Immigration court has two kinds of hearing, and they are easy to confuse because both show up as a "hearing" on the notice. The master hearing is a short scheduling appointment; the individual hearing is your trial. This guide explains what happens at each, how to prepare, and why attending both is non-negotiable.
At a glance
| Master calendar hearing | Individual (merits) hearing | |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Organize the case: charges, applications, deadlines, dates | Decide the case: evidence, testimony, ruling |
| Length | Minutes per person; the session, hours | Several hours, sometimes more than a day |
| Who is there | Many people with their cases in the same session | Only you, your representative, the government attorney and the judge |
| How many | One or several | Usually one, though it can be continued |
| Typical outcome | New dates and deadlines | An oral or written decision |
The master hearing
It is the first appointment, and sometimes there are several. The judge sees dozens of people in the same session and spends a few minutes on each case. With a court-provided interpreter, the judge:
- Confirms your name, your address and your language.
- Asks whether you have a lawyer or representative. If you do not, the judge usually gives you time to find one and sets another master.
- Reads the charges on the Notice to Appear (NTA) and asks you to admit or deny them ("pleadings"), and to designate a country of removal if asked.
- Asks what protection or benefit you will seek (asylum, cancellation of removal, adjustment of status, voluntary departure) and sets a deadline to file the application and the evidence.
- Schedules the individual hearing, often many months or years out.
What to bring: the NTA and the hearing notice, a photo ID, any identity documents from your country and, if you already have an application (a filed or in-progress Form I-589, for example), copies of it. Arrive early: the security line and check-in take time.
Many master hearings are held by video (Webex) or, in some courts, with the judge appearing remotely. The notice says how, and on MigraConnect you see the format and the link when it applies.
The individual hearing
This is the trial. The judge hears your full case and decides. Only you, your representative if you have one, the government's attorney (an ICE lawyer) and the interpreter are present.
- Before: you have to file your application, evidence, witness list and translated documents by the deadline the judge set, usually at least 15 days in advance unless the judge says otherwise. Late filings may not be admitted.
- During: you testify under oath; your representative asks you questions; the government's attorney cross-examines you; witnesses testify; the evidence is reviewed. It can take three or four hours, and is sometimes continued to another day.
- After: the judge issues the decision, orally at the end of the hearing or in writing later. If it is negative, you can appeal to the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) within 30 days; the government can also appeal if it is positive.
What to bring: the originals of everything you filed, your ID, and your witnesses. Dress respectfully and answer only what you are asked, truthfully and without guessing.
If you do not show up
Missing either hearing lets the judge order your removal in absentia, without hearing you. To reopen the case you have to file a motion and prove exceptional circumstances (within 180 days) or that you never received the notice (no deadline). It is hard and usually needs a lawyer. If you have a real emergency, ask for a continuance in writing before the date; never just skip it.
Dates change and are sometimes moved up without the notice arriving in time. That is why it pays to check the case every week and turn on alerts: MigraConnect+ notifies you when your hearing's date, time, place or format changes, when a judge is assigned or changed, and when the date is approaching. More in My hearing date changed.
How to know which one you have
The hearing notice shows the type ("Master" or "Individual"). MigraConnect's court lookup and EOIR's automated line (1-800-898-7180) show the same with the date, time and courtroom. If the type differs from your paper notice, trust the more recent one and confirm with the court.
Common questions
Can I ask to move my hearing?
Yes, with a written motion for a continuance, filed in advance and with good cause. The judge decides. Asking can affect your asylum clock.
Do I need an interpreter?
The court provides one at no cost for hearings. Ask for one at the master if none was assigned, naming your language and dialect.
How long between the master and the individual hearing?
It depends on the court and the judge's caseload. With more than three million cases pending in the immigration courts, waiting several years is not unusual.
What if my lawyer does not show up?
Show up anyway. Explain the situation to the judge and ask for a continuance. Not appearing because your lawyer is absent is your absence, not theirs.
This guide is informational and does not replace advice from a lawyer or an accredited representative. Need help? Call EOIR's automated line at 1-800-898-7180.