When someone in New Jersey receives a Notice to Appear or learns that a loved one has been placed in removal proceedings, one of the first questions is which immigration court will handle the case. Immigration courts do not follow state boundaries the way criminal or family courts do. A person living in New Jersey may find their case assigned to a court inside the state or, depending on detention status or administrative routing, to a court outside the state entirely.
This guide explains every immigration court that may handle a New Jersey case, why cases are routed the way they are, and what individuals should expect. If you are facing removal proceedings, you can learn more about the process on Removal Proceedings and Removal Notice to Appear.
1. Newark Immigration Court
(New Jersey’s Only Immigration Court)
Newark Immigration Court is the only immigration court physically located in New Jersey. It handles all non detained immigration cases for individuals who live anywhere in the state. If you are not detained and your address on file with DHS is in New Jersey, your case will almost always be assigned here.
What Newark Handles
- Master calendar hearings
- Individual hearings
- Motions and filings
- Some bond redetermination hearings
- Adjustment of Status cases in removal, which you can learn more about on Adjustment in Removal
- Cases involving prior USCIS denials, which relate to After Adjustment Denial and After USCIS Denial
Who Appears Here
- Asylum applicants
- Individuals applying for green cards in court, often connected to Adjustment of Status or Family Based Green Cards
- Individuals charged with overstays, unlawful presence, or criminal removability
- Anyone living in New Jersey with a pending non detained case
Newark is the default court because EOIR assigns cases based on residence. Detention changes this.
2. Courts That Handle Detained New Jersey Cases
(Located Outside New Jersey)
New Jersey has immigration detention facilities, but it does not have a dedicated detained immigration court. Detained cases are routed to courts in New York or Pennsylvania depending on ICE scheduling and facility assignments.
2.1 Elizabeth Detention Center
(Detained Cases Heard by Out of State Courts)
Elizabeth Detention Center is located in New Jersey, but it does not have its own public immigration court. Hearings are usually conducted by video teleconference with judges sitting in other states.
Courts That Commonly Hear Elizabeth Detention Cases
- New York Federal Plaza Immigration Court
- New York Varick Street Immigration Court
- York Immigration Court in Pennsylvania
Why Cases Are Sent Out of State
- EOIR does not maintain a detained court in New Jersey
- ICE assigns detained dockets based on judge availability
- Video teleconference systems allow remote hearings
Who Appears in These Courts
- Individuals detained at Elizabeth Detention Center
- Individuals detained at Delaney Hall in Newark
- Individuals transferred to ICE custody from New Jersey jails
If a detained person is applying for relief such as cancellation of removal, you can learn more on Cancellation of Removal, LPR Cancellation, or Non LPR Cancellation.
2.2 York Immigration Court
(York, Pennsylvania)
York Immigration Court is one of the busiest detained courts in the region and frequently handles New Jersey detainees.
Why New Jersey Cases Go to York
- ICE often transfers detainees to Pennsylvania
- York has a large detained docket
- Some New Jersey detainees are physically moved to Pennsylvania facilities
What York Handles
- Credible fear reviews
- Bond hearings
- Expedited detained merits hearings
If a detainee is pursuing a waiver, you can learn more on I 601 Waiver, I 601A Waiver, or Court Waivers.
2.3 New York Immigration Courts
(Federal Plaza and Varick Street)
New York’s immigration courts handle a mix of detained and non detained cases. They also receive detained New Jersey cases routed through Elizabeth.
Why New Jersey Cases Go to New York
- ICE sometimes assigns Elizabeth detainees to New York judges
- Video teleconference hearings are conducted from Elizabeth to New York
- Overflow from Newark may be routed to New York
Who Appears Here
- Detained individuals
- Some non detained individuals who previously lived in New York
- Individuals whose NTAs were issued by New York based DHS offices
3. Courts That May Handle New Jersey Cases in Special Situations
Some cases are routed outside the region depending on changes in residence or procedural posture.
3.1 Cases Transferred After a Change of Venue
If someone moves during their case, EOIR may transfer the case to a court near the new residence. For example, a New Jersey resident who moves to Florida may have their case transferred to Miami or Orlando. Someone who moves to Texas may be transferred to Houston, Dallas, or San Antonio.
Why Transfers Happen
- EOIR prefers cases to be heard where the respondent lives
- Evidence and witnesses are easier to present locally
- Attorneys may request a transfer for convenience
If a transfer is requested because of a denied application, you can learn more on Motions to Reopen, Motions to Reconsider, or Immigration Appeals.
3.2 Cases Assigned to the Board of Immigration Appeals
The Board of Immigration Appeals is not a trial court, but it hears appeals from Newark and all other immigration courts.
Why New Jersey Cases Go to the BIA
- Appeal of a removal order
- Appeal of a denied motion
- DHS appeals of judge decisions
Appeals are closely related to the topics on Immigration Appeals and Federal Litigation.
4. Summary of All Courts That May Handle a New Jersey Immigration Case
Newark Immigration Court Handles all non detained New Jersey residents.
New York Federal Plaza Immigration Court Handles detained New Jersey cases via video teleconference.
New York Varick Street Immigration Court Handles detained New Jersey cases via video teleconference.
York Immigration Court in Pennsylvania Handles detained New Jersey cases and transfers.
Board of Immigration Appeals Handles appeals from any immigration court.
Any U.S. Immigration Court May receive a case after a change of venue.
Final Thoughts
Understanding which immigration court will hear your case affects timelines, procedures, and strategy. New Jersey residents face a unique situation because the state has only one immigration court, yet cases can be routed to multiple courts across state lines depending on detention status and administrative decisions.
If you or a loved one is facing removal, you can learn more about your options on Adjustment in Court, Cancellation of Removal, Voluntary Departure, Motions to Reopen, or Federal Litigation.
Managing Partner Kierulff Lassen, Esq., Nationally recognized immigration lawyer: 25+ years experience, thousands of clients helped.
Last Updated and Reviewed Feb 9, 2026