* This Q&A is not legal advice. Please contact a licensed attorney to discuss the specifics of your case.

How can I locate my family member or friend who has been detained by Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE)?

  • It is easier to locate your friend or family member if you have their “Alien Registration Number” or A#, a nine digit number that appears on many notices from United States Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS), ICE, Immigration Court, and documents issued by USCIS like a green card or a work permit.

  • Alternatively, you can also use your family member’s or friend’s name, date of birth, and country of citizenship to locate them.

  • This website generally provides the location of your family member or friend: https://locator.ice.gov/odls/

  • After you locate your friend or family member, it is a good idea to call the detention center before attempting to visit as visitation hours often change and differ from person to person.

  • Note that if your friend or family member was recently detained, they may still be located at an ICE processing facility temporarily where visits may also be allowed. In Los Angeles, the ICE processing facility is located at 300 N. Los Angeles Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012. In Portland, the ICE processing facility is located at 4310 S Macadam Ave, Portland, OR 97239.

Where can I check the status of my application filed with United States Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS)?

When will my family-based petition become current so I can seek lawful permanent residence (green card)?

  • This usually depends on the Priority Date (or receipt date) of your petition and your country of origin.

  • If your visa petition is based on family sponsorship, you will also need to consider your relationship to your family member. Based on some relationships, you can immigrate immediately and will not need to refer to the visa bulletin charts.

  • If your visa petition is based on your being a Special Immigrant Juvenile, you will need to look at the Employment-Based Charts for the 4th preference category for your country of origin.

  • The latest monthly Visa Bulletins for all categories are published here: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/visa-law0/visa-bulletin.html.

How long will my application with United States Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) take?

  • Case processing times are always changing.

  • You will need to know what applications are pending and what office will process the applications.

  • With that information, this website can give you estimated processing times: https://egov.uscis.gov/processing-times/.

I moved. How do I change my address for my immigration case?

  • Government agencies have strict rules about keeping them updated with your current address. Update your address immediately upon moving.

  • The consequences of failing to change your address can be severe. Depending on your case, failing to change your address could result in a removal (deportation) order in your absence or could lead to you failing to get important information about your pending applications.

  • You may need to change your address with multiple government agencies depending on what type of case you have. Different government agencies use different forms. For example, USCIS uses Form AR-11 (instructions available here: https://www.uscis.gov/ar-11) and the Immigration Court (Executive Office for Immigration Review or EOIR) uses Form EOIR-33IC, (instructions available here: https://www.justice.gov/eoir/form-eoir-33-eoir-immigration-court-listing).

  • If you have check ins with Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) and/or the Intensive Supervision Appearance Program (ISAP), you will also need to change your address with those offices. You should contact those offices prior to your move to determine their procedures for changing your address.

  • No matter what office you are changing your address with, it is always a good idea to keep a copy of what steps you took to change your address.

How can I confirm my next court date with the Immigration Court?

  • The Immigration Court communicates with those before it by mail. It is therefore very important to keep the court updated with your current address. Immigration Court rules require you to update your address with the court 5 days after you move. See more information on changes of address above.

  • You can check limited information about the status of your case with the Immigration Court’s automated phone number at 1-800-898-7180. Similar information is also available online: https://portal.eoir.justice.gov/InfoSystem/Form?Language=EN .

  • You will need your A# to use these systems. You A# or “Alien Registration Number” is a nine digit code that appears on many notices from USCIS, ICE, Immigration Court, and documents issued by USCIS like a green card or a work permit.

Can I obtain a work permit while my case is pending?

  • This will always depend on the type of case you have pending and whether there is a wait time required. You should consult with your attorney to help determine this.

  • If you already have a work permit, it is usually advisable to apply for any renewals if you are eligible at least 150 days prior to the expiration of your current work permit in case there are delays in processing by USCIS.