USCIS finally fighting “unauthorized practices of law” by “immigration consultants”!
Are you getting the right immigration help?
Many people offer help with immigration services. Unfortunately, not all are authorized to do so. While many of these unauthorized practitioners mean well, all too many of them are out to rip you off. This is against the law and may be considered an immigration service scam.
If you need help filing an application or petition with USCIS, be sure to seek assistance from the right place, and from people that are authorized to help. Going to the wrong place can:
- Delay your application or petition
- Cost you unncessary fees
- Possibly lead to deportation proceedings
This site can help you avoid immigration service scams. Remember: Know the facts when it comes to immigration assistance, because the Wrong Help Can Hurt.
Tools to Help You Avoid Scammers
USCIS wants to combat immigration service scams by equipping applicants, legal service providers and community-based organizations with the knowledge and tools they need to detect and protect themselves from dishonest practices.
To accomplish this goal, USCIS launched the Unauthorized Practice of Immigration Law (UPIL) Initiative. As part of the effort, we’ve partnered with several government agencies to identify resources that can help you avoid immigration services scams.
Empower yourself by using our online educational resources, which include:
- The top things to know before and after filing an application or petition
- A list of common immigration services scams
- State-by-state information on where you can report an immigration services scam
- Advice on finding authorized legal help
- Information on becoming an authorized legal immigration service provider
- Educational tools you can print and share