How to Verify an Immigration Consultant or Accredited Representative

Quick answer

Only two types of people may legally provide immigration legal services for a fee: (1) licensed attorneys — verify through the state bar; and (2) EOIR-accredited representatives — verify through the DOJ Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) list of recognized organizations and accredited representatives at justice.gov/eoir. There is no such thing as a licensed “immigration consultant” at the federal level.

Who may legally provide immigration legal services

Under federal regulations (8 CFR Part 292), only the following persons may represent individuals before the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the immigration courts for a fee:

Licensed attorneys — admitted to practice law in any U.S. state or territory and in good standing
EOIR-accredited representatives — non-attorneys who work for a DOJ-recognized nonprofit organization and are individually accredited by EOIR
Law students and graduates — may represent clients under attorney supervision in certain programs
Reputable individuals — permitted to appear on behalf of an individual in a specific case at the immigration judge's discretion (limited, case-by-case)

Notario fraud: a serious and widespread problem

In Latin America, a “notario” is a highly qualified legal professional. In the U.S., the title has no legal meaning — but fraudsters use it to imply legal authority. Unauthorized practitioners who call themselves “notarios,” “immigration consultants,” or “immigration specialists” and charge for legal services are committing the unauthorized practice of law. This is illegal in all states and can result in criminal charges.

Verifying EOIR-accredited representatives

The Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) maintains a public list of organizations recognized to provide immigration legal services and the individuals accredited to represent immigrants in those organizations.

Go to justice.gov/eoir and search for “List of Currently Recognized Organizations and Accredited Representatives”
The list is available as a searchable document or database
Confirm: the organization is currently recognized AND the individual representative is accredited by EOIR
Check whether the accreditation is “partial” (DHS only) or “full” (DHS and immigration courts)

EOIR accreditation must be renewed every 3 years. An accreditation that has not been renewed is no longer valid. Confirm current active status.

Verifying immigration attorneys

Immigration attorneys are licensed to practice law in a U.S. state and may represent clients in immigration matters regardless of which state the client or attorney is located in. Verify through:

State bar: Verify bar admission and good standing through the state bar where the attorney is licensed — most state bars have public license lookup tools
EOIR attorney registration: Attorneys who practice in immigration court must register with EOIR. Check EOIR's attorney database for attorneys who appear in immigration court
AILA membership: The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) maintains a member directory at aila.org — membership indicates a focus on immigration law but is not required

A bar-licensed attorney in good standing may practice immigration law in any state regardless of where they are admitted — federal immigration law is uniform across states.

State immigration consultant laws

Several states have enacted immigration consultant laws that create a state registration scheme for non-attorney immigration consultants. These laws are consumer protection measures — they do NOT authorize consultants to practice immigration law. California, for example, requires immigration consultants to register with the state, post a bond, and disclose they are not attorneys.

State registration does not mean legal authorization

Even in states with immigration consultant registration, a registered consultant may only assist with document preparation — not provide legal advice, legal representation, or appear before immigration courts or DHS on behalf of a client. Only attorneys and EOIR-accredited representatives may do that. Verify that the person assisting you understands and respects this limitation.

Red flags

Person calls themselves an “immigration consultant,” “notario,” or “immigration specialist” and charges for legal advice or representation
Cannot confirm a state bar license or EOIR accreditation when asked
Organization is not on the EOIR recognized organization list
Individual representative is not on the EOIR accredited representative list
Guarantees a specific immigration outcome — no legitimate attorney or representative can guarantee results
Asks you to sign blank forms or submit forms you have not reviewed
State bar lookup shows no active license or a disciplinary history

Verification checklist

1. Determine if the person claims to be an attorney or an accredited representative
2. If attorney: verify bar admission and good standing with the relevant state bar
3. If accredited representative: verify at justice.gov/eoir — confirm both the organization and the individual are currently listed
4. Confirm whether accreditation is partial (DHS only) or full (DHS + immigration courts) and whether that matches the services needed
5. If neither attorney nor accredited representative: do not allow them to provide legal advice or representation

Verify law school accreditation

Immigration attorneys must hold J.D. degrees from ABA-accredited law schools. Use VerifyED to confirm whether a law school is properly accredited.

Search Schools and Accreditation →