BIA RECOGNITION AND ACCREDITATION

DOJ RECOGNITION

AND ACCREDITATION

A Step-by-Step Guide for Non-

Profit Community-Based Agencies

Guide prepared by Amy Bliss Tenney, Immigration Legal Services Staff Attorney,

World Relief.

Edited by Jack Holmgren, Strategic Capacity Advisor, Catholic Legal Immigration

Network, Inc. Updated by Laura Burdick, Field Support Coordinator, Catholic

Legal Immigration Network, Inc., 301-565-4815, [email protected] and by

Sarah Bankard, Capacity Building Specialist, World Relief, 443-451-1937,

[email protected].

Sample documents prepared by Jack Holmgren, Laura Burdick, and Sarah

Bankard. They are not samples from actual applications, and there is no guarantee

that such applications would be approved.

Guide and samples last updated February 2023.

Materials may be distributed and/or copied with attribution.

World Relief

7 East Baltimore Street

Baltimore, MD 21202-1602

Tel. 443-451-1900

Fax 443-451-1965

www.wr.org

Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc.

8757 Georgia Avenue, Suite 850

Silver Spring, MD 20910

Tel. 301-565-4800

Fax 301-565-4824

www.cliniclegal.org

Table of Contents

Introduction …………………………………………………………………………… 1

I. Overview of Department of Justice (DOJ) Agency Site Recognition and Agency Staff

Accreditation …………………………………………………………………………... 2

II. Applying for First-Time DOJ Agency Site Recognition and Agency Staff

Accreditation …………………………………………………………………………… 4

III. Applying for First-Time Agency Staff Accreditation When the Agency Site is

Already Recognized ……………………………………………………………….…. 11

IV. Renewing Agency Staff Accreditation …………………………………………… 13

V. Renewing Agency Site Recognition ……………..……………..…………………... 15

VI. Extending Agency Site Recognition to Additional Sites………………………….. 17

VII. Submitting the Application ……………………………………………………….. 18

VIII. After Recognition and Accreditation …………………………………………….. 20

IX. Sample Application Documents for Agency Site Recognition and Agency Staff

Accreditation …………………………………………………………………………… 22

Form EOIR-31 ………………………………………………………...…… 23

Form EOIR-31A …………………………………………………………… 27

Cover Letter for Recognition and Accreditation Request ………………… 30

Cover Letter for Partial Accreditation Request ………………………….… 32

Cover Letter for Full Accreditation Request …………………………..……33

Cover Letter for Renewal of Recognition ……………………………..……34

Cover Letter for Renewal of Partial/Full Accreditation ……………………36

Cover Letter for Extension of Recognition …………………………….……37

Immigration Law Library Resources ……………………………….….……38

Organizational Chart ………………………………………………..….……40

Budget for Immigration Program ……………………………………………41

Fee Schedule ………………………………………………..………….…… 43

Fee Waiver Policy ………………………………………………..…….……44

Fee Waiver/Reduction Policy (Sliding Scale) ……………………….………45

Resume for Partial Accreditation ……………………………...…………… 46

Resume for Full Accreditation …………………………………...………… 49

Sample Log of Court Experiences and Observations ……………………….52

Sample Affidavit for Trainings Missing Certificate …………………………53

Letter of Recommendation for Office Recognition ………………...……… 54

Letter of Recommendation for Partial Accreditation ……………...……..… 55

Letter of Recommendation for Full Accreditation ………………....….…… 57

Letter of Agreement to Provide Technical Legal Support ….……………… 59

Template for Annual Summary of Immigration Legal Services …………….60

Introduction

The Department of Justice (DOJ), Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR)

issued new regulations regarding recognition and accreditation on December 19, 2016.

The new regulations, which took effect on January 18, 2017, include substantial changes

to the recognition and accreditation requirements for the first time in decades. As

additional information is gathered on how the changes are being implemented, this guide

will be updated accordingly.

This guide is current as of the publication date. It does not constitute legal advice. The

laws, interpretations of the laws, forms, and policies associated with DOJ recognition and

accreditation change occasionally, so please confirm that the information in this guide is

still current before relying on it. Please check the DOJ/EOIR website for form versions,

instructions, recent case law regarding DOJ recognition and accreditation, and other

important information. The website is https://www.justice.gov/eoir/recognition-and-

accreditation-program. We also encourage you to review the Frequently Asked Questions

(FAQ) sheet on the recognition and accreditation program which is available on the

EOIR website at the same link shown above.

Additional information may be found in CLINIC’s DOJ Recognition and Accreditation

Toolkit at https://cliniclegal.org/toolkits/recognition-accreditation.

DOJ Recognition & Accreditation Guide February 2023

Section I. Overview of Department of Justice

(DOJ) Agency Site Recognition and Agency

Staff Accreditation

The Office of Legal Access Programs (OLAP)

DOJ agency site recognition and agency staff accreditation is handled by the Office of

Legal Access Programs (OLAP), which is located within EOIR in Falls Church, VA.

OLAP works to improve access to legal information and counseling and to increase the

level of representation for immigrants appearing before the Immigration Courts and

Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA). In addition to the recognition and accreditation

program, OLAP administers legal orientation programs, programs that provide direct

legal representation to certain vulnerable populations, and other programs.

Practicing Immigration Law

The practice of immigration law includes giving immigration advice, filling out

immigration forms, and drafting legal documents for a case. Only an attorney, a DOJ

accredited representative, or a staff person under the direct legal supervision of an

attorney or DOJ accredited representative may practice immigration law.

Agency Recognition and Staff Accreditation

Agency recognition and staff accreditation allows non-profit organizations and their non-

attorney staff to practice immigration law. It is an essential tool for increasing capacity to

serve low-income, vulnerable immigrant populations with high quality, charitable

immigration legal services.

There are two types of accreditation:

• Partial accreditation allows representation before the Department of Homeland

Security (DHS) only. A partially accredited representative can counsel

immigration clients, complete immigration forms, and represent clients at U.S.

Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) interviews.

• Full accreditation allows representation before both DHS and EOIR (the

Immigration Court and BIA). A fully accredited representative can represent

clients in removal, summary removal, rescission, and other proceedings in

Immigration Court. He or she may also handle appeals to the BIA. However, full

accreditation does not permit representation in state courts, the federal Courts of

Appeals, or the U.S. Supreme Court.

Unless an organization has an attorney on staff, each office site where immigration legal

services are provided must have DOJ agency recognition and at least one accredited

representative. Otherwise, the organization and its staff members are engaging in the

unauthorized practice of immigration law, which is illegal.

DOJ Recognition & Accreditation Guide February 2023

An accredited representative may be full-time, part-time, or a volunteer. He or she may

even become accredited at more than one non-profit organization. An accredited

representative is only authorized to assist clients at the recognized office sites of the

organization. Once accredited at one recognized site, the representative is authorized to

practice immigration law at all other recognized sites of the same organization, if they are

approved as “extensions” of the main office.

Renewal of Recognition and Accreditation

Staff accreditation must be renewed every three years. For organizations receiving

agency recognition for the first time, the recognition is given conditionally for two years

and then must be renewed. Once renewed, recognition is valid for six years.

For more information on DOJ recognition and accreditation, including a current roster of

recognized organizations and accredited representatives, see

https://www.justice.gov/eoir/recognition-and-accreditation-program.

DOJ Recognition & Accreditation Guide February 2023

Section II. Applying for First-Time DOJ

Agency Site Recognition and Agency Staff

Accreditation

Note: If your organization is applying for first-time DOJ agency recognition, you must

apply for accreditation of at least one staff person at the same time. If your organization

is already recognized and you are applying for initial staff accreditation, skip to Section

III.

Eligibility Requirements for Agency Recognition

There are six requirements for agency recognition:

• The organization must be a non-profit religious, charitable, social service, or

similar organization;

• The organization must have federal tax-exempt status;

• The organization must provide immigration legal services primarily to low-

income or indigent clients within the U.S.;

• The organization must have access to adequate knowledge, information, and

experience in immigration law and procedure;

• The organization must be simultaneously applying for at least one employee or

volunteer to be accredited, and must maintain at least one accredited

representative on staff; and

• The organization must designate an authorized officer to act on its behalf.

