If you want to immigrate to a different country but don't have a lot of money, you may need to obtain the services of a free immigration lawyer. While it can be difficult to obtain legal services for free, it is not impossible, particularly if you are faced with extraordinary circumstances. It is also possible to get free immigration lawyer advice without receiving full representation. Finding free immigration law services is often a matter of contacting immigration rights groups as well as legal clinics and presenting them with your case to see if you qualify for free assistance.
Not all immigration cases require the services of a professional attorney. If your immigration case is fairly straightforward, you may not need a free immigration lawyer, but may simply need some guidance, which can be found on reputable online immigration advice sites or through the services of an immigration consultant. You could also try presenting your case to a legal aid clinic or immigration center and asking whether they believe you need legal representation. If they believe that you do need legal help, they may provide you with a free immigration lawyer who works with them either as a staff member or as a volunteer. Another possibility for getting free or reduced-cost immigration legal assistance is through your or your spouse's work or school if either institution offers a legal services benefit.
While it is unlikely that you will find a free immigration lawyer by looking up attorneys in a phone book or through an online directory, you may still be able to find immigration lawyers who offer free immigration consultations. These short consultations may simply be a marketing technique, but you may be able to get an accurate appraisal of your case. If the attorney you speak to isn't able to help you, he may be able to refer you to someone who can. In all cases, you should choose an immigration lawyer who has experience in immigration law and is familiar with the type of visa you are attempting to secure. Be sure to ask about this during your consultations.
In unique situations, you may be able to attract free legal help from a lawyer who is either committed to social justice issues or who wishes to make her reputation by representing a client in unusual or particularly trying circumstances. For example, if you face some sort of persecution or abuse in the country in which you hold citizenship, you may be able to get free immigration help. One option for getting the attention of an attorney who may be able to help you in such situations is to go to the media, as a well-placed media story may be read by a sympathetic attorney who may take on your case for free.