LEGAL INFORMATION NOTICE: This checklist provides general educational information only. It is not legal advice, does not create an attorney-client relationship, and may not apply to your jurisdiction or circumstances. Immigration laws, procedures, eligibility requirements, and deadlines can change. Do not rely on this checklist for a specific immigration decision or deadline; consult a qualified immigration attorney or other authorized representative where appropriate.

“The person helping with your immigration case may not actually be authorized to give you legal advice.”

In the United States, DOJ/EOIR identifies attorneys and authorized accredited representatives as people who may provide immigration legal services in the relevant proceedings. Notarios, immigration consultants, and similar unauthorized providers cannot provide legal advice or represent people before EOIR.

Immigration Provider Verification Checklist

1. Immigration law is highly jurisdiction- and circumstance-dependent.
2. The correct immigration strategy depends on the person’s specific facts.
3. Different immigration benefits have different eligibility requirements.
4. A person who fills out forms is not necessarily authorized to provide legal advice.
5. Notarios and immigration consultants are not automatically immigration attorneys.
6. Verify the professional’s actual authorization before paying for legal services.
7. An attorney’s foreign legal qualification does not necessarily authorize practice in the United States.
8. Accredited representatives operate through recognized organizations and their authority has defined limits.
9. “Guaranteed approval” should trigger extreme skepticism.
10. No professional can legitimately guarantee every immigration outcome.
11. Government-sounding names do not prove government affiliation.
12. Be cautious of claims about secret government connections.
13. Do not sign blank applications or documents you do not understand.
14. Keep copies of everything submitted on your behalf.
15. Keep every government notice you receive.
16. Filing the wrong application can have serious consequences.
17. Missing a deadline can materially affect a case.
18. Criminal history can affect immigration consequences.
19. Prior immigration history can matter.
20. Prior applications and statements can matter.
21. Immigration cases can involve multiple government agencies and proceedings.
22. The cheapest provider may not provide the level of expertise your case requires.
23. Fees should be explained in writing.
24. You should understand exactly what services your lawyer is—and is not—providing.
25. The most important question is: “Is this person actually authorized to provide the immigration service I am paying for?”

---

C. PREMIUM BUYER CHECKLIST

1. IDENTIFY YOUR MATTER

☐ Immigration objective identified
☐ Current status documented
☐ Prior status documented
☐ Relevant family relationships documented
☐ Employment history documented
☐ Travel history documented
☐ Prior applications documented
☐ Prior refusals/denials documented
☐ Criminal/immigration issues disclosed to attorney
☐ Government notices collected

2. VERIFY THE PROFESSIONAL

☐ Attorney’s name verified
☐ Bar membership verified where applicable
☐ Immigration experience verified
☐ Relevant case experience reviewed
☐ Accredited representative status verified where applicable
☐ Recognized organization verified where applicable
☐ Disciplinary history checked where available

DOJ specifically advises people to verify whether an immigration professional is authorized and provides resources for identifying accredited representatives and recognized organizations.

3. SCOPE OF REPRESENTATION

☐ Exact service identified
☐ Government agency identified
☐ Forms identified
☐ Hearings identified
☐ Appeals identified
☐ What is NOT included identified
☐ Additional services priced separately

4. FEES

☐ Consultation fee
☐ Flat fee
☐ Hourly fee
☐ Filing fees
☐ Translation costs
☐ Expert costs
☐ Travel costs
☐ Appeal costs
☐ Refund policy
☐ Payment schedule

5. DOCUMENT CONTROL

☐ Copies of all applications
☐ Copies of supporting documents
☐ Government receipts
☐ Government notices
☐ Appointment notices
☐ Case numbers
☐ Submission confirmations

USCIS specifically recommends keeping copies of forms and letters/notices and checking that the person helping with an immigration case is authorized.

6. RED FLAGS

☐ Guaranteed visa
☐ Guaranteed green card
☐ Guaranteed approval
☐ “Secret connection” to immigration officials
☐ Pressure to pay immediately
☐ Refusal to provide written agreement
☐ Blank forms presented for signature
☐ Instructions to provide false information
☐ Refusal to provide copies
☐ Person cannot establish authorization

7. FINAL QUESTION

Who exactly is handling my case, what are they legally authorized to do, and what happens if my case does not proceed as expected?