What Happens at the Master Calendar Hearing (and What to Do First)
Opening an envelope and seeing the words Notice to Appear can feel terrifying. You likely have immediate concerns: Are you being deported? Will you have to leave the United States right away? What happens if you miss a hearing notice or don’t understand what the court is asking?
If you received a Notice to Appear, often called an NTA, it usually means the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is seeking to place you in removal proceedings. In most cases, immigration court proceedings begin once the government files the NTA (the charging document) with the Immigration Court. One of the first court dates many non-citizens will attend is the master calendar hearing. In many cases, the court sends a separate hearing notice with the exact date and time, so it is important to keep your address updated and rely on official notices for scheduling.
Below, we explain what a master calendar hearing is, what to expect, and what you should do first. At Smit Law Group, based in Reno and serving clients throughout Northern Nevada, we help individuals and families understand their options and take practical steps to protect their future in the United States.
What Is a Notice to Appear (NTA)?
A Notice to Appear is the government’s charging document. It typically lists:
- The legal authority for the proceedings.
- The factual allegations the government is making about you.
- The specific charges of removability that the government claims apply.
- The time and place of your hearing (though you may receive a separate Notice of Hearing later).
Important Note: If your Notice to Appear is missing the hearing date, time, or place, that can matter in specific legal ways, especially for the “stop-time rule” used in certain Cancellation of Removal cases. For stop-time purposes in certain Cancellation of Removal cases, the Supreme Court held that the required hearing information must be provided in a single document to trigger the stop-time rule.
At the same time, a missing date or time on the initial NTA does not make it safe to ignore court notices. If you later receive a proper hearing notice and do not appear, the court can still order removal in your absence, and reopening those orders can be difficult.
Because the consequences are highly fact-specific, it is wise to have a Reno immigration lawyer review your documents as early as possible.
What Is a Master Calendar Hearing?
A master calendar hearing is a short, preliminary court appearance. Think of it as a scheduling and status hearing where the immigration judge may:
- Confirm basic identity details and the official record
- Review the NTA and the government’s specific charges against you
- Take pleadings, where you respond to the allegations (admit/deny or concede/contest)
- Discuss what relief (such as asylum or family petitions) you plan to seek
- Set strict deadlines for applications and supporting evidence
- Schedule your next court date, which is often an individual (merits) hearing
This hearing often sets the direction of the case, and what happens here can shape what comes next.
Why the Master Calendar Hearing Matters
Many people assume the first court date is just a formality. It is not. This hearing is where the foundation of your case is built, deadlines are set, and your responses to the government’s charges are recorded. If you do not appear, the court may issue an in absentia removal order, which is a deportation order issued in your absence that is often difficult to overturn.
If you show up unprepared, you can lose time, miss critical opportunities for relief, or create avoidable complications. Federal law generally provides that a respondent must be given at least 10 days after service of the Notice to Appear to secure counsel before the first hearing, unless that time is waived. In practice, scheduling varies by court and custody status, and dates can often change. It is best to rely on your most recent written Notice of Hearing and official digital portals for the most current date, time, and format.
With the right plan, the master calendar hearing can become a turning point. It can be the moment you get clarity, structure, and a clear path forward for your life in the United States.
What to Do After Receiving an NTA
If you want a simple rule, do not wait until the week of your hearing to take action. Removal defense is not the place for guesswork. A Reno immigration lawyer can help you navigate the strategy that fits your unique situation before the clock runs out.
Understand the Venue: Reno vs. Las Vegas
Understand where your case is heard (and how you must appear). In Nevada, cases are generally scheduled through the Las Vegas Immigration Court, and Northern Nevada residents may appear in person or by internet-based hearing, depending on what the Notice of Hearing requires.
Depending on your case and whether you have a representative, your hearing may be scheduled in person or as an internet-based hearing (such as Webex). Always follow your most recent Notice of Hearing and the court’s instructions. If you do not have a representative of record, EOIR notes your default hearing medium is in-person, even when internet-based options are listed.
Your most recent written Notice of Hearing is your official guide. It will specify the physical address or the digital link where you must appear. If you are unsure where to go, contact your attorney immediately to avoid an in absentia removal order (an order issued in your absence that carries severe legal consequences).
Confirm and Track Your Hearing Details
Even if you have not received a paper notice yet, you should proactively monitor your case using these official tools:
- EOIR Automated Case Information (ACIS): This is EOIR’s online case-status tool for checking upcoming hearings, the court location, and basic case information using your A-Number. Keep in mind: EOIR notes that ACIS is provided for convenience only, and the only official determinations are the documents issued by the Immigration Court or the BIA.
- EOIR Respondent Access Portal: If you have access, this portal allows respondents to view detailed hearing information and view/upload documents in eligible cases.
- The EOIR Automated Hotline: You can also call EOIR’s automated case information line at 1-800-898-7180 (available 24/7) to check case status and hearing information.
Note on “No Case Found”: If the system shows “no case found,” it may mean DHS has not yet filed the NTA with the court. Do not assume your case is over; continue checking regularly and rely on your official court notices.
