If you are an immigrant applying for asylum and moving through the court system, or trying to legalize your status in another way, here are some important reminders.
Finding the right line at the 630 Sansome St. immigration court
There is now one remaining immigration court in downtown San Francisco, with just two full-time judges. It is located at 630 Sansome St. in downtown San Francisco. The courtrooms are on the fourth floor.
Over the past year, there has been confusion outside the 630 Sansome St. federal building about what line immigrants should stand in. There are two.
ICE appointment: Check in on the left side of the building.
Immigration court hearing: Get in line on the right side of the building.
USCIS appointment: Confirm the address on the appointment. If it is 444 Washington St, enter the line on the Washington St side of the building. If it is 630 Sansome, confirm with the security guard at 630 Sansome which line to use.
If you are unsure which line to use, show your documentation to a security officer and they can direct you.
The building has various functions:
- Immigration court hearings
- ICE check-ins
- USCIS appointments, such as an adjustment of status through marriage
- Visiting the clerk of court to get or submit documents
If an immigrant misses a court hearing, they can be ordered automatically removed. It is important to get in the right line to ensure you arrive on time.
Getting there: It is advisable to take public transportation. The closest train station is the Montgomery BART station.
What to bring: Always bring documentation showing the time of your hearing or appointment. Note that food and drinks are not allowed inside the building.
Make a safety plan: While detentions at 630 Sansome are less common this year, if you are detained during a check-in, there is free legal help available to get you out of detention. Before you go inside, tell a trusted friend or family member that you have an appointment with ICE. Have them save your information (name, date of birth, A number or Case/File number). Tell them that if you are detained, they should call the rapid response line number of the county where you live. Find your rapid response phone number on CCIJ’s website. The rapid response line will connect them with lawyers who can file a habeas corpus petition for free if you are detained.
New $100 annual asylum fee
There have been many changes under President Donald Trump’s administration. An important one: Applicants for asylum now have to pay a $100 per year fee to ensure their process continues without a problem.
You should receive a notice in the mail notifying you of how to pay.
The asylum fee must be paid online here — checks and money orders are no longer accepted.
Important deadline: If you do not pay your fee within 30 days, your application will be automatically rejected. Failure to pay on time terminates your work permit and your application.
If your asylum application is rejected, the Department of Homeland Security can initiate an expedited removal proceeding, which can lead to deportation. If an asylum seeker is in expedited removal, they lose access to hearings before a judge.
Again, here is the link for paying the fee online.
Ensure your address is up to date
There are various ways to update your address with the different agencies.
Updating your address with the U.S. Postal Service does not update it with any immigration agency. You must notify each agency separately and also update USPS.
Here are some guides on changing your address with specific agencies:
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
You can change your address online. If you cannot use the online tool, you must report your new address by filing Form AR-11 (Alien’s Change of Address Card) by mail.
How to change your address online.
Immigration court, Executive Office of Immigration Review (EOIR)
You can make an account for the court system here, where you can update your address with the immigration court.
You can also do so here.
You can also mail the form or submit it in person at the clerk of court filing window.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
To change your address with ICE, go to the ICE portal by following these instructions.
The ICE portal link where you can make changes is here.
