Immigration Help in New York City, New York
Immigration is federal law, so the agencies handling your case in New York City are national ones — USCIS for benefits like green cards and citizenship, and the immigration court (EOIR) for removal proceedings. Here's where those offices are for NYC, plus how to get matched with a local immigration attorney.
By Find Local Law Editorial Team · Last reviewed: May 24, 2026
Researched and drafted with AI assistance and verified against primary sources (statutes, Judicial Council forms, and official court websites). This is general information, not legal advice.
Immigration is federal law and policy changes frequently. This is general information, not legal advice — for your specific case, talk to a qualified immigration attorney or an accredited nonprofit.
New York City is one of the busiest immigration regions in the country, with several federal offices across the boroughs. Two different systems may be involved:
- USCIS handles benefits — applications like a green card, citizenship and naturalization, and green card renewal.
- The immigration court (EOIR) handles removal (deportation) proceedings and applications for relief such as asylum. If someone is detained, immigration bonds may be in play.
Because NYC has multiple field offices and multiple immigration courts, always confirm your specific location on your appointment notice or Notice to Appear. To get matched with a New York City immigration attorney, connect with a lawyer.
Federal immigration offices serving New York City
USCIS field office: New York City is served by multiple USCIS field offices — the Manhattan office at 26 Federal Plaza, plus the Brooklyn and Queens (Long Island City) field offices.
Immigration court (EOIR): Manhattan has multiple EOIR immigration courts, including the New York – Federal Plaza court (same building as the USCIS field office), the New York – Broadway court, and the New York – Varick court, which handles detained cases.
A common mix-up: the USCIS field office and the Federal Plaza immigration court share the building at 26 Federal Plaza but are entirely different agencies — USCIS handles benefits, the court handles removal proceedings.
Always confirm the current office, hours, and procedures on the official USCIS and EOIR sites before you go — see the sources at the bottom of this page.
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Start your free intakeFrequently asked questions
- Is the USCIS office the same as the immigration court in NYC?
- No. They're different agencies that happen to share 26 Federal Plaza in Manhattan. USCIS handles benefits like green cards and citizenship; the immigration court (EOIR) handles removal proceedings.
- How many immigration courts are in New York City?
- Manhattan has several, including the Federal Plaza court, the Broadway court, and the Varick court (which handles detained cases). Your notice shows which one is hearing your case.
- Where do I go for a green card or citizenship interview in NYC?
- USCIS interviews are handled at one of the city's field offices — Manhattan (26 Federal Plaza), Brooklyn, or Queens (Long Island City). Confirm yours on the appointment notice.