A Master Hearing is a preliminary hearing. It is often referred to as an “introductory hearing” or a “meeting with the judge.”
Duration: usually no more than 15 minutes.
Process:
- the judge reads the charges listed in Form I-862 Notice to Appear;
- you confirm your personal information;
- you state that you are seeking asylum;
- you sign the required documents.
Important: the judge will not ask questions about the substance of your case at this stage.
The hearing may be held:
- in person at the courthouse, often with 10–50 respondents present;
- online, if you are represented by an attorney.
An attorney may also file a motion to waive the Master Hearing and ask the judge to schedule the final hearing — the INDIVIDUAL Hearing.
By the time of the Master Hearing:
- ideally, your Form I-589 should be completed;
- your case should be prepared.
You may file Form I-589 with the court in advance or bring it with you.
You may supplement your case at any time. However, if Form I-589 is not ready, the hearing will be postponed and another Master Hearing will be scheduled.
Judges often insist that respondents obtain an attorney. If you do not have one, the judge may schedule additional Master Hearings.
You may also request a continuance for good cause.
If your first hearing was scheduled in the state where you were detained and you have since moved to another state, you must not only notify the court of your new address but also file a motion to change venue.
It is critically important to attend your first hearing. Failure to appear will most likely result in a removal order.
Courtrooms are often crowded because judges schedule multiple hearings at the same time. You may need to wait several hours before your case is called.
If you do not have an attorney, you may ask the judge for additional time to find one. The judge may ask what efforts you have made, so you should be prepared to explain or provide a list of contacts.
If you have already filed Form I-589 and request more time, this may result in the asylum clock stopping and delay your employment authorization.
You are not required to hire an attorney, but the judge may insist multiple times and continue the case. In some situations, the judge may view this as delay and stop the employment authorization clock.
Children: if your children are included in your case, you must bring them to the first hearing. Ask the judge whether they must attend future hearings. Until the judge says otherwise, children must attend all hearings.
Depending on your situation, you may have one or several Master Hearings. If everything is ready, the court will then schedule the final hearing — the INDIVIDUAL Hearing.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Translations are provided for convenience and may contain errors or omissions. For guidance on your specific situation, always consult official sources or a qualified attorney.
