Legal Help & Representation

How Do I Find Free or Pro Bono Immigration Legal Help?

How to use EOIR’s official pro bono provider list and what to check before trusting someone with an immigration case.

Published August 12, 2026Last reviewed August 12, 2026General information
Not legal advice.US Asylum Help provides general information, research links, and organization tools. We do not determine eligibility, deadlines, strategy, evidence sufficiency, or what anyone should say or file in an individual immigration matter.

EOIR maintains an official List of Pro Bono Legal Service Providers for people in immigration proceedings. The list includes nonprofit organizations, referral services, and attorneys who may provide free legal services in immigration court matters.

Free does not mean every provider must take every case

Being on the list does not guarantee that an organization or attorney has capacity to accept your case. Contact more than one provider if necessary and keep notes of who you called and when.

Ask what the representation covers

Before relying on a representative, ask whether the person will represent you:

  • for the whole immigration-court case;
  • only for a specific hearing or issue;
  • on appeal if necessary; and
  • for related USCIS filings.

EOIR warns that notarios and other non-lawyer immigration specialists are not authorized to represent people before the immigration courts or the BIA unless they qualify under the applicable representation rules.

EOIR also publishes information about disciplined practitioners.

Keep a representation file

Save engagement letters, notices of appearance, invoices or receipts, emails, and a record of what services the representative agreed to provide.

Official sources

Verified against official sources: August 12, 2026.

General educational information only; not legal advice.

Official sources & current information

Verify changing requirements at the source.

This section identifies government links contained in this guide. The government page, form instructions, court notice, or other controlling document should be checked for current requirements.

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