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What should I keep after an attorney files something for me?

What records to preserve after an immigration attorney files a document, including the full submission, exhibits, service proof, and filing confirmations.

Published August 31, 2026Last reviewed August 31, 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.

What should I keep after an attorney files something for me?

Last reviewed: August 31, 2026

General information only. Maintaining your own complete copy helps preserve continuity if counsel changes or a filing later needs to be reviewed.

Keep a complete copy of exactly what was filed, not only the signature page or final PDF name. Your records should let a future attorney—or you—reconstruct the submission without guessing.

Save the filed document, every attachment or exhibit, translations and certifications, cover page, witness list if applicable, Proof or Certificate of Service, and any filing-fee or fee-waiver material. Then save proof of delivery or electronic filing and, when available, proof that the agency or court accepted or received it.

Record the filing date, destination, method, attorney or representative who filed it, and any deadline it was intended to satisfy. If the filing was through an online portal, save the confirmation page or email as a PDF or screenshot in addition to the local copy.

Keep later notices that refer to the filing in the same folder. If something is rejected, returned, or corrected, preserve both the rejected version and the corrected version instead of overwriting the history.

Ask your attorney for a copy promptly if you do not have one. For a broader handoff system, see How do I transfer my evidence file to a new attorney?.

Official resources

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.

U.S. Department of Justice / EOIRjustice.govU.S. Department of Justice / EOIRjustice.govUSCISuscis.gov
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