Written by Jayson Elliott · Attorney, Bay Legal PC · CA Bar No. 332479 · Last reviewed April 2026
Received a Notice to Appear (NTA) — What It Means and What to Do
Key Takeaways
- A Notice to Appear (NTA) is the charging document that begins removal proceedings in immigration court
- You must attend every scheduled hearing — failure to appear results in an automatic removal order
- You have the right to an attorney, to see the evidence against you, and to apply for any relief from removal
- The NTA does not mean you will be deported — it means you have the right to present your case
What Is a Notice to Appear?
A Notice to Appear (NTA) is the formal charging document filed by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that begins removal (deportation) proceedings in immigration court. It lists the factual allegations against you and the legal basis for why the government believes you are removable from the United States.
What the NTA Contains
The NTA will include your biographical information, the specific sections of immigration law that DHS alleges you violated, the factual allegations supporting the charges, and notice of your right to be represented by an attorney at no cost to the government.
Your Rights After Receiving an NTA
- The right to be represented by an attorney (at your own expense)
- The right to review the evidence against you
- The right to present evidence and call witnesses in your defense
- The right to apply for any form of relief from removal for which you may be eligible
- The right to appeal an unfavorable decision to the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA)
What to Do Immediately
- Read the NTA carefully and note the date, time, and location of your first hearing
- Contact an immigration attorney as soon as possible
- Gather documents: passport, immigration history, criminal records (if any), family ties evidence, employment records
- Do not miss your hearing under any circumstances
- Do not sign any documents or agree to voluntary departure without attorney advice
Bay Legal PC — Removal Defense Attorneys
Bay Legal PC in Palo Alto handles removal defense cases throughout California. Free initial consultations available.
Get a Free Consultation →Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I don’t go to my immigration court hearing?
The immigration judge will order you removed in absentia (in your absence). This order is very difficult to overturn and results in a 10-year bar on certain forms of relief.
Can I get a lawyer for my NTA hearing?
You have the right to a lawyer, but the government does not provide one for free in immigration court. You must hire your own attorney or find a legal aid organization.
How long after receiving an NTA will my hearing be?
It varies widely. In some jurisdictions, the first master calendar hearing may be scheduled months or even years after the NTA is filed. This time should be used to prepare your defense.
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Jayson Elliott, Bay Legal PC · Palo Alto, California
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