Eligibility Requirements for Staff Accreditation

In order to be eligible for staff accreditation, the proposed representative must:

• Be an employee or volunteer of the organization;

• Have the character and fitness to represent clients;

• Have broad knowledge and adequate experience in immigration law and

procedure;

• Not be an attorney who is eligible to practice law in the U.S. or a U.S. territory,

commonwealth, or possession;

• Not have resigned while a disciplinary investigation or proceeding is pending;

• Not be subject to any order disbarring, suspending, enjoining, restraining, or

otherwise restricting him/her in the practice of law or representation before a

court or any administrative agency; and

• Not have been convicted of a serious crime anywhere in the world.

Elements of the Application

The application must include all of the required elements listed below. When filing for

agency recognition and staff accreditation at the same time, be sure to separate the

application into two (or more) different sections, with the recognition materials in one

section and the accreditation materials in the other. (See sample cover letter in Section

IX for the recommended format.) Note that OLAP prefers one-sided pages.

DOJ Recognition & Accreditation Guide February 2023

Application for Agency Recognition

• Form EOIR-31 (Request for New Recognition, Renewal of Recognition, or

Extension of Recognition of a Non-Profit Religious, Charitable, Social Service, or

Similar Organization; January 2017 version)

• Proof of Non-Profit, Religious, Charitable, Social Service, or Similar

Organization

o Organizing documents such as constitution, charter, by-laws, articles of

incorporation, state non-profit status, or other documentation including a

mission statement or statement of purpose of the organization

o A declaration from organization’s authorized officer attesting that it serves

primarily low-income and indigent clients (included in Part 11 of the

EOIR-31 form)

o Letter(s) of recommendation from community members or partner

organizations attesting to the organization’s involvement and commitment

(helpful but not required)

• Proof of Federal Tax Exempt Status

o Currently valid IRS tax determination letter

o Alternative documentation of federal tax exempt status

o Proof that status has been applied for and a determination is pending, if

applicable

• Evidence of Knowledge of Immigration Law and Procedures

o Organizational chart identifying names and titles of legal staff and

supervisors at all locations, and highlighting staff requesting accreditation

o Resume(s) of any licensed immigration attorney(s) in good standing on

staff

o Copy of technical legal support agreement with outside immigration

attorney or full accredited representative, if applicable

o Information on immigration legal services offered and qualifications of

immigration legal staff such as resumes, training certificates, and letters of

recommendation

• Evidence of Print and Electronic Resources

o Full list of immigration law library resources available to organization

• Evidence of Providing Services Primarily to Low-Income and Indigent Clients

o Annual budget (may be fiscal year or calendar year) for providing

immigration legal services for the current year and past year, if available,

including information on sources of revenue and operating expenses (if

these are not available, provide projected budget for upcoming year)

o Detailed fee schedules for all locations, if applicable

o Summary of legal services provided (may be included in fee schedule)

o List of membership dues charged at all locations, if applicable

o Fee waiver/reduction policy or guidance provided to clients or staff at all

locations, if fees are charged

DOJ Recognition & Accreditation Guide February 2023

Application for Staff Accreditation

• Form EOIR-31A (Request by Organization for Accreditation or Renewal of

Accreditation of Non-Attorney Representative; January 2017 version) - submit

this form for each proposed representative

• Evidence of Character and Fitness

o Character reference letter(s) from professionals in the community and/or

employment references (note that OLAP will conduct a criminal

background check and a financial background check for judgements and

liens on all applicants)

• Evidence of Knowledge and Experience

o Resume of proposed representative demonstrating knowledge and

experience in immigration law, practice, and procedure

o At least two letters of recommendation from persons familiar with the

proposed representative’s qualifications (knowledge, experience,

character, and fitness)

o Documentation of relevant education, formal training, and experience,

such as copies of certificates and agendas for immigration law trainings

attended, including documentation of at least one formal training course

designed to give new practitioners a solid overview of the fundamentals of

immigration law, practice, and procedure

o If seeking full accreditation, documentation of skills for effective

litigation, including, but not limited to, formal training, education, and

experience showing oral and written trial and appellate advocacy skills

Tips for a Strong Application

• The Forms. While a new edition of the EOIR-31 and EOIR-31A is available on

the EOIR website, we recommend using the earlier edition of these forms, dated

January 2017. The earlier editions are also available on the EOIR website.

Complete the forms electronically so they are typewritten. Be sure to carefully

read the form instructions. The authorized officer of the requesting organization

(such as the Executive Director or Immigration Program Director) who has been

designated to act on behalf of the organization must sign the forms along with the

proposed representative. Be sure to complete and sign the Proof of Service on part

12 of the EOIR-31 and part 7 of the EOIR-31A. Fill in the appropriate address

for the USCIS District Director. Note that the copy of the application must be

sent to the USCIS District Office, not the Field Office. If your organization is

offering immigration services in more than one USCIS District, you must list each

District Office address on the form and send a copy of the application to each one.

• Cover Letter. A simple cover letter with a list of enclosures or table of contents

is recommended. Refer to the samples in Section IX. If there are special

circumstances, you should attach a detailed cover letter. For example, if the

organization applied for recognition before and was denied, you should attach a

detailed cover letter explaining the reasons for the denial and how the

organization has addressed those issues in the new application.

DOJ Recognition & Accreditation Guide February 2023

• Organizational Chart. The organizational chart should show in detail how the

immigration program is staffed (both paid staff and any volunteers) and show a

clear chain of supervision for the immigration staff. If the staff includes attorneys,

attach their resumes with information regarding bar admissions, legal experience,

and immigration legal training. If your organization has more than one office

and/or is requesting extension of recognition to sub-offices, the relationships and

lines of supervision between the immigration staff at the other location(s) must be

clearly indicated. Refer to the sample in Section IX.

• Fee Schedule. Include a fee schedule that lists the legal services provided and the

fee charged (if applicable) for each service. Note that organizations may offer a

limited range of immigration legal services, but must be able to discern when a

case requires referral to other representation because it requires more expertise

than the organization can provide.

In the fee schedule, it is important to state that no one will be turned away due to

inability to pay and to specify what services are included in the organization’s

fees (USCIS filing fee, representation at the interview, document translation, etc.).

Also, be sure to note any reduction in the organization’s fees for additional family

members and to limit the total charge per family. Include a maximum charge or

cap for any per unit services, such as translations per page.

When setting fees for your services, it is important to consider your local

economy and what other non-profits in your area charge for similar services. The

fee schedule helps demonstrate that you provide services primarily to low income

and indigent clients. For further guidance on how to set fees, see Chapter 6 of

Managing an Immigration Program: Steps for Creating and Increasing Legal

Capacity, available online at https://cliniclegal.org/resources/program-

management/managing-immigration-program-steps-creating-and-increasing-legal.

• Fee Waiver/Reduction Policy. If you charge fees, you need to submit a copy of

your policy for accommodating those who are unable to pay your fees. Note that

you have two options: 1) a fee waiver policy where clients either pay the full fee

or receive a full fee waiver OR 2) a fee waiver/reduction policy where clients are

charged reduced fees (or no fee) using a sliding scale. The policy should describe

the process for clients to request a fee waiver/reduction and what criteria and

documentation you will use to determine their eligibility. Refer to the two

samples in Section IX.

• Law Library. For the list of print and electronic legal resources, EOIR provided

guidance in Matter of EAC, Inc. In this decision, EOIR explained that

organizations must at a minimum have access to up-to-date copies of the

Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), federal immigration regulations, and BIA

precedent decisions (available through the EOIR Virtual Law Library). Internet

access alone is sufficient for an approval of DOJ recognition. Nevertheless, we

strongly recommend that each office have print copies of at least one general

treatise on immigration law, such as Kurzban’s Immigration Law Sourcebook, as

well as annually updated print copies of the INA and Chapter 8 of the Code of

DOJ Recognition & Accreditation Guide February 2023

Federal Regulations (8 CFR). Refer to the sample list of law library resources in

Section IX.

