These nonprofit organizations in Connecticut offer FREE or low-cost immigration legal help. If you need help with DACA, asylum, citizenship, deportation, or any immigration case, contact these options BEFORE paying private fees.

These nonprofits provide free or low-cost immigration legal services to Connecticut residents. Capacity is limited — call first; most require an appointment.

  • Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants (CIRI) — 410 Colorado Ave, Bridgeport, CT 06605 · 203-336-0141. Statewide nonprofit immigration legal program: family-based petitions, adjustment of status, naturalization, asylum, DACA, work authorization, and U/T visas and VAWA petitions for survivors of crime and trafficking, plus representation in removal proceedings and before the BIA. Free/low-cost for low-income clients; by appointment. (Formerly the International Institute of Connecticut.)
  • Apostle Immigrant Services — 115 Blatchley Avenue, New Haven, CT 06513 · 203-752-9068. New Haven nonprofit: adjustment of status, consular processing, family petitions, naturalization, DACA, TPS, Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, U and T visas, VAWA, work authorization, and representation before the immigration court and BIA. Nominal fee.
  • New Haven Legal Assistance Association (NHLAA) — 205 Orange Street, New Haven, CT 06510 · 203-946-4811. Free civil legal aid for low-income residents of New Haven County and the Lower Naugatuck Valley; the immigration unit handles removal defense including asylum, SIJS, VAWA, and U and T visas. Does not ask about or report immigration status; Spanish interpreters available.
  • Connecticut Legal Services (CLS) — Connecticut’s largest legal-aid agency (six offices statewide). Free legal aid to eligible clients; its immigration work helps domestic-violence victims and unaccompanied minors stabilize their status, including Special Immigrant Juvenile Status. To apply, call Statewide Legal Services at 1-800-453-3320 or text APPLY to 860-300-3845, as listed at ctlegal.org.

CTLawHelp.org — Connecticut’s statewide legal-aid hub — use its Legal Help Finder to locate free legal help, then contact an immigration nonprofit directly (the affiliated hotline itself does not handle immigration cases).

Immigration cases for Connecticut residents are heard at the Hartford immigration court. Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants (CIRI) is recognized by the U.S. Department of Justice’s Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA). The U.S. Department of Justice (EOIR) publishes a List of Pro Bono Legal Service Providers for that court. None of the organizations on this page pay us — these are public-interest referrals, not sponsored links.

National resources (available to Connecticut residents)

Directories and hotlines

Specific-case hotlines

  • Asylum: RAICES 1-833-372-4237 (the number RAICES publishes on its own contact page), CLINIC asylum line
  • Detention: National Immigration Project (NIPNLG) (617) 227-9727 — ICE ERO Detention Reporting and Information Line 1-888-351-4024
  • VAWA / domestic violence: 1-800-799-SAFE (national line)
  • Human trafficking victims: National Human Trafficking Hotline 1-888-373-7888

⚠️ Important: Avoid fraudulent “notarios”

AVOID PEOPLE CALLING THEMSELVES “NOTARIO PÚBLICO” FOR IMMIGRATION if not attorneys or BIA-accredited reps. US notary publics are NOT attorneys (unlike Latin America). Federal rules (8 CFR 292.1) limit who may represent you before immigration authorities to attorneys, BIA-accredited representatives and a few other listed categories.

Verify credentials:

How to prepare for consultation

  1. Bring ALL documents: passport, green card if any, USCIS letters, criminal records, tax returns, evidence of family relationship, immigration status history
  2. Be HONEST: even about criminal records or past issues. Attorney needs FULL truth to defend you well.
  3. Ask about timelines and possible outcomes
  4. Confirm cost (if applicable) in writing before committing
  5. Bring translator if your English is limited

Last verified: 2026-09-24.

General procedural information for educational purposes. Not legal, tax, or immigration advice. Laws and fees change — verify with the issuing agency before taking action. For case-specific guidance, consult a licensed immigration attorney or other appropriate professional.