Sometimes, immigration court hearings happen online – instead of in person. If you check your case status and it says you have an “internet-based” hearing, that means your hearing will be online. On the day of the hearing, you can join from either a phone or computer using an application called Webex.
Can I request a virtual (online) hearing?
Yes. However, the request may be denied. Whether your request is granted depends on many factors, including the location of your immigration court, your judge, the reasons why you are requesting a virtual hearing, and if you have a lawyer. If you want to request a virtual hearing, you can try calling the immigration court or you can submit a request in writing.
To make the request by phone, you can call your specific immigration court. Find the immigration court phone numbers here.
To make the request in writing, you can use this template motion to allow a virtual hearing.
If you use the template, download a copy and fill in your accurate personal information.
Make sure the information you include is in English.
Print the motion, then sign and date the motion with blue or black pen in two places.
Mail the original signed motion to your immigration court. Find the mailing address for your court here.
Make a copy of the signed motion and mail it to the government lawyer. Find the mailing address for the government lawyer here, listed under “OPLA Mailing Address.”
Make a copy to save for your records.
If I have a virtual hearing, how do I prepare?
The week before your online hearing, check the immigration court website or call the immigration court hotline at 800-898-7180 to learn the name of your immigration judge and confirm that your hearing is “internet-based.”
Make sure you have a phone or a computer that you can use for the online hearing, and a private space with a good internet connection that you can use on the day of the hearing.
Make sure you have an email address you can use to sign into the online hearing. If you need to, you can make a new free email address by following these instructions.
Download a free video chat application called Webex on the phone or computer you plan to use. To download Webex, go to this immigration court page, find your immigration judge, and click on the “Internet-Based Hearing Link.” The Webex application should start downloading automatically. Do not click “Join meeting” until the day of your hearing.
What do I do on the day of the virtual hearing?
On the day of your hearing, make sure that you are in a private space with good internet connection. Have your immigration documents next to you in case you need them.
Try to sign in to Webex one hour before the hearing in case you have any technical problems.
Click on the link for your immigration judge on this immigration court page. You will need to scroll down until you see your immigration court and judge.
Enter your full name as it appears on your immigration documents, and your email address.
Then, click “Join as a guest.”
Finally, click “Join Meeting” to attend your online hearing.
The immigration judge may have multiple hearings scheduled at the same time, so there may be other people logged in for their hearings. You may have to wait several hours before your name is called for your hearing.
The immigration court should provide you with an interpreter for your hearing if English is not your best language. You have the right to ask for an interpreter in the language or dialect you feel most comfortable speaking, even if you speak some English.
What if I am having problems joining the virtual hearing?
If you have problems joining your online hearing, or you lose connection during your hearing, you should contact the technical support staff at your immigration court immediately to report the problem and request assistance. You can find their contact information here.
If you do not attend the hearing and you did not try to contact technical support, an immigration judge will likely give you a deportation order.
ASAP aims to provide factual information about current immigration laws. This information is not legal advice.