• Budget. The organization’s budget for providing immigration legal services is a

simple document describing the sources of revenue and expenses. List the

amounts and sources of revenue or funding for the immigration program as well

as the program’s various operating expenses. The revenue and expenses should

be balanced. List any grants you receive by name and any fees you take in. You

may include “in kind” funding in your list, such as the value of volunteer hours,

donated supplies, or donated space. Be sure to take into account the often

substantial support your program receives if it has a “parent” agency. Often

overlooked are the contributions of free or below market rate rent, office

equipment use, office supplies, computers, software, information management

systems support, administrative costs, employee benefits, and the like. Be sure

you give a thorough accounting of all the resources that support your program.

• Technical Legal Support. If you do not have an attorney on staff, document

technical legal support by attorneys or fully accredited staff from other

organizations. Include information on the experience of the attorneys or fully

accredited staff (their background and qualifications), as well as any fees charged

for the support. Refer to the sample letter in Section IX.

• Resume. Resumes should include the individual’s education and only relevant,

immigration-related work experience. They should also list the types of

immigration forms the individual has worked on, by form number and title (for

example: N-400, Application for Naturalization). Include a list of all immigration

law trainings the individual has attended. Begin with the most recent training and

list them in reverse chronological order. Also indicate if the individual regularly

attends immigration liaison meetings with USCIS or other government agencies.

The resume should list any languages the individual speaks, as well as mentioning

the individual’s experience working with people from different countries. It is a

good idea to include any community service the applicant has performed. Finally,

the resume for the proposed representative should give the individual’s work

address and contact information rather than his/her personal contact information.

Refer to the sample in Section IX.

• Training. A proposed representative must have completed at least one formal

training course designed to give new practitioners a solid overview of the

fundamentals of immigration law, practice, and procedure. Refer to CLINIC’s

website at https://cliniclegal.org/training/accreditation for more information on

this requirement. We recommend that you highlight the course that fulfills this

requirement on your resume and include a copy of the agenda along with the

certificate of completion for this training.

In addition to a course that fulfills the overview requirement, we recommend

taking at least five to six other trainings, such as webinars, on a variety of

immigration law topics, especially recent changes and updates. All trainings

should be recent. We recommend presenting trainings attended within the last

three years.

DOJ Recognition & Accreditation Guide February 2023

Include the following information in the list of trainings: the title of the training;

the provider’s name; date(s) and duration of the training; the names and titles of

presenters; the topics covered; whether the training was attended in person or

through other means; and whether the training was open to the public.

Include a certificate of completion and agenda (if received) for all trainings.

Submit an affidavit for any trainings missing a certificate or missing other

confirmation of attendance from the host organization or trainer. Do not include

PowerPoint slides or handwritten training notes.

• Letters of Recommendation. Letters of recommendation should state how long

and in what capacity the recommender has known the proposed representative,

that the proposed representative has the character and fitness required for

accreditation, and that the proposed representative has broad knowledge and

adequate experience in immigration law. Refer to the samples in Section IX.

It is recommended that you obtain letters of recommendation from the supervisor

of the individual applying for accreditation and a local immigration law

practitioner who is familiar with the applicant’s immigration legal skills and

knowledge, i.e., a DOJ accredited representative or an attorney.

While at least two letters of recommendation are required to demonstrate

knowledge and experience of the proposed representative, there is no letter of

recommendation requirement for the organization. That being said, an

organization may want to provide letters of recommendation from community

members, particularly letters showing the organization’s involvement and

commitment to the community it serves and the quality of its services. Refer to

the sample in Section IX.

• Litigation Skills (For Full Accreditation Only). Evidence of litigation skills

(legal research, writing, and advocacy) might include copies of affidavits, briefs,

motions, legal memos, or similar work the individual has prepared, with all

identifying client information redacted. You may also include summaries of

individual cases on which the individual has worked that required litigation skills.

See the tips below for further details.

DOJ Recognition & Accreditation Guide February 2023

Tips for Applying for Full Accreditation

• Include in your list of immigration law trainings any trainings you have

taken on removal defense, court skills, or oral and written trial and

appellate advocacy skills. While formal training is helpful, hands-on

experience is essential for full accreditation.

• Include in your resume an explanation of your experience working on

court cases and observing various kinds of cases in immigration court

under a mentor who is an attorney or full accredited representative. The

list may include proceedings observed before the immigration court,

USCIS, and circuit court, such as master calendar hearings and

individual hearings. The resume should demonstrate legal research,

writing, and advocacy skills. Refer to the sample resume in Section IX.

• Submit two redacted writing samples that demonstrate knowledge and

experience in immigration court cases, such as pleadings, declarations,

or motions you have written.

• Submit a strong letter of recommendation from a mentor who can attest

to your knowledge and experience in observing and working on

immigration court cases, as well as your character and fitness. In the

letter of recommendation, the mentor should be sure to describe his/her

background and qualifications in immigration law.

• Submit a second letter of recommendation from an attorney, full

accredited representative, or supervisor who can attest to your

knowledge and experience with court cases.

DOJ Recognition & Accreditation Guide February 2023

Section III. Applying for First-Time Agency

Staff Accreditation When the Agency Site is

Already Recognized

Applying for Accreditation

Once recognized, an organization can apply for additional staff to be accredited at any

time. However, if an organization loses its only accredited representative, it will be

placed on inactive status for up to two years and will lose its recognition unless it applies

for and receives approval of another staff person to be accredited within that time period.

The accreditation application requires considerably less supporting documentation than

the recognition application. If applying for accreditation of more than one staff at the

same time, submit a separate application packet (Form EOIR-31A and supporting

documentation) for each staff person.

Eligibility Requirements for Staff Accreditation

In order to be eligible for staff accreditation, the proposed representative must:

• Be an employee or volunteer of the organization;

• Have the character and fitness to represent clients;

• Have broad knowledge and adequate experience in immigration law and

procedure;

• Not be an attorney who is eligible to practice law in the U.S. or a U.S. territory,

commonwealth, or possession;

• Not have resigned while a disciplinary investigation or proceeding is pending;

• Not be subject to any order disbarring, suspending, enjoining, restraining, or

otherwise restricting him/her in the practice of law or representation before a

court or any administrative agency; and

• Not have been convicted of a serious crime anywhere in the world.

Application Contents

For each proposed representative, submit:

• Form EOIR-31A (Request by Organization for Accreditation or Renewal of

Accreditation of Non-Attorney Representative; January 2017 version)

o Be sure to complete and sign the Proof of Service section on page 3

• Evidence of Character and Fitness

o Character reference letter(s) from professionals in the community and/or

employment references (note that OLAP will conduct a criminal and

financial background check for all applicants)

• Evidence of Knowledge and Experience

o Resume of proposed representative demonstrating knowledge and

experience in immigration law, practice, and procedure

o At least two letters of recommendation from persons familiar with the

proposed representative’s qualifications (knowledge, experience,

DOJ Recognition & Accreditation Guide February 2023

character, and fitness) – at least one, if not both, of the recommenders

should be an immigration attorney or DOJ accredited representative

o Documentation of relevant education, formal training, and experience,

such as copies of certificates and agendas for immigration law trainings

attended, including documentation of at least one formal training course

designed to give new practitioners a solid overview of the fundamentals of

immigration law, practice, and procedure

o If seeking full accreditation, documentation of skills for effective

litigation, including, but not limited to, formal training, education, and/or

experience showing oral and written trial and appellate advocacy skills

Refer to Section II for tips for a strong application. Follow the directions in Section VII

on submitting the application, and where to send the application copies.

DOJ Recognition & Accreditation Guide February 2023

Section IV. Renewing Agency Staff

Accreditation

Renewing Accreditation

An individual who is accredited must have his/her organization file an application to

renew accreditation on the individual’s behalf every three years. If an application for

renewal is filed on or before the expiration date, accreditation will remain valid pending

OLAP’s consideration of the application, and the representative can continue to represent

clients. This requires the organization to send it using a method that will provide

documentation that it was sent or mailed (postmarked) on or before the expiration date.

Many organizations send it by certified mail with return receipt requested. OLAP prefers

that you submit the application via e-mail. For more information, refer to the EOIR

website at https://www.justice.gov/eoir/recognition-and-accreditation-program. While

not required, OLAP encourages filing the application at least 90 days before the

expiration date.

