Master Hearing - first preliminary hearing
The Master Hearing is a preliminary hearing, also sometimes referred to as an "orientation" or "introduction to the judge".
It lasts no more than 15 minutes.
Process: you are read the charges listed on the Form I-862 Notice to Appear, you confirm your information, say you are asking for asylum, and sign documents. The judge will not ask questions about the substance of your case.
The trial may take place at the courthouse, where there may be 10-50 other people in the same situation as you. Or if you have an attorney, the hearing may be held online.
Alternatively, your attorney can file a motion to skip the master hearing and immediately ask the judge to schedule a final court hearing - an individual hearing.
By the time of the master hearing, you should, if possible, have your Form I-589 documents prepared and have a case ready. You may file them with the court in advance or bring them with you. Your case can be supplemented at any time, but if you do not have your Form I-589 ready, the trial will be delayed and another master hearing will be scheduled. In addition, judges insist on having an attorney present. If you do not have one, the judge may schedule several additional master hearings at his or her discretion.
You also have the option to request a rescheduled hearing if you have a valid excuse. As a reminder also, as of May 31, 2022 under the new rules, you only have 3 opportunities to reschedule your hearing for 10 days each.
If your first court hearing is scheduled in your custody state and you move to another state, you need to not only notify the court of your move, but also file a motion to reschedule.
Helpful links:
Find out your court date
It lasts no more than 15 minutes.
Process: you are read the charges listed on the Form I-862 Notice to Appear, you confirm your information, say you are asking for asylum, and sign documents. The judge will not ask questions about the substance of your case.
The trial may take place at the courthouse, where there may be 10-50 other people in the same situation as you. Or if you have an attorney, the hearing may be held online.
Alternatively, your attorney can file a motion to skip the master hearing and immediately ask the judge to schedule a final court hearing - an individual hearing.
By the time of the master hearing, you should, if possible, have your Form I-589 documents prepared and have a case ready. You may file them with the court in advance or bring them with you. Your case can be supplemented at any time, but if you do not have your Form I-589 ready, the trial will be delayed and another master hearing will be scheduled. In addition, judges insist on having an attorney present. If you do not have one, the judge may schedule several additional master hearings at his or her discretion.
You also have the option to request a rescheduled hearing if you have a valid excuse. As a reminder also, as of May 31, 2022 under the new rules, you only have 3 opportunities to reschedule your hearing for 10 days each.
If your first court hearing is scheduled in your custody state and you move to another state, you need to not only notify the court of your move, but also file a motion to reschedule.
Helpful links:
Find out your court date