What happens after you get a letter from the court — and how we defend you.
Missing your hearing almost always ends in deportation. Arriving prepared changes the story. Tell us where your case stands and we'll tell you exactly what comes next.
The typical path of a case
You receive the NTA
The letter states the government's charges and when you must appear. Don't ignore it: missing your hearing almost always ends in a deportation order.
First hearing (Master Calendar)
A short appearance before the judge to set the course of the case. We appear as your attorneys and ask for the time your defense needs.
We file your asylum application
We prepare your story and evidence and file with the court — or revise and correct an application someone else already filed. This step starts the clock on your work permit.
You get your work permit
Most of our clients can work legally 6–12 months after their application is filed.
Final (merits) hearing
The judge hears your full case. By then we have built your legal strategy, written the arguments, and prepared your evidence, testimony, and witnesses well in advance.
Handling it alone? Get it reviewed before a judge rules on it.
If you've been navigating your case yourself, or a "paralegal" filed parts of it, errors may already be sitting in your file — and judges can pretermit a defective application and fast-track deportation. Have it reviewed now, while it can still be corrected. We review everything filed, fix what needs fixing, and take complete representation from there.
Is your hearing at Fort Snelling?
The Fort Snelling court has begun accelerated hearings and many dates are moving up. Look up your date in the court's system (EOIR) and call us with it: we'll explain what it means for your case and what to expect that day.
Frequently asked questions
Can I move my hearing if I relocated to another state?
Yes. You can request a change of venue or appear by video. We handle it for you.
What if I already missed a hearing?
Act fast: in some cases the case can be reopened (motion to reopen). Call us today.
Do I need to speak English for my case?
No. The court provides an interpreter and our team serves you in Spanish at every step.
How long does the whole process take?
Usually 1–3 years, though with accelerated hearings some cases move faster. We keep you informed at every stage.
A paralegal already prepared my application. Can you help?
Yes — it's one of the cases we see most. We review what was filed, fix errors that can cost you the case at the final hearing, and take complete representation. A paralegal can't defend you before the judge; we can.
I already have my work permit. Do I still need you?
Yes. A work permit doesn't resolve your case: the final hearing decides whether you stay. That is exactly the part where you most need a prepared defense.