If the individual does not apply for renewal on time, his or her accreditation ends and

he/she is no longer authorized to practice immigration law. Therefore, it is vital that

representatives renew in a timely fashion. If not, the individual will not be able to engage

in the authorized practice of law until his or her accreditation application is granted.

If there is no accredited representative currently on staff, and no attorney on staff, that

organization is not authorized to practice immigration law. At least one accredited

representative or attorney is required to practice immigration law. If an individual does

not renew on time, he or she must file a new application as soon as possible.

Additionally, an organization that lacks at least one accredited representative will be

removed from the roster and placed on inactive status by OLAP for up to two years. The

organization must apply for a new staff person to be accredited within that time period in

order to avoid losing its recognition.

The Renewal Application

The Form EOIR-31A is used to request renewal of accreditation. When completing the

form, pay particular attention to Part 5, which pertains to renewal. On the form, the

organization and representative must demonstrate the representative’s continuing

character and fitness to provide immigration legal representation and that the

representative continues to meet all the other requirements for accreditation.

An organization may apply to change a representative’s accreditation from partial to full

at any time by checking Part 5B and submitting additional documentation of immigration

training and experience. Refer to Section II for tips for applying for full accreditation.

It is critically important that program managers make clear to staff and volunteers that,

without current accreditation, they are not allowed to practice law and must not file

the G-28 form (Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Accredited

Representative).

DOJ Recognition & Accreditation Guide February 2023

Eligibility Requirements for Staff Accreditation

For renewal of accreditation, the organization must demonstrate that the individual

continues to meet the eligibility requirements. In order to be eligible for staff

accreditation, the proposed representative must:

• Be an employee or volunteer of the organization;

• Have the character and fitness to represent clients;

• Have broad knowledge and adequate experience in immigration law and

procedure;

• Not be an attorney who is eligible to practice law in the U.S. or a U.S. territory,

commonwealth, or possession;

• Not have resigned while a disciplinary investigation or proceeding is pending;

• Not be subject to any order disbarring, suspending, enjoining, restraining, or

otherwise restricting him/her in the practice of law or representation before a

court or any administrative agency; and

• Not have been convicted of a serious crime anywhere in the world.

Application Contents

An application for renewal of accreditation must include:

• Form EOIR-31A (Request by Organization for Accreditation or Renewal of

Accreditation of Non-Attorney Representative; January 2017 version)

• Updated resume with types of cases personally handled before immigration

agencies during the last approved period of accreditation and list of immigration

law trainings attended since last accreditation date

• Evidence of recent, formal trainings completed since last accreditation date, such

as training certificates and agendas (submit an affidavit for any trainings missing

a certificate or other confirmation of attendance)

• Copy of last accreditation approval letter

Note that letters of recommendation are not required for renewal of accreditation but may

be requested by OLAP on a case-by-case basis.

While there is no set requirement for the amount of additional training received since the

last accreditation period, the individual must show ongoing training. The training format

can be in-person, e-learning, or webinar. While live trainings are preferable, the

individual may also listen to recorded webinar trainings on immigration law websites

such as https://cliniclegal.org/ or http://www.immigrationadvocates.org/. We recommend

attending at least one in-depth training per year on immigration law, such as a two-day in

person training or a 4- to 6-week e-learning course, in addition to ongoing webinars and

other kinds of trainings. Trainings taken during the three-year practice period should

cover topics that reflect the representative’s caseload and changes to immigration laws,

policies, and regulations.

Refer to Section VII for guidance on submitting the application.

DOJ Recognition & Accreditation Guide February 2023

Section V. Renewing Agency Site

Recognition

Requirements

Agency recognition must be renewed on a cycle. Organizations granted first-time

recognition receive conditional recognition for two years and must apply for renewal of

recognition at the end of the two-year period. Once renewed, recognition is valid for six

years.

If an application for renewal is filed and postmarked on or before the expiration date,

recognition will remain valid pending OLAP’s consideration of the application, and the

organization can continue to represent clients. This requires the organization to send it

using a method that will provide documentation that it was sent or mailed (postmarked)

on or before the expiration date. Many organizations send it by certified mail with return

receipt requested. OLAP prefers that you submit the application via e-mail. For more

information, refer to the EOIR website at https://www.justice.gov/eoir/recognition-and-

accreditation-program. While not required, OLAP encourages filing the application at

least 90 days before the expiration date.

Eligibility Requirements for Agency Recognition Renewal

An organization renewing recognition must demonstrate that it continues to meet the

eligibility requirements for recognition. There are six requirements for agency

recognition:

• The organization must be a non-profit religious, charitable, social service, or

similar organization;

• The organization must have federal tax-exempt status;

• The organization must provide immigration legal services primarily to low-

income or indigent clients within the U.S.;

• The organization must have access to adequate knowledge, information, and

experience in immigration law and procedure;

• The organization must maintain at least one accredited representative on staff; and

• The organization must designate an authorized officer to act on its behalf.

Application Contents

An application for renewal of agency recognition must include:

• Form EOIR-31 (Request for New Recognition, Renewal of Recognition, or

Extension of Recognition of a Non-Profit Religious, Charitable, Social Service, or

Similar Organization; January 2017 version) - pay particular attention to Part 10

• Updated information on any unreported changes since the last recognition date

that impact eligibility, such as organizational chart, staff qualifications, technical

legal support arrangement, law library resources, etc.

• Immigration legal services budget for current year and past year (may be fiscal

year or calendar year budget)

• Annual summary of legal services performed each year for the time period

beginning with the date of the last grant of recognition until the time of renewal,

including: 1) total number of clients served; 2) clients served free of cost; 3)

DOJ Recognition & Accreditation Guide February 2023

general description of immigration legal services and immigration-related services

provided; 4) statement whether services were provided for free or for a fee; 5)

description of fee waiver/reduction policies; and 6) list of offices or locations

where services were provided (see Section IX for a sample annual summary form)

• Fee schedules used for immigration legal services from the date of the last grant

of recognition to the time of renewal, for each office or location where services

were provided

• At least one application for staff accreditation, if the organization does not have

any accredited representatives on staff (unless the organization has been placed on

inactive status and OLAP has granted additional time to hire and train a new staff

person to be accredited)

Refer to Section II for tips for a strong application. Follow the directions in Section VII

on submitting the application, and where to send the application copies.

DOJ Recognition & Accreditation Guide February 2023

Section VI. Extending Agency Site Recognition to

Additional Sites

Requirements

An organization that has recognition at one office location may request extension of the

recognition to additional office locations at any time, as long as those locations meet the

same qualifications. To qualify for extension, the organization must demonstrate that the

sub-office(s) are under the supervision and control of the main office or headquarters;

have access to adequate legal resources; and share the same funding, management, and

operations as the main office.

OLAP may require an organization to seek separate recognition for an office or location

of the organization, for example, when a subordinate office or location has distinct

operations, management structure, or funding sources from the organization’s

headquarters.

To extend recognition, file Form EOIR-31 (January 2017 edition), with particular

attention to Parts 3 and 4. Copy Part 4 and attach additional pages if you are seeking to

extend recognition to more than one sub-office.

Application Contents

An application for extension of agency recognition must include:

• Form EOIR-31 (Request for New Recognition, Renewal of Recognition, or

Extension of Recognition of a Non-Profit Religious, Charitable, Social Service, or

Similar Organization; January 2017 version) – pay particular attention to Parts 3

and 4*

• Supporting documentation to demonstrate that the sub-office(s) qualify for

extension, such as: 1) a single organizational chart demonstrating supervision and

control of the main office over the sub-office(s), 2) a list of law library resources

for the main and sub-office(s), 3) a single fee schedule used by the main and sub-

office(s), and 4) a combined immigration program budget for all office locations.

Follow the directions in Section VII on submitting the application and where to send

the application copies.

* Copy Part 4 and attach additional pages if you are seeking to extend recognition to

more than one sub-office.

