Houston immigration court cases are heard at multiple locations operated by the Executive Office for Immigration Review, or EOIR. The correct location depends on the assignment shown in the person’s hearing notice and official case information. This guide explains where the Houston courts are, how to check a hearing date and format, and what to expect. A person in removal proceedings may also benefit from legal advice based on the individual case.
Court information last verified: August 26, 2026
Quick Reference
- Check the exact court location on the latest hearing notice.
- Verify the hearing date through official EOIR resources, but rely on official notices and orders.
- Do not assume a hearing is online because a Webex link exists.
- Keep EOIR informed of address and contact changes.
- Missing or arriving late to court can have serious consequences.
Current Houston Immigration Court Locations
EOIR currently identifies three Houston immigration court administrations: Jefferson Street, Greenspoint Park, and South Gessner Road. Jefferson Street also has a separate annex. That means there are four physical Houston locations listed below, but the annex is part of the Jefferson Street court administration.
Current Houston Immigration Court Locations
| Court name | Street address | General phone number | Public hours | Filing-window hours | Official EOIR page |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Houston–Jefferson Street Immigration Court | 500 Jefferson Street, Suite 300, Houston, TX 77002 | 713-286-4300 | 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. | 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. | Jefferson Street court information |
| Houston–Jefferson Street Annex | 1919 Smith Street, Houston, TX 77002 | 713-286-4300 for Jefferson Street general inquiries | 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. | 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. | Jefferson Street and annex information |
| Houston–Greenspoint Park Immigration Court | 16800 Greenspoint Park Drive, 2nd Floor, Houston, TX 77060 | 281-765-5900 | 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. | 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. | Greenspoint Park court information |
| Houston–South Gessner Road Immigration Court | 8701 S. Gessner Road, 10th Floor, Houston, TX 77074 | 713-995-3900 | 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. | 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. | South Gessner Road court information |
The listed hours are Monday through Friday except federal holidays. Emergency closures, weather events, and other circumstances can affect operations.
Do not rely on older directions to 1801 Smith Street. That is no longer the current Houston immigration court address. A hearing notice may also identify a particular floor or courtroom at the Jefferson Street Annex, so the complete notice should be reviewed before traveling.
Court locations, hours, and operating status can change. Confirm the information on the hearing notice, the applicable official court page, and EOIR’s Immigration Court Operational Status page before traveling to court.
Have an upcoming hearing in a Houston immigration court? Schedule a Consultation with Zavala Texas Law to discuss the notice, hearing, and possible next steps.
What Is the Houston Immigration Court?
The Houston immigration courts are part of EOIR, an agency within the United States Department of Justice. Immigration judges conduct administrative proceedings under federal immigration law. They are not USCIS officers, ICE officers, prosecutors, or criminal-court judges.
In removal proceedings, an immigration judge may decide disputed questions about removability and applications for relief or protection that fall within the court’s authority. These are formal proceedings, but they are not jury trials and do not follow every rule used in a criminal case.
EOIR, DHS, ICE, USCIS, and CBP Have Different Roles
Several federal agencies may appear in one person’s immigration history:
- EOIR: A DOJ agency that operates the immigration courts and the Board of Immigration Appeals.
- DHS: A separate executive department responsible for numerous immigration, border, security, and enforcement functions.
- ICE: A DHS component involved in interior immigration enforcement, detention, and removal. Attorneys from ICE’s Office of the Principal Legal Advisor generally represent DHS in immigration court.
- USCIS: A DHS component that adjudicates many immigration petitions and applications, including naturalization applications.
- CBP: A DHS component responsible for immigration inspection, enforcement, and border-security functions at and between ports of entry.
Immigration court does not generally decide a person’s naturalization application. That process is ordinarily handled by USCIS, although pending or prior removal proceedings may affect how a naturalization matter should be evaluated.
People seeking help with matters outside removal court can review Zavala Texas Law’s broader Houston immigration legal services.
What Does a Notice to Appear Mean?
A Notice to Appear, or NTA, is the charging document used in removal proceedings. It identifies factual allegations and the legal charges DHS relies on to claim that the respondent is removable.
The NTA may include the date, time, and location of the first hearing. When it does not, EOIR may issue a later Notice of Hearing. Removal proceedings generally begin when DHS files the NTA with the immigration court after serving it on the respondent.
