There are 5 steps to change your venue. You can use this checklist to help you.
1. Fill out a motion to change venue. Instructions and samples are in the “Sample Motion to Change Venue” section of this fact sheet. You can download a blank copy of the motion.
2. Make 3 copies of the motion. Keep one copy of the motion.
3. Mail one copy of the motion to your current court.
You can find the name and address for your current court by checking where your hearing is scheduled. Use the instructions in step 5.
4. Mail one copy of the motion to the government lawyer or “OPLA office.”
This is also called “serving the government lawyer.” This address is different from the court’s address. To find the OPLA office assigned to your court:
- Call the court where your hearing is scheduled. Tell them you are trying to file a change of venue. Ask for the name and address of the OPLA office assigned to your court.
OR
- Visit the OPLA website. Find the state your current court is in. Pick the OPLA office closest to your court. Call that OPLA office to make sure it is the right office. You can say: “I’m trying to file a change of venue. I want to make sure I serve the right place. My case is in [name of court.] Is this the right OPLA office? What address should I serve?”
5. Check to make sure your venue changed.
Call or check online to see if you have a hearing scheduled. You will be told the date, time, and location of your hearing. If your venue changed, your new court will be listed.
- By Phone. Call the EOIR hotline at 1-800-898-7180. Enter your A-Number or “Alien Registration Number.” (Visit immigrationhelp.org to learn how to find your A-Number.) Use the menu of options to check the date and time of your hearing. The hotline is in English and Spanish. Push 2 for help in Spanish.
- Online. Visit acis.eoir.justice.gov. Enter your A-Number. Look at “Next Hearing Information” and “Court Contact Information.”