Batavia Immigration Court Closes: Pending Cases Move to Buffalo
Immigration courts: Batavia Immigration Court, Buffalo Immigration Court · New York Immigration Courts
On July 21, 2026, the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR), the Justice Department agency that runs the immigration courts, announced that the Batavia Immigration Court in western New York would close at the close of business on July 24, 2026. All of its pending cases were transferred to the Buffalo Immigration Court, where they will be heard by video teleconference. If you, a relative or a client had a case at Batavia, your case did not end: it continues in Buffalo.
This is general information, not legal advice. The source is EOIR's notice EOIR to Close Batavia Immigration Court (opens in new tab), dated July 21, 2026.
What EOIR announced
According to the notice:
- The Batavia Immigration Court was located inside a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) facility, the Buffalo (Batavia) Service Processing Center.
- The court closed at the close of business on July 24, 2026. EOIR's stated reason: "DHS is unable to continue providing space for court operations."
- All pending cases were transferred to the Buffalo Immigration Court and "will be heard via video teleconference."
- EOIR says it will send official advance notice to all parties whose cases are reassigned to Buffalo.
EOIR's immigration court operational status page (opens in new tab) now lists the Buffalo Immigration Court, at 130 Delaware Avenue, Suite 300, Buffalo, NY 14202, as OPEN. Batavia no longer appears on that list. Our Batavia Immigration Court page keeps the court's past details for reference.
Where to file now
Beginning July 27, 2026, all pleadings, motions and other correspondence for cases that were assigned to Batavia should be filed with the Buffalo Immigration Court, not Batavia.
EOIR recommends adding this notation on the first page of any such filing:
> "Attention – Former Batavia Immigration Court case"
That short line helps the Buffalo court match your filing to a case that came from another court. It costs nothing to add, so use it on every filing.
What the closure does not change
A court closure moves a case; it does not decide it. The transfer does not dismiss the case, cancel the charges on the Notice to Appear, or change any deadline the judge already set. Removal proceedings continue under the same law. The main practical changes are the court that receives your papers and how you appear: by video, before the Buffalo court.
What to do if your case was at Batavia
From the perspective of a former U.S. Immigration Judge, these are the steps that protect a case during a transfer:
- Check your case status now. Use EOIR's Automated Case Information portal (opens in new tab) (or the EOIR case-status phone line) with your A-number. Confirm the court now listed, your next hearing date and time, and whether it is a video hearing.
- Watch for EOIR's notice. EOIR says every party whose case is reassigned will receive official notice. Read it the day it arrives and keep a copy.
- Keep your address current. EOIR sends hearing notices to the address on file. If you have moved, file Form EOIR-33 (change of address) with the court handling your case, now Buffalo, within five days of the move.
- Do not miss a hearing. If you do not appear, the judge can order you removed in absentia (in your absence). Undoing such an order usually requires a motion to reopen, which is limited and hard to win.
- Re-check deadlines. Filing deadlines the judge set before the transfer still apply. From July 27, 2026, send those filings to Buffalo, marked as a former Batavia case.
- If a person is detained, questions about custody and release go through a bond hearing. Confirm with ACIS which court and hearing type now apply.
How we can help
If your case, or a family member's case, was pending at the Batavia Immigration Court, we can review the transfer notice, confirm your next hearing in Buffalo and make sure nothing falls through the cracks. Carlos Maury, a former U.S. Immigration Judge, leads the firm's removal-defense work. Contact us or call (213) 769-0050.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Batavia Immigration Court still open?
No. EOIR announced on July 21, 2026 that the court would close at the close of business on July 24, 2026. It no longer appears on EOIR's operational status list.
Where did the Batavia cases go?
All pending cases were transferred to the Buffalo Immigration Court. EOIR says they will be heard by video teleconference.
Where do I file papers for a former Batavia case?
Starting July 27, 2026, file with the Buffalo Immigration Court. EOIR recommends writing "Attention – Former Batavia Immigration Court case" on the first page.
Will I be told about my new hearing?
EOIR says it will send official advance notice to all parties whose cases were reassigned to Buffalo. You can also check your case anytime at acis.eoir.justice.gov (opens in new tab).
This article is general legal information, not legal advice, and does not create an attorney–client relationship. Court locations and procedures can change; confirm your case details with the EOIR notice (opens in new tab), the EOIR operational status page (opens in new tab) and ACIS (opens in new tab), and consult a qualified attorney about your specific situation.
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