Receiving an NTA should not be treated as proof that the case has already appeared in every online system. The respondent should keep the document, watch for later court notices, maintain a current address with EOIR, and verify whether the case has been docketed.
How Do I Know Which Houston Court Has My Case?
The assigned court is determined by official case information—not by which courthouse is closest to a person’s home.
Start with these records:
- Notice of Hearing: Look for the court name, complete address, date, time, immigration judge, courtroom information, and appearance instructions.
- Notice to Appear: Check whether it contains initial hearing information, while recognizing that a later notice may change the schedule or location.
- A-Number: Use the respondent’s Alien Registration Number to check available EOIR case information.
- Automated Case Information System: Enter the A-Number in EOIR’s Automated Case Information System.
- Respondent Access Portal: A registered user may be able to view hearing information and eligible case files through EOIR Respondent Access.
- Assigned court: Call the court listed on the notice when the location, date, or format is uncertain.
ACIS provides basic information for certain cases. It does not display every case, every document, or every proceeding. It may show only the most recent primary case under an A-Number, and bond-hearing information may require direct contact with the court.
Official notices and orders from the immigration court remain the controlling source of case information.
How to Check a Houston Immigration Court Date
Use this process to check an immigration court hearing date:
- Find the respondent’s A-Number on the NTA, hearing notice, or another immigration document.
- Enter the number into the EOIR Automated Case Information System.
- Review the listed hearing date, time, court, and available case-status information.
- Compare the online result with the latest Notice of Hearing or court order.
- Check the assigned court’s page and operational status before the hearing.
- Call the assigned court if information is missing, inconsistent, or unclear.
Case information may also be available through EOIR’s automated telephone system at 1-800-898-7180 or 304-625-2050. TDD access is available at 1-800-828-1120.
A new hearing date will not appear until the immigration court has set it. A person should not assume the case has ended simply because ACIS does not show a future date.
What Happens at a Master Calendar Hearing?
A master calendar hearing is generally a preliminary case-management hearing. It is commonly used for pleadings, scheduling, identifying disputed issues, discussing representation, setting filing deadlines, and determining what applications or defenses the respondent intends to pursue.
Depending on the case, the immigration judge may:
- Confirm the respondent’s identity, address, and contact information
- Explain hearing rights and the right to obtain qualified representation
- Address the allegations and charges in the NTA
- Ask for admissions, denials, or other pleadings
- Identify possible applications for relief
- Set deadlines for applications, evidence, motions, and witness lists
- Schedule an individual or merits hearing
- Provide warnings about attendance and other case obligations
A respondent may represent himself or herself, but the federal government does not generally appoint and pay for immigration court counsel. Because statements and pleadings can affect later proceedings, the respondent should understand what is being admitted, denied, requested, or waived.
A master calendar hearing should not be ignored merely because it is usually shorter than an individual hearing.
What Happens at an Individual or Merits Hearing?
An individual hearing, also called a merits hearing, is an evidentiary hearing on disputed issues or an application for relief. It is not a jury trial.
At an individual hearing, the parties may present:
- Applications and supporting documents
- Witness testimony under oath
- Expert testimony when appropriate
- Objections to evidence
- Cross-examination
- Legal arguments
- Government evidence concerning removability or eligibility
The applicable burden of proof depends on the issue, application, and procedural posture. Evidence and witness materials ordinarily must be filed according to the immigration judge’s deadlines and EOIR filing requirements.
The immigration judge may issue an oral decision at the hearing or a written decision later. Appeal rights and deadlines depend on the decision and should be reviewed promptly.
In-Person, Internet-Based, and Telephone Hearings
Houston immigration court hearings may be conducted in person, through an authorized internet-based platform, or by telephone. The permitted format depends on the hearing notice, the assigned court, the immigration judge, and any later order or instruction.
Read the entire hearing notice. Do not rely only on a general list of Webex links. Finding an immigration judge’s online link does not establish that the respondent has permission to appear remotely.
EOIR currently states that an unrepresented respondent’s default hearing medium is in person, regardless of links displayed on its internet-hearing page. Because procedures may change, a respondent who is uncertain should contact the assigned court or the attorney of record before the hearing.
No participant or observer should photograph, record, stream, or rebroadcast an immigration court hearing.
Removal proceedings involve deadlines and decisions that may affect a person’s ability to remain in the United States. Schedule a Consultation before the hearing date when possible.
