The presenters at the "Understanding US visas and work permits" workshop on October 17 offered a tremendous amount of information. We thought it might be helpful to provide some written notes and links.
For a list of immigration-related resources, please see the "Resources" page of the ONWARDS project website. The Artistic Freedom Initiative has compiled an FAQ document with answers to common questions about visas and legal assistance. Finally, Catherine Skolnicki, Residency Manager at City of Asylum Pittsburgh, provides these notes from her presentation.
Where to find legal resources & how to pay
- First search within your immediate network at your host organization or university
- Sponsoring universities may have law clinics and/or personal contacts with private attorneys who can help you.
- Law clinics can have long waiting lists, so the sooner you contact them, the better.
- Law clinics have networks of pro bono (no-cost) or low bono (low-cost, based on income) attorneys that they can connect you with if they are backlogged.
- Some immigrant social service agencies and refugee resettlement agencies with immigration departments can also provide legal services, depending on their capacity and waitlist.
- You can apply for a fee waiver with USCIS if you qualify. You need to show proof of financial hardship or household income at or below 150% of the poverty level.
- Make sure to keep your lawyer and USCIS updated if you move or change your mailing address (you will need to file an AR-11 form).
- To avoid fraud, make sure only to take legal advice from a trustworthy source
- An “attorney” is a person who has a valid license from a state to practice law.
- A “recognized organization” is a nonprofit, religious, charitable, social service, or similar organization that has been given permission by the US government to help people in immigration court.
- An “accredited representative” is an individual who works with a recognized organization and has been given permission by the government to help people in immigration court.
- If you think you have been a victim of immigration fraud, contact the EOIR Fraud and Abuse Prevention Program at telephone 1-877-388-3840 or by email at EOIR.Fraud.Program@usdoj.gov.
Other support services
- Immigrant and refugee social service agencies in your area
-
- These agencies may offer case management services and referrals in the areas of employment, housing, transportation, tax support, medical and behavioral health support, health insurance, and welfare benefits (food stamps, subsidized child care, and cash assistance).
- Depending on your immigration status and the state you live in, you may not qualify for welfare benefits unless you have children or dependents.
- Mental and behavioral health
- Inclusive Therapists is a mental health resource directory committed to connecting people with culturally affirming, responsive, destigmatizing, and decolonizing mental health care.
Other advice
- If you haven’t done so already, plan to have all your official documents translated into English. Translation agencies sometimes base their pricing on income. You may also receive translation help through an immigrant social service agency. Documents translated outside of a translation agency usually need to be notarized and signed by the translator.
- If you came to the US on a non-immigrant visa (like a J1), do not publicly share that you have plans or intentions to stay in the US long-term, especially for recorded or written media outlets or platforms. This could interfere with your immigration case down the road. Also: Make sure that you understand the terms of receiving payments while on your J1 with your sponsoring university or organization. Know the limitations regarding work and getting paid.
Recommended law firm (from Alesia Sedziaka, workshop panelist)
- Goldman and Goldman (Mo Goldman), Tucson, Arizona