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Original USCIS brochure edition: May 2011.
The wrong help can damage an immigration case. In the United States, a “notario público,” consultant, translator, friend, or document preparer is not automatically authorized to give immigration legal advice.
Who may give legal advice?
Legal advice should come from a licensed attorney or a Department of Justice-accredited representative working through a recognized organization. Before paying, verify the person’s professional status and ask for a written agreement and receipt.
Warning signs
- Promises of guaranteed approval or special government connections.
- Requests to sign blank forms or forms you do not understand.
- Instructions to provide false information or omit important facts.
- Refusal to give you copies of forms, evidence, receipts, or notices.
- Requests for USCIS fees by gift card or payment to an individual.
- Websites that imitate an agency but do not use a .gov address.
Protect the record
Read every filing before signing. Keep a complete copy of everything submitted, every government notice, and proof of delivery and payment. Do not surrender original documents unless an agency specifically requests them.
Official source: USCIS: Check Before You Trust.