Help near you
Resource Hub
Help near you, and when to talk to a lawyer first.
I'm a study tutor, not a lawyer. Here you can find free legal help, classes, and offices near you, and see when to talk to a lawyer before you file. — Vía
Find help near you
Free legal help, English and citizenship classes, and USCIS offices. Your location is used only on this screen to sort places by distance. It is not saved or shared.
Where these places come from: the U.S. Department of Justice list of recognized legal-help organizations, the National Literacy Directory, and the list of USCIS field offices. A person checks each place before it is added.
Search national directories
Our map doesn't list every place yet. These sites have more.
- National Literacy DirectoryEnglish, citizenship, and adult education classes near you. Call 877-389-6874 for help.
- ImmigrationLawHelp.orgFree and low-cost nonprofit immigration legal services, by state and language.
- CareerOneStop — Find librariesPublic libraries near you. Many have free English classes, computers, and citizenship books.
- USCIS — Find a field officeThe official USCIS office list. Go only when you have an appointment notice.
Pathways USA does not run or endorse these places. Hours and services change, so call before you go. For legal advice, see only a lawyer or a DOJ-accredited representative, never a notario.
Talk to a lawyer first
Most people can apply on their own. But if ANY of these are true for you, talk to a lawyer or accredited representative BEFORE you file. Filing with one of these issues can cause serious problems, including more than a denied application. You do not need to tell this app anything.
If any of these is true for you
You have ever been arrested, cited, or charged with anything, even if it was dismissed or happened in another country
Even old, small, or dismissed cases can matter. A lawyer can check how your case affects your application.
You owe taxes, didn't file taxes, or filed as a "nonresident"
You can still apply if you owe money — but how you filed (or did not file) must be handled the right way first.
You have been outside the U.S. for 6 months or more at one time
A long trip can break your "continuous residence." A lawyer can tell you what it means for your case.
You have ever voted, registered to vote, or said you were a U.S. citizen
This is one of the most serious issues in immigration law. Always talk to a lawyer before you file.
You have ever been in deportation/removal proceedings or had an immigration application denied
Past immigration problems can change what USCIS looks for in your new application.
You did not register for Selective Service when required
Most men living in the U.S. between ages 18 and 26 had to register. A lawyer can help if you did not.
You owe child support
USCIS asks whether you failed to support your dependents. A lawyer can help you answer this safely.
Questions about how you got your green card
How you got your green card matters. If you are not sure it was proper, ask a lawyer first.
Find free or low-cost legal help
- ImmigrationLawHelp.orgDirectory of nonprofit legal services, searchable by state and language.
- DOJ — Recognized Organizations and Accredited RepresentativesOfficial U.S. Department of Justice list of organizations and representatives accredited to give immigration legal help.
- CitizenshipworksFree online tool that helps you complete your application and connects you to legal help.
Who can legally help you
Only lawyers and DOJ-accredited representatives can give immigration legal advice. Notarios and “immigration consultants” cannot.
This page helps you find help and explains when to get legal help. It is not legal advice about your situation. Nothing you read or search here, including your location, is saved or shared.