Updated: August 25, 2026

How to find a free or low-cost immigration lawyer

Q: How to find a free or low-cost immigration lawyer

Search immigrationlawhelp.org by zip code, use the DOJ roster of recognized organizations and accredited representatives, and in New York City call 311 and ask for ActionNYC.

Start at immigrationlawhelp.org, a directory of nonprofit legal providers searchable by zip code, and the DOJ roster of recognized organizations and accredited representatives. In New York City, call 311 and ask for ActionNYC. Never pay "consultants" or notarios who are not attorneys or DOJ-accredited representatives.

Trusted national directories

immigrationlawhelp.org: a directory of nonprofit organizations that provide free or low-cost immigration legal help. Search by your zip code.
DOJ roster of recognized organizations and accredited representatives: people on this list are officially allowed to give immigration legal advice even though they are not attorneys.

When you call an organization, ask three things: whether they handle your type of case, whether there is a waitlist, and what documents to bring to the first meeting. Many good organizations have long waitlists, so contact several at once and take the first available slot.

In New York City: ActionNYC

If you live in New York City, call 311 and ask for ActionNYC. It is a city program that offers free, safe immigration legal help in many languages, regardless of your immigration status. You can ask 311 for an interpreter.

Who to avoid

Only two kinds of people may lawfully give you immigration legal advice: licensed attorneys and DOJ-accredited representatives working at recognized organizations. To check a lawyer, ask which state bar they belong to. To check a representative, look for their name on the DOJ roster linked above.

Avoid paying "immigration consultants", "notarios" or travel agencies that promise results. In many countries a "notario" is a legal professional, but in the U.S. a notary public has no authority to give legal advice. Red flags: a guarantee of results, pressure to pay cash today, refusal to give a written contract or receipts, keeping your original documents, or asking you to sign blank forms.

If money is tight, a short paid consultation with a licensed attorney is still safer than months of "help" from someone unqualified. Mistakes and fraud can permanently damage your case.

Quick answers

Who is allowed to give immigration legal advice?
Only licensed attorneys and DOJ-accredited representatives at recognized organizations. Avoid paying consultants or notarios who are neither.

How do I get free immigration legal help in NYC?
Call 311 and ask for ActionNYC, a city program with free immigration legal help in many languages.

For your personal situation, confirm the details with a licensed immigration attorney or a DOJ-accredited representative.

If you are stuck, write to us at [email protected] and we will point you to the right organizations for free. You can also ask a question or use our free legal help directory.