How to Protect Yourself

• Always:
  • Request a written contract signed and dated by an immigration lawyer.
  • Request a receipt showing the date, the amount you paid, and the service you paid for.
  • Request the lawyer’s business card & website.
  • Ask that the lawyer explain documents and legal procedures to you.
  • Keep your original documents and only give copies to your lawyer.
  • Keep copies of any contracts, forms filed on your behalf, receipts, & any other documents.
  • You will get a receipt from U.S Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) when you turn in your paperwork. Keep it!
    • It proves USCIS received your application or petition.
    • You will need the receipt to check on the status of your application.
• Never:
  • Pay for blank government forms.
    • Government forms are FREE and can be accessed by anyone on the internet.
    • You may only have to pay when you submit the completed forms to the government.
  • Sign a blank form, or document that has false information in it.
  • Sign a document that you don’t understand.