The Executive Office for Immigration Review has permanently closed the Batavia Immigration Court, effective July 24, 2026. Pending cases will transfer to the Buffalo Immigration Court and will be heard via teleconference. The closure shifts all future filings and correspondence to a new court location with modified procedures that practitioners and respondents must follow immediately.
What changed
EOIR announced it will close the Batavia Immigration Court at close of business on 7/24/26. All cases will transfer to the Buffalo Immigration Court and will be heard via teleconference.
Pleadings, motions, and correspondence should be filed with the Buffalo Court beginning 7/27/26 with “Attention – Former Batavia Immigration Court case” noted on the first page of any such filing. This notation ensures that court staff route documents to the correct file, since the case numbers and respondent names remain the same—only the assigned court changes.
Why it matters
If your client has a pending case in Batavia—whether detained or non-detained—you must immediately reorient your filing and communication strategy:
- Physical location: The Buffalo Immigration Court is now the official venue. Any filings sent to the old Batavia address after July 27 risk delayed processing or rejection.
- Hearing format: Teleconference hearings mean you cannot rely on in-person appearances for certain tactical decisions (demeanor, in-person witness testimony logistics, face-to-face judicial interaction). Prepare your client for a video or phone hearing.
- Notice requirement: Your client should receive a new hearing notice from Buffalo reflecting the transferred case. Verify the hearing date and time in EOIR’s Automated Case Information System rather than assuming old notices remain valid.
- Local counsel: If you are not admitted in the Western District of New York or regularly practice in Buffalo, consider coordinating with local immigration counsel who handles that court, or prepare to travel if in-person attendance is necessary (though teleconference is the default).
Way forward
- Verify case transfer: Check the Automated Case Information System (phone 800-898-7180, TDD 800-828-1120) within 48 hours to confirm your client’s case number, new assigned judge, and next hearing date in the Buffalo court.
- Update all filings: Any pending motions, notices of appearance, briefs, or correspondence must be resubmitted to the Buffalo court with the “Attention – Former Batavia Immigration Court case” notation on the first page. Use the Buffalo court’s mailing address and e-file address if e-filing is available.
- Advise your client: Explain the teleconference format and confirm their contact information (phone, video capability, email). Discuss whether in-person attendance is necessary for your strategy.
- Monitor for local rules: Contact the Buffalo Immigration Court directly or check EOIR’s website for any local rules, teleconference protocols, or transition guidance specific to former Batavia cases.
Disclaimer
This article is provided for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Fola is a software company, not a law firm. Do not rely on this article as a substitute for advice from a licensed immigration attorney. Verify all procedural details against the official EOIR announcement and the Buffalo Immigration Court’s operating procedures at justice.gov/eoir. Immigration policy and court procedures can change without notice; always consult the primary source and a qualified attorney before filing or advising a client.