If you are eligible for EOIR's Respondent Access Portal, the system can allow you to view case information, download court documents, and request a download of the electronic Record of Proceeding, often called the eROP. Enrollment is phased, so not every unrepresented person will necessarily have portal access.
What an eROP is
The electronic Record of Proceeding contains documents associated with the immigration-court case. EOIR states that downloaded documents are copies of documents in the official electronic case file.
If your record is paper-only
EOIR explains that the portal's download option is not available for case records maintained only on paper. In that situation, follow EOIR's process for requesting or viewing a Record of Proceeding.
How to organize a downloaded case file
After downloading your record, create a separate index with:
- document date;
- document title;
- issuing or filing party;
- page count;
- whether the document is a notice, application, motion, exhibit, order, or correspondence; and
- any deadline or hearing date mentioned.
Do not rename the only copy of an official downloaded file beyond recognition. Keep an untouched archive copy and create a working copy for organization.
Compare the official file with your own records
Your personal folder may contain documents that are not in the eROP, drafts that were never filed, or evidence you have not yet provided to anyone. Keep the official case-file download separate from your personal evidence collection so you know what appears in each.
Official sources to verify
Important: This article is general educational information, not legal advice. Immigration rules and procedures can change. Check the current official source and speak with a qualified immigration lawyer or DOJ-accredited representative about your situation.
Put your records into a working file
Use the Free Evidence Preparation Checklist to identify the records you already have and the Complete Evidence Preparation Workbook to build a chronology, evidence inventory, gaps list, and attorney handoff packet.