Answers / Immigration
What kind of lawyer do I need for immigration?
For visas, green cards, citizenship, work authorization, asylum, or removal (deportation) proceedings, you need an immigration attorney. Immigration is federal law, so the attorney does not need to be licensed in your specific state — they can practice nationwide. If you are in removal proceedings, get counsel immediately; the stakes and deadlines are high.
What kind of lawyer do I need for immigration?
You need an immigration attorney. Because immigration is federal, any U.S.-licensed immigration lawyer can represent you regardless of where you live. Be cautious of non-lawyer "notarios" who are not authorized to give legal advice.
How do I find a lawyer who will take my immigration case?
Find a licensed immigration attorney (state of licensure does not matter for immigration) who handles your matter — family or employment visas, asylum, naturalization, or removal defense — and is accepting cases. Attorney Match matches immigration attorneys to your situation and drafts an outreach letter.
Can I afford a lawyer for immigration?
Immigration attorneys typically charge flat fees per application or stage. If cost is a barrier, many nonprofit and accredited organizations provide low-cost or free immigration representation, and removal-defense legal aid exists in many areas. Verify anyone you hire is a licensed attorney or an accredited representative.
What happens if no lawyer will take my immigration case?
Unlike criminal court, there is no right to a free government-appointed lawyer in immigration court, but many nonprofits and accredited representatives provide free or low-cost help — and free legal-services lists are available through the immigration courts. Never rely on a non-lawyer notario for legal advice. Keep every deadline even while searching.
Signs you likely need an immigration attorney
- You are in or facing removal (deportation) proceedings
- You received a notice or denial from immigration authorities
- You are applying for a visa, green card, or citizenship
- You have a prior immigration or criminal issue complicating your case
Don’t wait too long
Immigration filings and court dates have firm federal deadlines, and missing an immigration court date can result in an order of removal. Never miss a date.
Find an immigration attorney who will take your case
Describe your situation and Attorney Match classifies your matter, ranks attorneys whose public profiles fit an immigration matter and your state, and drafts an outreach letter for each one that you can edit and send yourself. One-time $10 — no subscription, no referral fees, and attorneys never pay to rank.
Immigration attorneys by state
Other case types
Attorney advertising. This page is general legal information, not legal advice, and reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Attorney Match is a technology service, not a law firm, and does not practice law. Matching is not a referral guarantee or an endorsement of any attorney — results vary and no attorney is guaranteed to accept your case. Laws and deadlines differ by state; consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction about your specific situation.