documents with the court, can I leave
USCIS' copies with you?
A. No. Documents served on the court must also be served
on the USCIS trial attorneys. Their mailing address is PO Box 1939, San Antonio,
Texas 78239-1939.
Q. How can I speak to a Judge about my case?
A. The Immigration Judges do not speak to individual respondents
about their case. The respondent should consult with his/her attorney or write
a letter to the Judge.
Q. Is the court open during inclement weather?
A. In extremely inclement weather, you should call the
court prior to your hearing. The telephone number is (210) 472-6637.