DOJ Recognition & Accreditation Guide February 2023

Section VII. Submitting the Application

Submitting the Application

The mailing process is the same whether for a combined recognition and accreditation

application, an accreditation application, an application for renewal of recognition or

accreditation, or an application for extension of recognition.

A complete application includes proof of service on USCIS. Proof of service is a simple

legal document that tells OLAP that you sent a complete copy of your application packet

to the appropriate USCIS District Director(s). The proof of service is included in Form

EOIR-31 (Part 12) and Form EOIR-31A (Part 7).

Be sure to organize the recognition and accreditation applications in separate sections.

For example, if you are applying for agency recognition and accreditation of two staff,

your application will have three separate sections.

1. Make several copies of the original application, so that you have enough for

USCIS, your organization, and (if you are an affiliate) World Relief or CLINIC.

2. Send the original application to OLAP. OLAP prefers that you scan and e-mail

the application packet to [email protected]. Guidelines for digital and

electronic signatures are provided on the EOIR website at

https://www.justice.gov/eoir/recognition-and-accreditation-program. When

sending the application via e-mail, be sure to keep a copy of the sent e-mail and

get an e-mail confirmation of receipt from OLAP. You must maintain original

copies of all documents submitted via e-mail and be prepared to produce them for

EOIR upon request. If you wish to use regular mail instead of e-mail, send the

original application by certified mail, return receipt requested to:

Recognition and Accreditation Program Coordinator

Office of Legal Access Programs

Office of Policy

Executive Office for Immigration Review

5107 Leesburg Pike, Suite 2500

Falls Church, VA 22041

3. Mail a copy of the application by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the

USCIS District Director for your area. You may choose to e-mail the copy to

USCIS instead of using regular mail. If your organization has branch offices and

provides immigration legal services in more than one USCIS district, you must

provide proof of service and send a copy to each USCIS District Director. To

find where to send the USCIS copy, go to https://www.uscis.gov/scams-fraud-

and-misconduct/avoid-scams/become-an-authorized-provider and enter your zip

code in the USCIS District Office Finder. You will find the e-mail address after

the mailing address in the USCIS District Office Finder.

4. Keep one copy for your office.

DOJ Recognition & Accreditation Guide February 2023

5. Send an electronic copy to your point of contact at World Relief or CLINIC, if

you are an affiliate.

What Happens Next

After the organization files the application, OLAP will review all information contained

in the request. OLAP may review any publicly available information or any other

information that it may obtain or possess about the organization, its authorized officer, or

the proposed representative or that OLAP may have received from USCIS, ICE, or EOIR

investigations. Unfavorable information that may be relied upon to disapprove a

recognition or accreditation request, if not previously served on the organization, will be

disclosed to the organization, and the organization will be given a reasonable opportunity

to respond. OLAP may request additional information from the organization that is

needed to make a determination. If additional information is needed, OLAP will issue a

formal notice via e-mail to the organization’s authorized officer. The OLAP director has

the discretion to extend the deadlines for the adjudication process.

USCIS Response to Application

USCIS is given 30 days from the date of service to respond to an application for

recognition or accreditation. The USCIS office may submit to the OLAP Director a

recommendation to approve or disapprove an application. The USCIS office may request

from the OLAP Director additional time, generally no more than 30 days, to conduct an

investigation or gather more information. The OLAP Director will inform the

organization of any grant of additional time to USCIS. USCIS must provide the

organization with a copy of any recommendation provided to OLAP to approve or

disapprove an application. If the recommendation is unfavorable, the organization has 30

days to respond to OLAP and must serve a copy of the response on USCIS.

Expediting the Application

If you wish to expedite your application, you may try contacting USCIS before

submitting your application and asking USCIS to respond quickly to OLAP once your

application is filed.

Request for Reconsideration

A decision by OLAP to approve a request for recognition or accreditation is final. A

decision to deny a request may be appealed with a “request for reconsideration” that is

filed within 30 days of the denial. A request for reconsideration should not include any

new material on the application. Rather, it should point out specific factual and/or legal

errors in OLAP’s decision. If the request for reconsideration is denied, the organization

may file a request for administrative review within 10 days of the denial. An organization

whose request for recognition or accreditation is denied may submit a new application at

any time unless otherwise prohibited.

DOJ Recognition & Accreditation Guide February 2023

Section VIII. After Recognition & Accreditation

Requirements

Organizations that are recognized by OLAP must abide by certain requirements for

reporting, recordkeeping, and posting. Accredited representatives must have ongoing

training to maintain their accreditation.

Reporting

A recognized organization is required to promptly (within 30 days) notify the OLAP

Director in writing of changes in the organization’s contact information; changes to any

material information the organization provided in Form EOIR-31, Form EOIR-31A, or

the supporting documentation for these applications; or changes that otherwise materially

relate to the organization’s eligibility for recognition or the eligibility for accreditation of

any of the organization’s accredited representatives. Examples of such changes include:

notifying OLAP of a change of name, address, telephone number, website address, or

authorized officer for the organization; notifying OLAP when an accredited

representative (paid or volunteer) leaves the organization; and notifying OLAP of a

change in the organization’s non-profit or Federal tax exempt status.

It is especially important to notify OLAP promptly (within 30 days) when an accredited

representative leaves the organization. If an organization loses its only accredited

representative, the organization will be placed on inactive status for a period of up to two

years and removed from the roster of recognized organizations

(https://www.justice.gov/eoir/recognition-accreditation-roster-reports). If the

organization wishes to keep its recognition, it must recruit, train, and obtain accreditation

for a new staff person or volunteer within the two-year period.

To report changes to OLAP, the authorized officer may send an e-mail to R-A-

[email protected]. We recommend keeping a copy of the e-mail for your records.

Recordkeeping

A recognized organization is required to compile certain records in a timely manner

(annually) and retain them for a period of six years from the last date the organization

was recognized (the date of initial recognition or renewal of recognition), for as long as

the organization remains recognized:

1) The organization’s immigration legal services fee schedule, if the organization

charges fees, for each office or location where services are provided; and

2) An annual (January – December) summary of immigration legal services provided

by the organization for each year which includes:

• The total number of clients served (whether through client intakes,

applications prepared and filed with DHS, cases in which its attorneys or

accredited representatives appeared before the Immigration Courts or the

Board (if applicable), or referrals to other attorneys or organizations;

• Clients to which it provided services at no cost;

DOJ Recognition & Accreditation Guide February 2023

• A general description of the immigration legal services and other

immigration-related services (non-legal) provided;

• A statement regarding whether services were provided pro bono or clients

were charged in accordance with a fee schedule;

• Organizational policies or guidance regarding fee waivers and reduced fees;

and

• A list of the offices or locations where the immigration legal services were

provided.

The summary should not include any client-specific or client-identifying information.

OLAP may require the organization to submit such records to it or to DHS upon request.

See Section IX for a sample form to use for the annual summary.

Posting

A recognized organization may be required to post in its offices certain public notices

regarding recognition and accreditation as requested by OLAP. The information in the

public notices is limited to the names and validity periods of a recognized organization

and its accredited representatives, the requirements for recognition and accreditation, and

the means to complain about a recognized organization or accredited representative.

Training

Accredited representatives must renew their accreditation every three years and show that

they remain eligible for accreditation by maintaining their knowledge of immigration law

and new developments. The renewal application must include an updated list of recent

trainings (trainings attended since the last accreditation date). Therefore, it is very

important for the accredited representative to take ongoing immigration trainings

throughout the three-year period of accreditation. Organizations should include a line

item in their immigration program budget for these trainings.

DOJ Recognition & Accreditation Guide February 2023

Section IX. Sample Application Documents for

Agency Site Recognition and Agency Staff

Accreditation

NOTE: These are not samples from actual applications, and there is no guarantee that

such applications would be approved.

