The path to citizenship can feel like a long and overwhelming process, but with ample preparation, information, and the right tools, it can lead to success. The first step is finding trusted, qualified legal assistance. Be aware of immigration consultants, tax preparers who offer immigration services, and notarios, who prey on immigrants seeking legal assistance in their immigration process. Often, notarios use the term “notario publico” to advertise their services. Notarios are NOT attorneys, and they are NOT accredited representatives approved by the government. Notarios CANNOT represent you in court, and they CANNOT give you legal advice. Misconduct by notarios can cost you thousands of dollars and may impede your application process.
Fortunately, there are tips and strategies to help you avoid fraud. Always check for credentials of the attorney or legal service provider from whom you are considering assistance. You should also check for past disciplinary actions, and identify that their areas of expertise match your needs. Once you decide on an attorney or legal professional, make sure to get a written contract. Stay informed by asking questions throughout the process, and make sure to request and keep copies of any and all documents.
Find help from trusted immigration attorneys and legal service providers here.
Immigration Attorney Referral List
Here you will find a list of Low-Cost Legal Service Agencies and a list of Private Bar Immigration Attorneys that may be able to help you with your immigration case.
Call to ask for fees, types of services offered, and to schedule an appointment.
For information on free events near you visit the Upcoming Events page or call 619-363-3423.
Low-Cost Legal Service Agencies
Legal Help: Asylum, U-Visa, T-Visa, VAWA, SIJS
2760 5th Ave., Suite # 200, San Diego, CA 92103
Tel: 619-231-7788
Legal Help: Green Card Renewal, FOIA, Citizenship, Family Petitions
119 W. Hall Ave., San Ysidro, CA 92173
Tel: 619-428-1115
Legal Help: Citizenship, Family Petitions, Asylum, U-Visa, T-Visa, VAWA, SIJS, Removal & Deportation Defense, UAC's
4575 B Mission Gorge Place, San Diego, CA 92120– Tel:619-287-1270
Call above number for east county locations.
293 H Street, Chula Vista, CA 91910– Tel: 619-498-0722
St. Francis Catholic Church: 525 W. Vista Way, Vista CA, 92083 (Parish Office)– Tel: 619-287-1270
250 W. Orange Ave, El Centro, CA 92243 - Tel: 760-353-6822
Immigration Center for Women & Children
Legal Help: VAWA and U-Visa
427 C Street, Suite # 208, San Diego, 92101
Tel: 619-515-2200
International Rescue Committee
Legal Help: Citizenship, Green Card Applications, Family Petitions, DACA, Work Authorizations and Citizenship Preparation Classes
5348 University Ave, Suite # 205, San Diego, CA 92105– Tel: 619-641-7510 x250
131 E. Main Street, El Cajon, CA 92020– Tel: 619-440-6208
Jewish Family Service of San Diego
Legal Help: Citizenship, Green Card Applications & Renewals, General Immigration, FOIA, Removal Defense, Cancellation of Removal, Asylum and Waivers
8788 Balboa Ave., San Diego, CA 92123
Tel: 858-637-3365
Legal Aid Society of San Diego
Legal Help: Citizenship, Green Card Renewal, Deportation Defense, Family Petitions, VAWA and Waivers
110 South Euclid Avenue, San Diego, CA 92114 OR 216 South Tremont Street, Oceanside, CA 92054
Tel: 877-534-2524
Legal Help: DACA, Naturalization and Citizenship, FOIA, VAWA, T visas, TPS, SIJS, Family Based, Asylum, Waivers
1600 Buena Vista Dr. Vista, CA 92081
Tel: 760-477-7537
Private Bar Immigration Attorneys
1620 5th Avenue, Suite # 750, San Diego, CA 92101
Tel: 619-230-0012
Languages spoken: English and Spanish
4411 30th Street, Suite # 203, San Diego, CA 92116
1650 Linda Vista Drive, Suite # 203, San Marcos, CA 92078
Tel: 619-255-7310 / 760-301-1030
Languages spoken: English and Spanish
1901 1st Avenue, Suite # 217A, San Diego, CA 92101
Tel: 619-786-5828
Languages spoken: English and Spanish
2173 Salk Avenue, Suite # 250, Carlsbad, 92008
402 West Broadway, Suite # 400, San Diego, CA 92101
Downtown office by appointment only
Tel: 760-579-7389 / 760-284-3607
Languages spoken: English, Spanish and Italian
Law Office of Fabiola A. Navarro
2667 Camino del Rio South, Suite # 307-7, San Diego, CA 92108
Tel: 619-995-3224
Languages spoken: English and Spanish
401 B Street, Suite # 2010, San Diego, CA 92101
Tel: 619-734-7345
Languages spoken: English, Spanish, Thai and Lao
7710 Balboa Avenue, Suite # 325, San Diego, CA 92111
Tel: 281-455-2462 / 858-256-0227
Languages spoken: English, Filipino (Tagalog, Hiligaynon), and Spanish
1680 Broadway, Suite A, Chula Vista, CA 91911
Tel. 619-347-4238
Languages spoken: English and Spanish
Law Offices of Erin J. Lee, P.C.
500 La Terraza Blvd. Suite #150, Escondido, CA 92025
Tel: 619-361-1015
Languages spoken: English, Spanish and Korean