What is a Notice to Appear in Immigration Court?

clientmgmt7
Jul 7
2 min read

What You Need to Know About Notices to Appear and Master Calendar Hearings

Receiving a Notice to Appear (NTA) can be extremely stressful. If you’ve been served with one, it means the U.S. government has started removal (deportation) proceedings against you. But don’t panic—this blog will explain everything you need to know.

What is a Notice to Appear?

A Notice to Appear (NTA) is a legal document issued by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). It informs you that you must appear in immigration court and lists the reasons why the government believes you should be removed from the United States.

An NTA includes:

Your name and alien number (A#)
Allegations about your immigration status
Legal charges under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA)
A date and location for your court appearance (or a note that the court will notify you later)

Why Did I Receive an NTA?

You may receive an NTA for several reasons, including:

Entering the U.S. without authorization
Overstaying your visa
Violating the terms of your visa
Committing certain crimes
Failing to attend previous immigration appointments.

What To Do If You Receive an NTA?

1. Do Not Ignore It

Missing your court date could result in an automatic order of removal in your absence.

2. Hire an Immigration Attorney Immediately

An experienced lawyer can review your case, help you respond properly, and fight for relief from removal. Contact us today to get started.

3. Keep Copies of All Documents

Always save your NTA and any paperwork you receive. Make digital backups.

4. Check Your Hearing Date

You can call the EOIR hotline at 1-800-898-7180 or visit the EOIR case status website to confirm your hearing details.

What is a Master Calendar Hearing?

A Master Calendar Hearing (MCH) is your first court appearance in immigration court. It is not a trial, it’s more like a status update on your case.

At your Master Calendar Hearing, the judge will:

Confirm your identity and address
Review the charges in your NTA
Ask whether you admit or deny the allegations
Ask what form of relief (if any) you will seek

Common Types of Immigration Relief

If you are facing removal, you may be eligible for:

- Asylum or Withholding of Removal

- Adjustment of Status

- Cancellation of Removal

- Voluntary Departure

- Deferred Action or Prosecutorial Discretion

Final Thoughts

A Notice to Appear doesn’t automatically mean you’ll be deported, but it does mean you must act fast. With the help of a trusted immigration attorney, many people successfully fight their removal and stay in the U.S. legally.

Need Help With Your Immigration Case?

At The Danquah Law Group, we guide clients through every step of the immigration court process, including NTAs and Master Calendar Hearings. Contact us today to schedule a confidential consultation.