DOJ Recognition & Accreditation Guide February 2023

U.S. Department of Justice OMB#1125-0012

Executive Office for Immigration Review Request for New Recognition, Renewal of Recognition, or

Office of Legal Access Programs Extension of Recognition of a Non-Profit Religious,

Charitable, Social Service, or Similar Organization

Organ

ization Name ____________________________________________________________________________________

Other Name(s)__________________________________Name(s) previously applied under___________________________

Number and Street____________________________________________________________________Suite_____________

City______________________________________________________State___________________Zip Code____________

Telephone______________________Fax___________________Email___________________________________________

Website______________________________________________________________________________________________

New recognition (or organization previously had recognition disapproved or terminated on _______________________)

(Month/Day/Year)

Renewal of recognition. Date of last approval or renewal of recognition: ________________________

(Month/Day/Year)

Extension of recognition. Approval date of current recognition: ________________________

(Month/Day/Year)

Yes. N

umber of offices or locations seeking new or renewal extension of recognition:________________. Go to Part 4.

No. Skip Part 4 and Go to Part 5.

If organization is known in the community under a different name at this office or location than stated above in part 1,

provide name.

Organ

ization Name_________________________________________________________________________________

Number and Street ______________________________________________________________Suite_______________

City______________________________________________ State__________________ Zip Code_________________

Telephone______________________Fax___________________Email________________________________________

New ext

ension

Renew

al of extension

Chec

k this box if you have additional relevant information regarding this office or location, such as other contact

information, or a fee schedule or supervisory structure different than the organization’s headquarters or designated

office (attach additional sheets of paper to describe).

Part 1. Organization Seeking Recognition (Headquarters or designated office for recognition purposes)

Part 2. Type of Recognition Sought (check one)

Part 3. Extension of Recognition to Other Offices or Locations

Part 4. Information about Other Offices or Locations Seeking Extension of Recognition

(attach additional sheets of paper, if seeking to extend to more than one location)

Page 1 of 4

DOJ Recognition & Accreditation Guide February 2023

Required Proof: Mission Statement/Statement of Purpose

Optional Proof: Constitution Charter Bylaws Articles of Incorporation Other __________

Organization has federal tax-exempt status under section 501(c)(3) or section _____________________of the Internal

Revenue Code

IRS tax determination letter and first page of last annual IRS information return is attached

Alternative documentation to establish federal tax-exempt status is attached

Federal tax-exempt status applied for and a determination is pending; supporting documentation is attached

a. Attach

organizational chart identifying names and titles of legal staff and supervisors at all locations

b. Attor

ney(s) licensed in the United States and in good standing on staff: No Yes, attach resume(s)

c. Accredi

ted representative(s) on staff: Yes No

• If appl

icable, provide number of accreditation applications (Form EOIR-31A) submitted with this recognition

application: ______________

• Name(s)

of applicant(s) for accreditation: ______________________________________________________________

d. If applicable, describe any arrangements to consult with and/or receive technical support from qualified immigration

practitioners:

• Priv

ate counsel: No Yes, attach all agreements with name(s) of private counsel and bar admission(s)

• Another

recognized organization: No Yes, attach all agreements with other recognized organizations

• Other:

No Yes, explain:___________________________________________________________________

e. Describe immigration legal services offered and qualifications of immigration legal staff to provide such services. Attach

supporting documentation such as resumes, training certificates, letters of recommendation, or other similar information.

_____________

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Part 5. Proof of Non-profit, Religious, Charitable, Social Service or Similar Organization

Part 6. Federal Tax-exempt Status (check applicable boxes)

Part 7. Knowledge of Immigration Law and Procedures

Page 2 of 4

DOJ Recognition & Accreditation Guide February 2023

Print resources:

_____________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

Electronic resources:

_____________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

Extended locations have access to same sources other resources (please describe):

_____________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

Organization must provide immigration legal services primarily to low-income and indigent clients, and if charging fees,

organization must have a policy or guidance for waiving or reducing fees. Provide supporting documentation as provided in

the form instructions and attach copies of budget for current year and past year, if available, itemizing sources and amount of

funding. If current and/or past budget are not

available, provide projected budget for upcoming year.

Budget(s). Check if attached.

a. Fees charged for immigration legal services No Yes Attach detailed fee schedules for all locations

b. Membership dues charged No Yes Attach list of dues charged at all locations

c. Waiver of immigration legal fees policy No Yes Attach fee waiver policy/guidance provided to clients

and staff at all locations

d. Redu

ction of immigration legal fees policy No Yes Attach fee reduction policy/guidance provided to clients

and st

aff at all locations

a. Organization must maintain the requirements for recognition and complete Parts 1 through 9 of this form. In the case of

the headquarters or designated office with extension(s) to branch offices that are approved by OLAP, the headquarters or

designated office’s recognition approval date is the date that triggers the renewal requirements for all offices. Attach

supporting documentation for the above sections only if there have been changes since the last approval or renewal of

recognition. Check this box if supporting documentation has been attached.

b. Incl

ude summary of legal services performed for each year during the last period of recognition. Check this box if

attached.

c. If t

he organization does not currently have an accredited representative on staff and is on inactive status or seeks inactive

status, check this box.

d. All r

equests for renewal of extension or to apply for new extension(s) of recognition with this application should be

indicated in Part 4. Check this box if seeking renewal of extension(s) or new extension(s).

Part 8. List of Print and Electronic Legal Resources

Part 9. Provides Services Primarily to Low-Income and Indigent clients

Part 10. Renewal of Recognition. Complete if seeking to renew recognition.

If not seeking renewal, skip to Part 11.

Page 3 of 4

DOJ Recognition & Accreditation Guide February 2023

Under

penalty of perjury, I declare that I am the authorized officer of _____________________________________________

(organization), that I have examined this form, including accompanying attachments, and to the best of my knowledge and

belief, it is true, correct, and complete. I also attest that the organization (and the offices or locations to which recognition is

to be extended) will provide immigration legal services primarily to low-income and indigent clients, that the organization

will supervise its accredited representatives, and that the organization will conduct regular inspections of extended offices or

locations. I consent to publication of the organization’s name and findings of misconduct should the organization become

subject to public discipline.

_____________________

___________________________ ___________________________________

Signature of Authorized Officer Date

________________________________________________

Printed Name of Authorized Officer

_____________________

___________________________

Title of Authorized Officer

_____________________

___________________________

Contact Information (Phone Number and Email Address)

I, ____________________

_________________ (print name), on behalf of ___________________________(organization),

mail

ed or delivered a copy of this Form EOIR-31 and its attachments to the District Director(s) for USCIS of DHS

on___________________

_____________(Day/Month/Year) at the following location(s):

(1) _________________________________________________________________________________________________

Number and Street City State Zip Code

(2) _______________

______________________________________________________________________________

Number and Street City State Zip Code

(3) _______________

_______________________________________________________________________________

Number and Street City State Zip Code

______________________________________________________

Signature

Part 11. Declaration of Authorized Officer

Part 12. Proof of Service on USCIS District Director(s)

Page 4 of 4

DOJ Recognition & Accreditation Guide February 2023

U.S. Department of Justice OMB#1125-0013

Executive Office for Immigration Review Request by Organization for Accreditation or

Office of Legal Access Programs Renewal of Accreditation of Non-Attorney Representative

Organization

Name_______________________________________________________________________________________

Other Name(s) _________________________Name(s) previously applied under___________________________

Number and Street_____________________________________________________________Suite ___________

City___________________________________________State___________________Zip Code_______________

Telephone____________________Fax______________________Email__________________________________

Website _____________________________________________________________________________________

Check one:

Organization is not recognized and a Request for Recognition of a Non-Profit Religious, Charitable, Social

Service or Similar Organization (Form EOIR-31) accompanies this request.

Organization is recognized. Date of last approval of recognition______________________ (Month/Day/Year)

First _________________________ Middle______________________ Last ______________________________

Other names used _____________________________________________________________________________

Has this individual been previously accredited with a different recognized organization No Yes

If “yes,” list name(s) of other recognized organizations for which individual serves or has served as an accredited

representative and the date(s) of last approval of accreditation (attach additional sheets of paper, if necessary):

Name of other organization(s) ___________________________________________________________________

Date(s) of last approval of accreditation ____________________________________________ (Month/Day/Year)

Full (practice before BIA, Immigration Courts, and DHS)

Partial (practice before DHS only)

Part 1. Organization Seeking Accreditation of Representative

Part 3. Type of Accreditation Sought (check one)

Part 2. Name of Proposed Representative

DOJ Recognition & Accreditation Guide February 2023

A. Character and fitness. Attach character reference letter(s) and other supporting documentation (see instructions

for details).

