Immigration paperwork in New York: who can help, and who can't
Updated: 23 hours ago
By Marie Jeanne Kaba, MBA | TETEEMA GROUP LLC
Knowing the difference between a document preparer and a lawyer protects you. Here is what New York law says you are entitled to.
In New York, businesses that help with immigration paperwork but are not law firms are called immigrant assistance service providers. They can type forms from the information you give them, translate documents and assemble packets. They cannot give legal advice, choose which form or benefit is right for you, or represent you before immigration authorities.
Your rights with a provider
A written contract in English and in a language you understand, listing every service and fee.
The right to cancel within three business days without fee or penalty, and to cancel at any time after that.
Your original documents back, always.
A receipt for every payment.
To learn more, see the New York Attorney General's guidance on immigration services fraud.
When you need a lawyer
If you are not sure which application to file, or you have a past denial, a court date or a criminal record, talk to a licensed attorney or a DOJ-accredited representative first. USCIS keeps a guide to finding legal services. For free, confidential referrals in many languages, call the New York State Office for New Americans Hotline at 1-800-566-7636.
We are happy to refer you to independent immigration attorneys, and we never accept referral fees.
Want help with your paperwork? Your first conversation is free, in your language. Call 718-880-4485, WhatsApp 646-852-0774, or walk in at 451 Rockaway Avenue, Brooklyn.
TETEEMA GROUP LLC is not a law firm and is not authorized to provide legal advice. No one at TETEEMA GROUP is an attorney or a DOJ-accredited representative. This article is general information, not legal advice. Your situation may differ.
About the author
Marie Jeanne Kaba, MBA, is the founder and CEO of TETEEMA GROUP LLC in Brooklyn, New York. She is an IRS Certifying Acceptance Agent, has been NYS licensed for more than 20 years, and holds an MBA in Finance from St. John's University. She serves clients in English and French.
© 2026 TETEEMA GROUP LLC. Written by Marie Jeanne Kaba, MBA. You're welcome to share a link to this article. If you quote it, please name TETEEMA GROUP LLC and link to the original page.
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