Permitted administrative assistance
- Providing blank forms or links to official forms.
- Typing or transcribing answers exactly as the client provides them.
- Making copies and scanning documents.
- Organizing documents according to an official checklist.
- Helping create a list of missing documents.
- Preparing envelopes, labels, and mailing packets using published instructions.
- Coordinating certified translation services.
- Helping a client preserve copies and proof of delivery.
What document preparers should not do
- Choose which immigration form or benefit a person should pursue.
- Tell a person how to answer a question.
- Interpret immigration law or determine eligibility.
- Advise a person to omit, hide, or misstate information.
- Prepare legal arguments, affidavits, motions, waivers, or appeals without authorization.
- Represent a person before USCIS, the Department of State, immigration court, or the Board of Immigration Appeals.
Legal review is strongly recommended when there is any arrest or conviction, prior immigration violation, unlawful presence, removal order, prior denial, suspected misrepresentation, deadline, waiver issue, or uncertainty about eligibility.
Typical administrative workflow
- You select the process or obtain legal advice about what to file.
- You receive the official form edition and instructions.
- You provide your own answers and supporting documents.
- We type and organize the information without changing its meaning.
- You carefully review every page and sign only after confirming accuracy.
- You or your authorized legal representative decide whether and when to file.