B. Provide documentation of the proposed representative’s broad knowledge and adequate experience in

immigration law, practice, and procedure as provided in the instructions.

C. If seeking full accreditation, provide documentation demonstrating that the proposed representative possesses

the skills essential for effective litigation as provided in the instructions.

D. The proposed representative must be:

• An employee or volunteer of the organization.

• Not a licensed attorney of any state, possession, territory, or commonwealth of the United States or of the

District of Columbia and not have resigned while a disciplinary investigation or proceedings is pending.

• Not subject to any order disbarring, suspending, enjoining, restraining, or otherwise restricting him or her in

the practice of law or representation before a court or any administrative agency.

• Not convicted of a serious crime anywhere in the world.

•

A. Date of last approval of accreditation ________________________ (Month/Day/Year)

(Attach copy of last order approving accreditation)

B. Check this box only if seeking to change accreditation from partial to full accreditation or full to partial

accreditation. If seeking full accreditation, submit documentation required by Part 4.C.

C. By completing this form the organization and representative certifies to the accredited representative’s

continuing character and fitness to represent others before immigration agencies and that the representative

meets the requirements set forth in Part 4.D. Character reference letters and other supporting documentation

may be submitted.

D. Submit documentation demonstrating continuing knowledge of immigration law and procedure and practical

accreditation experience. Include an updated resume, evidence of recent education and formal trainings

completed, and types of cases personally handled before immigration agencies during the last approved period

of accreditation.

Part 4. Qualifications for Accreditation (if seeking renewal of accreditation, go to Part 5.)

Part 5. Renewal of Accreditation (complete if applicable)

DOJ Recognition & Accreditation Guide February 2023

Under penalty of perjury, I declare that I have

examined this form, including accompanying

attachments, and to the best of my knowledge

and belief, it is true, correct, and complete. I

also attest that the proposed representative is an

employee or volunteer of this organization, and

to the best of my knowledge and belief, meets

the qualifications for accreditation

listed in

Part 4.

______________________________________

Title of authorized officer

______________________________________

Signature of authorized officer

______________________________________

Printed name of authorized officer

______________________________________

Date

______________________________________

Email/Phone

Under penalty of perjury, I declare that I have

reviewed this form regarding my qualifications for

accreditation, including accompanying attachments,

and to the best of my knowledge and belief, it is

true, correct, and complete. I also attest that: I have

the character and fitness and other qualifications for

accreditation

required to represent others before

federal immigration agencies; I am an employee or

volunteer of the organization requesting

accreditation on my behalf; I am not a licensed

attorney in the United States; I have not resigned

while a disciplinary investigation or proceeding is

pending; I am not subject to any order restricting my

practice of law; and I have not been convicted of a

serious crime in or outside the jurisdiction of the

United States. I consent to publication of my name

and findings of misconduct should I become subject

to public discipline.

_________________________________________

Signature of proposed representative

__________________________________________

Printed name of proposed representative

Authorized Officer of Organization

Proposed Representative

Part 6. Declarations of Authorized Officer and Proposed Representative (complete both)

Part 7. Proof of Service on USCIS District Director(s)

(attach additional sheets of paper, if necessary)

I,__________________________________(print name), on behalf of _____________________________________

(organization), mailed or delivered a copy of this Form EOIR-31A and its attachments to the District Director(s) for

USCIS of DHS on________________________________(Day/Month Year) at the following location(s):

(1) _________________________________________________________________________________________

Number and Street City State Zip Code

(2) _________________________________________________________________________________________

Number and Street City State Zip Code

______________________________________________________

Signature

DOJ Recognition & Accreditation Guide February 2023

SAMPLE COVER LETTER FOR RECOGNITION AND ACCREDITATION

REQUEST

[Date]

Recognition and Accreditation Program Coordinator

Office of Legal Access Programs

Office of Policy

Executive Office for Immigration Review

5107 Leesburg Pike, Suite 2500

Falls Church, VA 22041

RE: REQUEST FOR RECOGNITION OF [organization name] LOCATED AT [full

address]

REQUEST FOR PARTIAL ACCREDITATION OF [organization name] STAFF

MEMBERS [full name] AND [full name]

Dear Recognition and Accreditation Program Coordinator:

I ask the Office of Legal Access Programs (OLAP) to please grant recognition to the

office mentioned above under 8 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Section 1292.11.

Please also grant [full name] and [full name] accreditation pursuant to 8 CFR, Section

1292.12.

[Organization name] currently provides English as a Second Language classes, Spanish

classes, international student activities, and referral services for immigrants and refugees

in [city, state]. With this application, [organization name] seeks to begin providing

immigration legal services, as there is a significant unmet need in this area.

Enclosed, please find a completed Form EOIR-31 along with supporting documentation.

In addition, please find two applications for accreditation with supporting documentation.

We have included a full list of enclosures below. In addition, we are providing the date

of birth for the two applicants for the background check: [full name, DOB; full name,

DOB].

Thank you very much for your fair and rapid consideration of our request on behalf of

[organization name] for agency site recognition and agency staff partial accreditation.

Sincerely,

[Name of Authorized Officer]

[Job Title]

Enclosures:

Form EOIR-31 Application for New Recognition [2017 edition recommended]

Mission Statement

Bylaws

DOJ Recognition & Accreditation Guide February 2023

Articles of Incorporation

Evidence of Federal Tax Exempt Status: IRS 501 (c) 3 letter

Organizational Chart

Letter from CLINIC [or other provider] regarding technical legal support [if applicable]

List of Law Library Resources

Budget for Immigration Legal Services

Fee Schedule

Fee Waiver Policy

Letter of Recommendation for [organization name] from [name and affiliation]

Letter of Recommendation for [organization name] and [staff name] from [name and

affiliation]

EOIR-31A Application for [name]

Resume for [name]

Copies of Certificates and Agendas for Immigration Law Trainings for [name]

Affidavit for Trainings Attended (if needed)

Letter of Recommendation for [name] from [name and affiliation]

EOIR-31A Application for [name]

Resume for [name]

Copies of Certificates and Agendas for Immigration Law Trainings for [name]

Affidavit for Trainings Attended (if needed)

Letter of Recommendation for [name] from [name and affiliation]

DOJ Recognition & Accreditation Guide February 2023

SAMPLE COVER LETTER FOR PARTIAL ACCREDITATION REQUEST

[Date]

Recognition and Accreditation Program Coordinator

Office of Legal Access Programs

Office of Policy

Executive Office for Immigration Review

5107 Leesburg Pike, Suite 2500

Falls Church, VA 22041

RE: Request for partial accreditation of [organization name] staff member [full name]

Dear Recognition and Accreditation Program Coordinator:

[Organization name] is a DOJ recognized organization located at [full address]. With this

application, [organization] is seeking partial accreditation for its staff member, [name].

Enclosed, please find a completed Form EOIR-31A along with supporting

documentation. We have included a full list of enclosures below. In addition, we are

providing [name’s] date of birth for the background check: _______.

Thank you very much for your fair and rapid consideration of [organization’s] request for

partial accreditation for [name].

Sincerely,

[Name of Authorized Officer]

[Job Title]

Enclosures:

• Form EOIR-31A [2017 edition recommended]

• Resume for [staff name]

• Copies of certificates and agendas for trainings attended

• Affidavit for trainings attended [if needed]

• Two letters of recommendation from [name of current supervisor] and [name of

immigration attorney or DOJ accredited representative]

DOJ Recognition & Accreditation Guide February 2023

SAMPLE COVER LETTER FOR FULL ACCREDITATION REQUEST

[Date]

Recognition and Accreditation Program Coordinator

Office of Legal Access Programs

Office of Policy

Executive Office for Immigration Review

5107 Leesburg Pike, Suite 2500

Falls Church, VA 22041

RE: Request for full accreditation of [organization name] staff member [full name of

staff]

Dear Recognition and Accreditation Program Coordinator:

[Organization name] is a DOJ recognized organization located at [full address]. With this

application, [organization] is seeking full accreditation for its staff member, [name].