Update Your Address Within Five Days
The court sends all official correspondence to the address on file. If you move, you are legally required to notify the Immigration Court within five working days (if your paperwork lists incorrect contact information).
- Immigration Court (EOIR): File Form EOIR-33/IC (Change of Address/Contact Information) using EOIR’s official process.
- ICE (if applicable): If ICE has supervision requirements in your case, you may also need to update ICE separately so you do not miss check-ins or notices.
- USCIS (separate requirement): If you have a pending USCIS matter (like an I-130 or other petition/application), updating the Immigration Court does not automatically update USCIS, so you must update that agency separately.
Follow the form instructions, including any required service on DHS. The Immigration Court will not update your address just because you wrote a new address on a motion, pleading, or other filing. EOIR states it will only change contact information in its records upon receipt of the EOIR-33/IC form, so it’s crucial to file the correct form promptly.
Follow Biometrics and Filing Instructions Immediately
Many forms of relief require background checks and strict filing rules. If a filing fee applies, follow EOIR’s current payment instructions and keep proof of payment with your records and any required filings.
What Happens at the Master Calendar Hearing?
When the judge calls your name, you will step forward. The hearing generally follows this sequence:
- Right to counsel: You will be asked if you have an attorney. If you are unrepresented, you may ask for a continuance (an extension) to find legal help, which the judge may grant.
- Pleadings: You must respond to the NTA allegations. Accuracy here is vital; if you admit to something incorrect, it is very difficult to change the record later.
- Designating country of removal: The judge will ask where you should be sent if ordered removed. You have the right to decline to designate a country, in which case the judge will typically name your country of origin as a formality.
- Setting deadlines: The judge will set strict dates for filing your application and your final Merits Hearing, where your full story will be heard.
If you are not fluent in English, the court will provide a professional interpreter at no cost to you. It is essential that you understand everything the judge says and that the judge understands you perfectly. If at any point you cannot hear the interpreter or do not understand a specific word they are using, you must speak up immediately. Clear communication is the foundation of a fair hearing.
What to Bring to the Master Calendar Hearing
Being organized helps the court process run more smoothly and demonstrates to the judge that you are taking your case seriously. Consider bringing the following items in a secure folder:
- Official notices: Your Notice to Appear (NTA) and any separate Notice of Hearing you received in the mail.
- Identity documents: A valid photo ID, your passport, and any other immigration documents you currently possess.
- Evidence of pending petitions: If you have an application pending with USCIS (such as a marriage-based petition or a work visa), bring a copy of the receipt notice.
- Family records: If you have U.S. citizen children or family members, bring copies of birth certificates or proof of their legal status.
- Organization tools: A notepad and a calendar (or your phone calendar) to write down the strict deadlines and the next court date the judge provides.
If you are working with an attorney, they will help you determine if there are specific additional documents, like proof of rehabilitation or financial support, that should be presented to the judge at this early stage.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When people are scared, they often try to avoid the issue, hoping it resolves itself. Unfortunately, immigration court requires proactive participation. Here are the mistakes we routinely help clients avoid:
- Missing filing deadlines: The court is very strict. Missing a single deadline for an application can cause the judge to find that you have abandoned your request for relief.
- Failing to update your address: This is the most common reason for missing a hearing. If the court mails a notice to an old address, you are still legally responsible for showing up.
- Relying on notarios or unqualified advice: Only a licensed attorney or an accredited representative can provide legal strategy. Unqualified consultants often use incorrect forms that can damage your credibility.
- Discussing your case on social media: Anything you post publicly can be reviewed and may be used to challenge credibility or timelines in court. While your case is pending, it is usually best to avoid posting about your immigration history, travel, employment, or court process.
- Agreeing to voluntary departure without advice: While it sounds like a good option, agreeing to leave voluntarily can have serious long-term consequences for your ability to return to the U.S. in the future.
Removal defense requires careful planning. A small mistake can have big consequences.
Take the Next Step Toward Your Future With Smit Law Group
Receiving a Notice to Appear is a life-altering event, but it does not have to mean the end of your journey in the United States. The Master Calendar Hearing is your first, and often most important, opportunity to set a successful path forward. Whether your case requires a complex asylum defense, a cancellation of removal strategy, or the coordination of a family-based petition, you should not face the immigration court system alone.
At Smit Law Group, led by immigration attorney Greta Smit, we provide the specific local knowledge that Reno, NV, residents need. We understand how the Las Vegas Immigration Court operates and how to help clients from other countries prepare for in-person and remote hearings, including internet-based hearings (like Webex), when permitted by the court.
Our multilingual team is ready to help you:
- Review your NTA for legal errors that could support specific motions or defenses, including arguments affecting eligibility for relief
- Identify every available option for legal status and relief
- Manage filing requirements and service obligations, including EOIR’s electronic systems where eligible, and monitor hearing info through official EOIR/ICE tools
- Represent you with confidence before the immigration judge
Don’t leave your future to chance. A single mistake at your first hearing can have permanent consequences. Contact our Reno office today to schedule your initial consultation. Let us provide the clarity, advocacy, and dedicated support you need to protect your rights and your family’s future.
Disclaimer: The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.