Who they are
A DOJ-accredited representative is a person who works for a nonprofit organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Justice's Office of Legal Access Programs. They are not attorneys, but the government allows them to give legal advice on immigration matters and, if fully accredited, to represent people before immigration courts.
They usually work at community organizations, churches, Catholic Charities offices and legal aid groups. Fees are typically low or based on income, and some services are free.
How to check that someone is accredited
- Ask for the person's name and the organization's name.
- Look both up on the DOJ Recognition & Accreditation roster, a public list updated monthly.
- The organization must be on the roster too, at the address where you are being helped.
- Anyone who says they are "accredited" but is not on that list is not accredited, whatever their business card says.
What to bring to a first appointment
- Any immigration papers you have, even old ones: notices, receipts, prior applications, a passport.
- The dates you entered or left the country, as best you remember.
- A short written list of your questions.
- Do not sign anything you don't understand, and ask for a copy of everything you sign.
Where Advocasí fits
Advocasí is not a law firm and does not give legal advice. We offer a free eligibility check that explains, in plain English or Spanish, which immigration pathways exist and what documents they usually require, and we help people prepare their own paperwork at a flat price. When a case needs legal advice, an accredited representative or an attorney is the right next step, and this directory is where you find one.
Common questions
- Is an accredited representative the same as a notario?
- No. In the United States a notary public cannot give immigration advice. A DOJ-accredited representative works at a recognized nonprofit and is on the public roster.
- Do they charge?
- Recognized organizations may charge only nominal fees. Many use a sliding scale based on income, and some services are free.