Preparing for a Houston Immigration Court Hearing
Preparation should be based on the latest notice, the judge’s orders, and the requirements of the individual case. A practical checklist includes:
- Review the latest notice. Confirm the court name, address, floor, courtroom, date, time, and hearing format.
- Check the case again. Review official EOIR information shortly before the hearing and check for an emergency closure before traveling.
- Bring important records. Have the hearing notice, A-Number, appropriate identification, copies of filed applications, and documents requested by counsel or the court.
- Follow evidence deadlines. Do not wait until the hearing to submit documents that were due earlier.
- Coordinate witnesses. Confirm whether witnesses are expected to attend in person or through another authorized procedure.
- Allow time for security. Houston court visitors may pass through a metal detector and bag screening. Shoes may need to be removed.
- Follow courtroom restrictions. Food and drinks are generally prohibited unless the immigration judge permits them. Do not photograph or record.
- Confirm filing procedures. Do not assume that sending a document by email or fax makes it part of the court record.
- Address language or access needs. Discuss interpretation, disability access, or other participation concerns with the attorney or court as early as practicable.
- Stay in contact with counsel. Tell the attorney promptly about new notices, an arrest, a move, changed contact information, or another event that could affect the case.
Moving or Changing an Address During Immigration Court
A respondent must keep EOIR informed of address and contact changes. EOIR currently instructs respondents to provide updated information within five working days.
For a case pending before an immigration court, the respondent generally uses the current Form EOIR-33/IC. The form should be submitted to the court where the case is currently pending. Depending on the person and filing method, the update may also be completed through Respondent Access.
Important points include:
- Use the current version of Form EOIR-33/IC.
- Submit a separate form for each person with a pending case.
- Follow the form’s current instructions, including any required service on DHS.
- Updating an address with USCIS, ICE, or another DHS component does not automatically update the immigration court.
- A telephone call, letter, or address written on another filing may not satisfy EOIR’s address-change requirement.
An Address Change Does Not Automatically Change Venue
Updating an address is different from asking the immigration judge to move the case to another court.
A request to transfer the case generally requires a written motion to change venue, an explanation of the reasons for the request, supporting information, a fixed address, and good cause. The immigration judge has discretion to grant or deny the request.
Filing the motion does not excuse attendance at an already scheduled hearing. Unless and until the motion is granted, the respondent must continue to follow the existing court’s notices and orders.
What Happens If Someone Misses Immigration Court?
Missing or arriving late to a master calendar or individual hearing can result in serious consequences, including a possible removal order entered in absentia, meaning in the respondent’s absence.
A motion to reopen may be available in some circumstances, but the requirements depend on notice, timing, the reason for the absence, and the case history. A person who missed court should obtain the order and seek legal advice promptly rather than assuming the case will be rescheduled automatically.
Learn more about potential representation in deportation defense.
Detained Versus Nondetained Houston-Area Cases
A detained person’s case may not be assigned to the same Houston court that would hear a nondetained case. Assignment can depend on the detention facility, EOIR’s administrative-control structure, transfers between facilities, and later court orders.
EOIR currently assigns several Houston-area detention facilities to the Conroe Immigration Court, while other facilities may fall under different court assignments. A family member should not direct a detained person to one of the public Houston locations based only on a general website or map.
Confirm the case through the detention facility, the official hearing notice, EOIR, and counsel. ACIS may not show bond-hearing information, and a bond matter can be procedurally separate from the underlying removal case.
Zavala Texas Law also provides information about immigration bond matters.
How a Houston Immigration Court Lawyer May Help
An attorney’s role depends on the case, but representation may include:
- Reviewing the Notice to Appear and hearing notices
- Confirming whether the NTA has been filed and identifying the procedural posture
- Evaluating the allegations, charges, and removability issues
- Identifying applications, defenses, or forms of protection that may warrant further review
- Preparing pleadings, applications, motions, and supporting evidence
- Tracking filing and biometric deadlines
- Preparing the respondent and witnesses for testimony
- Appearing at master calendar and individual hearings
- Communicating with DHS counsel where appropriate
- Evaluating an immigration judge’s decision, appeal options, or possible motions
Potential issues may include contesting removability, asylum or related protection, cancellation of removal, adjustment of status, certain waivers, voluntary departure, or other case-specific relief. Not every option is available in every case. Eligibility may depend on immigration history, manner of entry, family relationships, criminal history, prior orders, prior applications, and the existing procedural record.
