How to avoid immigration scams

In many countries a "notario" is a lawyer. In the United States, a notary public or "immigration consultant" cannot give legal advice or represent you.

Warning signs

• Guaranteed results or a "fast green card."
• Requests to sign blank forms or forms with false information.
• Keeping your original documents.
• Charging for forms that are free at uscis.gov.

Who can legally help

Only a licensed attorney, or a DOJ-accredited representative at a recognized organization. Ask a lawyer for their bar number and verify it with the state bar.

This is a private website, not a government site. Official forms are at uscis.gov.