How do I use this website?

  • Choose the type of immigration help you need. 
  • Fill out at least one search field and click the “search” button. Use search fields to filter immigration lawyers by the kinds of immigration cases they work on, what language(s) they speak, where they are, or their last name. You must fill out at least one field to get a list of lawyers. You do not need to fill out all fields.
  • This will give you a list of lawyers that match your search terms. If you entered your zip code, lawyers will be listed from closest to farthest away from you. If you didn’t give your zip code, lawyers are in random order.
  • Click on a lawyer’s name to learn more. To contact a lawyer on your list, click “contact this lawyer” and write a little about yourself—not your whole history yet. This will send an email to the lawyer.

How much does immigration help cost?

Immigration cases can have very different costs. How complex a case is, and other factors, can make a difference in the price. You also need to pay government filing fees, translation service fees, and other costs relating to your case usually.

To get started, ask the lawyer how much they charge for a consultation. During a consultation, you will talk about your situation, your options, ask questions, and see if the lawyer is a good fit. Read the tips for working with a lawyer.

How do lawyers get on this list?

All AILA members who are on AILALawyer.com:

  • Are licensed lawyers in good standing in at least one state,
  • Have been a member of AILA for two years or more,
  • Have professional liability insurance coverage of $100,000 or more, and 
  • Took at least nine hours of classes last year to help them stay up to date on immigration law.

There aren’t any immigration lawyers near me. Can one help me if we can’t meet in person?

Yes. It may be good to meet the lawyer in person, but you don’t always need to. Ask the lawyer you contact if they can work with you without meeting in person.

Will this website give me legal advice?

No. This website helps you find a lawyer who offers immigration legal help. 

Where can I find information about immigration law?

Immigration law is complicated. What seems like a basic case can have problems that are hard to detect unless you understand the law completely. A lawyer can analyze your options, discuss risks, and may suggest better immigration options for you.

If you decide to do your own research, make sure you get your information from a trustworthy and up-to-date source. A good source for people representing themselves is the American Immigration Council.

Questions about value, pro bono, and tips

Some people can get free or low-cost legal help from nonprofit organizations. Visit the U.S. Department of Justice's Pro Bono Program to find groups that can help for free.

What can I do if a "notario" or immigration consultant messed up my case?

If you think a notario or immigration consultant has harmed you, visit Stop Notario Fraud for more information.

Why isn’t my current lawyer on this site?

Not all AILA members put their names on this site.


To find out if your lawyer is an AILA member, email us at ils@aila.org.

If I understand the requirements for deferred action, why do I need a lawyer?

It is strongly recommended that you talk with a lawyer before submitting any application. Basic cases with even small problems can result in long waits or denials.

A lawyer can take into account your entire immigration history and tell you what your options are and which ones are best for you, discuss risks that may come up, and may suggest better immigration options for you.

How do I work with an immigration lawyer?

You will need to work together with your lawyer. There are things you can do to make sure you get the best lawyer for you and make the process easier. These six tips will help you work well with your lawyer:

  1. If you are worried about the price, ask several lawyers how much they charge. Some have payment plans, financing options, and ways to divide the work up so it will cost less.
  2. When you meet for a consultation, bring all the documents and paperwork you have about the issue, as well as identification and passport.
  3. Think about your situation for a few minutes. Write down the basic facts of your case: for example, when you came to the United States each time, who you came with, and why you made the trip. It’s good to write down key dates, times, and events and bring that to the meeting. If it involves other people, ask them to do the same and bring their notes too.
  4. Always tell your lawyer when you change your phone number, email, or address. Tell your lawyer about changes like pregnancy, death, birth, marriage, divorce, changed job, or other major life situations.
  5. Pay your lawyer’s bills on time. If you cannot pay on time, tell the lawyer right away. Work with them to find a solution like doing your case at a later date, skipping a payment and making a plan to get back on track, or getting a loan to cover the balance due.
  6. Always tell your lawyer the whole truth about your situation. They cannot help you if they don’t know all the facts. Lawyers cannot lie or they could lose their license to practice law. Be honest from the beginning.

For Lawyers: How do I get listed on this website?

To be listed on this website, you must:

  • Be a licensed lawyer in good standing in at least one state,
  • Have been an AILA member for two years or more,
  • Have professional liability insurance coverage of $100,000 or more, and
  • Have taken at least nine hours of classes in the last year at the time of signing up.

If all these criteria are filled, register for AILA Lawyer and build your profile in My AILA.


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