Only a licensed attorney or a representative accredited by a Department of Justice (EOIR) recognized organization can give you immigration legal advice. A 'notario' in the United States is not a lawyer. Verify your attorney with the state bar and accredited representatives in the EOIR directory. Be wary of anyone who guarantees results or rushes you to sign.
Quick answer
Only a licensed attorney or a representative accredited by a Department of Justice (EOIR) recognized organization can give you immigration legal advice. In the United States, a “notario” is not a lawyer. Always verify credentials, require a written contract, and be wary of anyone who guarantees results.
Who can actually help you
- Licensed attorneys in good standing in a state.
- Accredited representatives recognized by EOIR who work with a recognized organization.
No one else can give you immigration legal advice, no matter how professional their office looks.
How to verify credentials
| Type | Where to verify |
|---|---|
| Attorney | State bar / American Bar Association |
| Accredited representative / organization | EOIR Recognition & Accreditation directory (justice.gov/eoir) |
Warning signs (red flags)
- Guarantees a result or claims “connections” with the government.
- Rushes you to sign blank forms or forms you do not understand.
- Accepts cash only and gives no receipt or contract.
- Asks you to sign documents with false information.
- Promises what others cannot (“I know something they don’t”).
Where to find free or low-cost help
- The Department of Justice list of free or low-cost providers.
- The Immigration Advocates national directory to find organizations by state.
- Nonprofit organizations that help low-income people.
How to report fraud
If you were a victim of notario fraud, you can report it to stopnotariofraud.org, your state attorney general’s office, or the FTC.
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Frequently asked questions
Why can't a notario help me with my case?
In many countries "notario" means lawyer, but not in the U.S. A notary public only certifies signatures. If a notario fills out your forms with false information, USCIS can deny your case for fraud and you are held responsible.
How do I verify an attorney?
Confirm they are licensed and in good standing with the state bar where they say they practice. The American Bar Association has resources to locate that information.
What is an accredited representative?
It is a person authorized by the Department of Justice (EOIR) who works with a recognized organization. Fully accredited representatives can represent you before USCIS and the immigration court. Verify them in the EOIR directory.
Where do I find free or low-cost help?
The Department of Justice publishes a list of free or low-cost providers, and the Immigration Advocates directory helps you find organizations by state. Many nonprofits help low-income people.
Official sources
Verified against primary sources on June 3, 2026. Immigration law changes fast, always confirm at the official source before acting.
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