Receiving a Notice to Appear can feel frightening and deeply personal. Many people describe the moment they open an NTA as the moment everything in their life suddenly feels uncertain. If you have received one, you’re not alone. It’s normal to feel anxious, confused, or unsure about the next steps, but you do have options, and you don’t have to face the process alone.
At Herhusky Law Office, PLLC, we help clients understand their situation, protect their rights, and move forward with confidence. Our firm provides legal representation in immigration matters in Raleigh, North Carolina, and surrounding areas, including Durham, Greensboro, Fayetteville, Charlotte, Wilson, Wilmington, and across Greater North Carolina. If you’ve received an NTA or think one may be on the way, reach out to us to discuss your options.
What Does It Mean to Receive an NTA?
A Notice to Appear is the document that begins removal proceedings in immigration court. It tells you that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) believes you’re removable from the United States and must appear before an immigration judge.
The NTA outlines the allegations against you, which can range from visa overstays to entry without inspection or documentation issues. It initiates a legal process with serious implications for your future, family, and ability to stay in the U.S.
Steps to Take Immediately After Receiving an NTA
Taking proper steps immediately after receiving an NTA can protect your rights and give you a clearer path forward.
Here's what you should do right away:
Read the NTA carefully: Look for the allegations, the charges, and any scheduled hearing dates. If the date says “TBD,” the court will mail a separate notice later, so make sure your address is correct.
Confirm your address with the court: Failing to update it can result in missed notices and an order of removal in your absence.
Gather documents related to your immigration history: This may include visas, I-94 records, receipts, work authorization, past applications, or anything related to previous filings.
Keep the envelope the NTA arrived in: The mailing date can matter in certain cases.
Write down major events relevant to your case: Dates of entry, marriage, employment history, or hardships can later support your arguments in court.
These steps set the foundation for preparing your defense. Even if the allegations seem incorrect or unfair, you’ll have the opportunity to address them later. What matters now is keeping everything organized and not missing any deadlines.
Common Mistakes to Avoid After Receiving an NTA
When emotions run high, it’s easy to make choices that unintentionally harm your case. The following are pitfalls we see people encounter far too often, and avoiding them can make a meaningful difference:
Ignoring the notice or missing a hearing: Failing to show up—even once—usually results in a removal order.
Relying solely on advice from friends or online forums: Every case is unique, and what worked for someone else may not apply to you.
Throwing away documents or not making copies: Once lost, some items are difficult or impossible to replace.
Assuming you don’t qualify for relief: Many people do qualify but don’t realize it until they speak with an attorney.
Waiting until the last minute to get help: Preparation takes time, especially if your case involves gathering records from other states or countries.
By avoiding these missteps, you keep pathways open that might otherwise close quickly. Once you know what not to do, you’re in a stronger position to take action that supports your case.
Possible Forms of Relief in Immigration Court
An NTA doesn’t automatically mean you’ll be removed from the United States. Many people qualify for relief before an immigration judge, and even those who think they have no options are sometimes surprised to find they do.
Possible forms of relief include:
Asylum, withholding of removal, or protection under the Convention Against Torture (CAT): These apply when someone fears persecution or harm in their home country.
Cancellation of removal: This may be available to permanent residents or certain non-residents who meet specific requirements.
Adjustment of status: In some cases, individuals can apply for a green card while in court proceedings.
Waivers for certain immigration violations: These may help overcome grounds of inadmissibility.
Voluntary departure: While not the best option for everyone, it can be beneficial in some situations to avoid a formal removal order.
Exploring these options early helps you build a strategy and gather the documents needed to support your case. What matters most is starting sooner rather than later, so you have enough time to prepare.
Preparing for Your Master Calendar and Merits Hearings
After receiving an NTA, your next key steps are court hearings. Scheduled by the immigration court, these hearings play a critical role in determining the outcome of your case.
Vital things to know about immigration court hearings include:
Master Calendar Hearings (MCH): These are shorter, introductory hearings where the judge reviews the charges, asks about legal representation, and sets deadlines. Several individuals may have MCHs scheduled at the same time.
Merits Hearings (Individual Hearings): These are longer, detailed hearings where evidence is presented, testimony is given, and the judge makes a decision on your case.
Document deadlines matter: Missing a filing deadline could result in evidence being excluded, so staying organized is essential.
Arriving early helps avoid problems: Security lines can be long, and missing your hearing time usually leads to a removal order.
Understanding how these hearings work helps you feel more prepared and minimizes surprises. The immigration court system requires clarity, preparation, and organization—qualities that can greatly influence the outcome of your case.
Take the Next Step With an Immigration Attorney
If you’ve received a Notice to Appear in Raleigh, North Carolina, or in Durham, Greensboro, Fayetteville, Charlotte, Wilson, Wilmington, or anywhere in Greater North Carolina, you don’t have to face the process alone.
At Herhusky Law Office, PLLC, we will guide you through each stage, help you respond strategically, and stand by your side in immigration court. The sooner you get support, the more options you may have. Reach out to our firm today to take the next step.
