(a) Generally. The Administrative Law Judge to whom the case is assigned shall notify the parties of a date, time, and place set for hearing thereon or for a prehearing conference, or both within thirty (30) days of receipt of respondent's answer to the complaint.

(b) Place of hearing. In section 274B cases, pursuant to section 554 of title 5, United States Code, due regard shall be given to the convenience of the parties and the witnesses in selecting a place for a hearing. Sections 274A(e)(3)(B) and 274C(d)(2)(B) of the INA require that hearings be held at the nearest practicable place to the place where the person or entity resides or to the place where the alleged violation occurred.