A Houston immigration lawyer can also evaluate whether a matter before USCIS or another agency affects the court case.
Legal representation does not guarantee termination, relief, bond, asylum, cancellation, adjustment, or any other outcome.
Speak With Zavala Texas Law
Zavala Texas Law assists clients with Houston immigration court and removal matters. A consultation can be used to review the hearing notice, identify the assigned court, discuss the current posture of the proceedings, and evaluate possible next steps.
Call 832-819-3723 or use the consultation calendar below.
This page provides general information and is not legal advice. Immigration-court procedures and case outcomes depend on the specific facts, law, notices, and orders involved.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many immigration courts are there in Houston?
EOIR currently identifies three Houston court administrations: Jefferson Street, Greenspoint Park, and South Gessner Road. Jefferson Street also operates a separate annex at 1919 Smith Street. This produces four physical Houston locations, but the annex is not a fourth independent court administration. The latest hearing notice and official case information determine where a respondent must appear.
Where is the Houston Immigration Court located?
There is no single address for every Houston immigration court case. Current locations include 500 Jefferson Street, the Jefferson Street Annex at 1919 Smith Street, 16800 Greenspoint Park Drive, and 8701 S. Gessner Road. Do not choose a location based on convenience. Check the complete address, floor, courtroom, and hearing format shown in the latest court notice.
How do I find out which Houston immigration court has my case?
Review the latest Notice of Hearing first. Then use the A-Number to check EOIR’s Automated Case Information System and compare the result with the notice. Respondent Access may provide additional eligible case information. Call the court identified in the notice when information is missing or inconsistent. Official hearing notices and court orders remain controlling.
How do I check my immigration court date?
Enter the respondent’s A-Number into EOIR’s Automated Case Information System or call the automated system at 1-800-898-7180 or 304-625-2050. Compare the result with the latest Notice of Hearing. A new date will not appear until the court sets it, and the online system does not display every case detail. Contact the assigned court when uncertain.
Is Houston immigration court in person or online?
The format varies by case. A hearing may be in person, internet-based, or telephonic, depending on the notice, the assigned court, the immigration judge, and any later order. An online link does not by itself authorize remote appearance. EOIR currently states that unrepresented respondents default to in-person appearances. Confirm uncertain instructions with the court or attorney before the hearing.
What happens at a master calendar hearing?
A master calendar hearing is generally used for pleadings, scheduling, representation issues, identification of defenses or applications, and filing deadlines. The immigration judge may address the NTA’s allegations and charges and schedule a later individual hearing. Although it is usually not the main evidentiary hearing, the respondent’s answers and missed deadlines can affect the case.
What happens at an individual hearing?
An individual or merits hearing is an evidentiary hearing on contested issues or an application for relief. The respondent and DHS may present documents, witnesses, testimony, objections, cross-examination, and legal arguments. There is no jury. The immigration judge evaluates the evidence under the applicable legal standards and may issue an oral or written decision.
Can I change my Houston court location by updating my address?
No. Filing Form EOIR-33/IC updates contact information but does not automatically transfer the case. Moving the proceedings generally requires a separate motion to change venue and a decision by the immigration judge. Until the motion is granted, the respondent must follow the existing court’s notices, filing deadlines, and hearing instructions.
What happens if I miss immigration court?
The immigration judge may conduct the hearing without the respondent and may enter an in absentia removal order when the legal requirements are met. The court does not automatically reschedule the case. A motion to reopen may be possible in some circumstances, but the standards and timing depend on the case. Legal advice should be obtained promptly.
Can I attend immigration court without a lawyer?
A respondent may represent himself or herself, but the government generally does not provide court-appointed immigration counsel. Immigration proceedings can involve pleadings, evidentiary requirements, filing deadlines, burdens of proof, and consequences beyond the immediate hearing. A person considering self-representation should review EOIR’s official resources and understand the issues before making admissions or waiving rights.
Are detained immigration cases heard at the same Houston courts?
Not necessarily. The assigned court can depend on the detention facility and EOIR’s current administrative-control structure. Several Houston-area facilities are assigned to the Conroe Immigration Court, while others may have different assignments. Facility transfers can also affect logistics. Families should verify the court through the detention facility, official notices, EOIR, and the attorney rather than assuming a public Houston courthouse has the case.
Reviewed by Charles Zavala
Attorney at Zavala Texas Law
Court information last verified: August 26, 2026