Q. What is the Immigration Court's mailing address and telephone number?
A.         Immigration Court                                (Click here for directions.)
            201 Varick Street, Room 1140           
            New York, NY  10014
                       
           Telephone: (212) 620-6279

Q. What are the Court's hours of operation?
A. Monday through Friday from 8:00AM - 5:00PM.

Q. On which dates is your court closed?
A. Click here to view all of the observed Federal Holidays on which our court is closed.

Q. My husband was arrested by Immigration last night.  When/where can I see him?
A. The Department of Homeland Security/ Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is the agency responsible for the detention of aliens.   Their telephone number is (212) 863-3401.

Q. How do I renew my green card?
A. The Department of Homeland Security/ Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS) is the agency responsible for the issuance/renewal of green cards.   Their telephone number is (800) 375-5283.

Q. How do I obtain/renew my passport?
A. The U.S. Passport Agency is responsible for issuing or renewing passports.  Their telephone number is (877)487-2778. 

Q. Can I get a bond hearing?
A. You may request a bond hearing at the Varick Street Immigration Court if you are detained by DHS in one of the following locations:

If you are detained by DHS in another location, you should request a bond hearing from the Immigration Court having jurisdiction over the place of detention.    Please note that Immigration Courts can only conduct bond hearings for persons in the custody of DHS.  If you are currently serving a criminal sentence or detained awaiting trial on a criminal matter, the Immigration Court has no jurisdiction over your custody. 

Q. Can I request that an attorney be appointed for me?  I have no money or have been unable to locate one willing to do the case.
A. Immigration proceedings are civil matters. Persons appearing in immigration court may be represented at no expense to the government. This means that you have the right to be represented, but not to have an attorney appointed. You must obtain representation on your own or with the assistance of family or friends. Each immigration court maintains a list of Free Legal Service Providers containing information on organizations willing to represent individuals in immigration proceedings without charge. 

Q. Are there any documents that I should bring to my hearing?
A. Yes, you should bring your copy of the NTA (Notice to Appear) and any other documents you have received from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). If your criminal conviction is on appeal, or if you or your parents are citizens of the United States, bring evidence of this. At your initial hearing, the judge will advise you of which other papers should be brought to your next hearing.

Q. The respondent doesn't speak/understand English. Will there be an interpreter there to translate?
A. Yes, the court will provide an interpreter for the hearing. If an interpreter is needed for someone else testifying on behalf of the respondent please request this from the court in writing at least ten (10) days prior to the hearing.  The request must state what language the witness speaks and understands best.  If the respondent is represented, the court will only accept information from the attorney or representative of record.

Q. What is the proper procedure for sending documents/motions to the court?
A. If the respondent is represented, the court will only accept filings from the attorney or representative of record. Originals should be sent to the court and a copy to the DHS Deputy Chief Counsel’s Office (201 Varick Street, Room 1130, New York, NY  10014).  If you file in person, please serve the DHS copy first.   Please include a Certificate of Service indicating to whom you sent the copies, when you did so, and by what means they were sent.  All correspondence should have the A# (Alien Number) written on it. 

Q. Where do I pay fees for applications?
A. The Immigration Court is not authorized to accept fees directly.  Fees must be paid to designated DHS/CIS locations before your application is filed with the court.  A copy of the fee receipt, or a request for waiver of the fee, must accompany the application.

 The DHS Assistant Chief Counsel in your case will provide specific information about these locations.  You can also obtain this information from:

See "Immigration Benefits in EOIR Removal Proceedings"

Q. Can I obtain information on my family member/friend's case?
A. The court will only release information to the respondent, or the respondent's attorney of record. Basic information, such as the next hearing date, is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on our automated phone line at 1-800-898-7180. Note that you must have the case assigned alien number to obtain information.

Q. How do I obtain information/documents that fall under the Freedom of Information Act?
A. You can visit the EOIR FOIA Page which includes an electronic reading room, the address at which you request information and much more.

Q. Are there any special requirements to come to the court?
A. Yes.  First, please enter the building through the W. Houston Street entrance.  Photo Identification is required, and you will be required to pass through a metal detector.  Large bags are not permitted, and any bags, briefcases or other carried items will be searched.   At times there are lines of people waiting for security screening, so come early to allow enough time for processing.  Please do not bring food or beverages into the court or the waiting room.  The use of cell phones in the court space, including the waiting room, is not permitted.  Bringing small children to court is discouraged, but if you must bring children, they must be under responsible adult supervision at all times.

Q. What is acceptable proof of identification?
A. A driver's license or non - drivers photo ID, Alien Registration card, or other photo ID issued by a government entity.

Q. Is there any form of public transportation to the court?
A. Take the #1 subway to W. Houston, the exit is right in front of the building.  In the alternative take any subway that stops at West 4^th Street Station (Ave. of the Americas), which is a block east and 3 blocks north of the court.

Q. How do I appeal the Immigration Judge's decision?
A. Click here for Board of Immigration Appeals Information regarding Appeals and Motions.