Finding an Immigration Lawyer
Not every immigration question requires a lawyer. However, in some situations, working with a qualified immigration attorney can help you understand your options and avoid delays, misinformation, or costly mistakes.
If you decide to seek legal advice, choose a lawyer who has experience in immigration law.
Before You Contact a Lawyer
Before contacting an attorney, you should first:
- Speak with your Visa and Immigration Services (VIS) advisor. Many immigration questions related to your student or scholar status can be answered by VIS.
- Review information on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website. USCIS provides official information about immigration benefits, forms, and processes.
New Americans Hotline
You can find immigration legal help and other resources through the New York State New Americans Hotline.
Phone: 1-800-566-7636
Hours:
- Monday–Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. (Eastern Time)
- Saturday–Sunday: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time)
- Closed on federal holidays
All calls are anonymous, and assistance is available in more than 200 languages.
You can call the hotline to:
- Get answers to immigration and naturalization questions
- Receive referrals to free legal services and immigrant support programs
- Report fraud or scams targeting immigrant communities
Free or Low-Cost Legal Resources
Immigration Advocates Network Legal Directory
The Immigration Advocates Network provides a searchable directory of nonprofit organizations and attorneys offering free or low-cost immigration legal services.
Website: https://www.immigrationadvocates.org/nonprofit/legaldirectory/
International Student Resource Center
The International Student Resource Center connects students with immigration attorneys and legal support resources for international students and scholars.
Website: https://internationalstudentresourcecenter.org/
How to Find an Immigration Lawyer
You can find the names of immigration lawyers through professional organizations and
referral services.
American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA)
The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) provides a directory of licensed immigration attorneys.
Website: www.ailalawyer.com
You can search for lawyers based on location or immigration services offered.
Suffolk County Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service
If you are located in Suffolk County, New York, you may use the Suffolk County Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service.
Phone: 631-234-5511
Website: www.scba.org
Law Directories
You can also search legal directories that provide information about attorneys practicing in New York State.
One example is the Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory.
Website: https://www.martindale.com
These directories often include a lawyer’s background, experience, and areas of practice.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Lawyer
Before selecting a lawyer, contact the offices of several attorneys and ask questions about their experience and services.
You may wish to ask:
- Do you specialize in immigration law?
- Do you have experience with cases similar to mine?
- Do you charge a flat fee or an hourly rate?
- Can you provide an estimated total cost?
- How long do you expect the process to take?
Before You Sign a Contract
Before hiring a lawyer, consider the following:
- Can you communicate clearly with the lawyer?
- Did the lawyer explain the process in a way you understand?
- Are the fees reasonable and clearly explained?
- Did the lawyer explain how you will receive updates about your case?
Before signing any agreement, read the contract carefully. Make sure you understand all terms and fees. The services you discussed should be clearly written in the contract.
If You Have a Problem With Your Lawyer
If you have concerns about your lawyer, you should first discuss the issue directly with them.
If the problem cannot be resolved, you may contact the New York State Bar Association for guidance or information about filing a complaint.