Enclosed, please find a completed Form EOIR-31A along with supporting

documentation. We have included a full list of enclosures below. In addition, we are

providing [name’s] date of birth for the background check: _______.

Thank you very much for your fair and rapid consideration of [organization’s] request for

full accreditation for [name].

Sincerely,

[Name of Authorized Officer]

[Job Title]

Enclosures:

• Form EOIR-31A [2017 edition recommended]

• Resume for [staff name]

• Copies of certificates and agendas for trainings attended

• Affidavit for trainings attended [if needed]

• Two redacted writing samples demonstrating written trial and appellate advocacy

skills

• Log of experiences and observations at the Immigration Court

• Two letters of recommendation from 1) a mentor who is an attorney or fully

accredited representative and 2) current supervisor OR another attorney or fully

accredited representative who can vouch for staff person’s knowledge and

experience in immigration law

DOJ Recognition & Accreditation Guide February 2023

SAMPLE COVER LETTER FOR RECOGNITION RENEWAL REQUEST

[Date]

Recognition and Accreditation Program Coordinator

Office of Legal Access Programs

Office of Policy

Executive Office for Immigration Review

5107 Leesburg Pike, Suite 2500

Falls Church, VA 22041

RE: REQUEST FOR RENEWAL OF RECOGNITION FOR [organization name]

LOCATED AT: [full address]

Dear Recognition and Accreditation Program Coordinator:

I ask the Office of Legal Access Programs (OLAP) to please grant renewal of recognition

to the office mentioned above under 8 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Section

1292.16.

[Organization] currently provides charitable immigration legal services to immigrants

and refugees, including family-based immigration, naturalization, inadmissibility

waivers, DACA, TPS, and more. [Organization] also provides citizenship classes for

naturalization applicants.

With this application, [organization] seeks to continue providing charitable immigration

legal services, as there is a significant need in this area.

Enclosed, please find a completed Form EOIR-31 along with supporting documentation.

We have included a full list of enclosures below.

Thank you very much for your fair and rapid consideration of our request on behalf of

[organization] for recognition renewal.

Sincerely,

[Name of Authorized Officer]

[Job Title]

Enclosures:

• Form EOIR-31 [2017 edition recommended]

• Organizational Chart

• Accreditation Approval Letter(s) for [name(s) of currently accredited staff]

• Technical Legal Support Letter from [provider] [if applicable]

• List of Immigration Law Library Resources

• Budget for Current Year, 2023

DOJ Recognition & Accreditation Guide February 2023

• Budget for Previous Year, 2022

• Annual Summary for [each year since last grant of recognition]

• Fee Schedule(s) Used for [each year since last grant of recognition]

• Fee Waiver/Reduction Policy(ies) Used for [each year since last grant of

recognition]

NOTE: You must include updated information on any unreported changes since the last

recognition date that affect eligibility, so there may be additional enclosures not listed

above. Also, if your organization does not have any accredited staff, you must include at

least one application for staff accreditation in this packet, unless you have been granted

additional time by OLAP to prepare your staff for accreditation.

DOJ Recognition & Accreditation Guide February 2023

SAMPLE COVER LETTER FOR ACCREDITATION RENEWAL REQUEST

[PARTIAL OR FULL]

[Date]

Recognition and Accreditation Program Coordinator

Office of Legal Access Programs

Office of Policy

Executive Office for Immigration Review

5107 Leesburg Pike, Suite 2500

Falls Church, VA 22041

RE: Request for renewal of [partial/full] accreditation of [organization name] staff

member [full name]

Dear Recognition and Accreditation Program Coordinator:

[Organization name] is a DOJ recognized organization located at [full address]. With this

application, [organization] is seeking renewal of [partial/full] accreditation for its staff

member, [name].

Enclosed, please find a completed Form EOIR-31A along with supporting

documentation. We have included a full list of enclosures below. In addition, we are

providing [name’s] date of birth for the background check: _______.

Thank you very much for your fair and rapid consideration of [organization’s] request for

renewal of [partial/full] accreditation for [name].

Sincerely,

[Name of Authorized Officer]

[Job Title]

Enclosures:

• Form EOIR-31A [2017 edition recommended]

• Updated resume for [staff name] with list of trainings attended since last

accreditation date

• Copies of certificates and agendas for trainings attended

• Affidavit for trainings attended [if needed]

• Copy of last letter approving accreditation

DOJ Recognition & Accreditation Guide February 2023

SAMPLE COVER LETTER FOR RECOGNITION EXTENSION REQUEST

[DATE]

Recognition and Accreditation Program Coordinator

Office of Legal Access Programs

Office of Policy

Executive Office for Immigration Review

5107 Leesburg Pike, Suite 2500

Falls Church, VA 22041

RE: Request for extension of recognition to [number] [organization name] offices

located at [full address of each]

Dear Recognition and Accreditation Program Coordinator:

[Organization] is a DOJ recognized organization with its main office located at [full

address]. With this application, [organization] is seeking extension of recognition to

[number] sub-office locations in [list cities].

Enclosed, please find a completed Form EOIR-31 along with an updated organizational

chart to demonstrate that [organization] exercises supervision and control over its

accredited representatives at the sub-office locations. We are also providing a list of

immigration law library resources available at all [organization] office locations to

demonstrate that they have access to adequate legal resources. To demonstrate that all

offices share the same funding, management, and operations, we are providing a current

budget for the immigration program that includes the sub-offices and a current fee

schedule used at all office locations. We have included a list of attachments below.

Thank you very much for your fair and rapid consideration of [organization’s] request for

extension of recognition.

Sincerely,

[Name of Authorized Officer]

[Job Title]

Attachments:

• Form EOIR-31 requesting extension of recognition [2017 edition recommended]

• Current organizational chart

• List of law library resources for all office locations

• Current budget for immigration program

• Current fee schedule for immigration program

DOJ Recognition & Accreditation Guide February 2023

SAMPLE LIST OF IMMIGRATION LAW LIBRARY RESOURCES

These are only examples, not a complete list of immigration references and resources.

Depending on the types of immigration services your organization provides, seek other

resources by talking to experts in the field. At a minimum, it is recommended that your

organization have print copies of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) and Title 8

of the Code of Federal Regulations (8 CFR) as well as online resources, which are readily

available. In addition, it is highly recommended that your organization have a budget to

purchase and update immigration law library resources annually since immigration laws

change constantly.

Print Resources

The Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), latest edition [year]

Title 8 of the Code of Federal Regulations (8 CFR), latest edition [year]

Kurzban’s Immigration Law Sourcebook, 18

Edition, Ira J. Kurzban and the National

Immigration Lawyers Association, 2022

A Guide for Immigration Advocates, 23

Edition, Immigrant Legal Resource Center,

2022

Naturalization & U.S. Citizenship: The Essential Legal Guide, 17

Edition, Immigrant

Legal Resource Center, 2022

U.S. Citizenship and Naturalization Handbook, 2022-2023 Edition, Daniel Levy, Charles

Roth, and the National Immigration Project of the National Lawyers Guild

Immigration Law and the Family, 6

Edition, Charles Wheeler and the American

Immigration Lawyers Association, 2020

FOIA Requests and Other Background Checks: A Practical Guide to Filing Records

Requests in Immigration Cases, 2

Edition, Immigrant Legal Resource Center, 2020

DACA: The Essential Legal Guide, 4

Edition, Immigrant Legal Resource Center, 2021

Inadmissibility and Deportability, 6

Edition, Immigrant Legal Resource Center, 2021

The VAWA Manual: Immigration Relief for Abused Immigrants, 8

Edition, Immigrant

Legal Resource Center, 2020

Online Resources

Executive Office for Immigration Review Virtual Law Library,

https://www.justice.gov/eoir/virtual-law-library

USCIS’ website with the current INA, 8 CFR, all immigration-related forms, policy

manuals, and updates from the government, https://www.uscis.gov/

DOJ Recognition & Accreditation Guide February 2023

Department of State Visa Bulletin, https://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en/law-and-

policy/bulletin.html

Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. (CLINIC) Citizenship Toolkit, available at

https://cliniclegal.org/toolkits/citizenship

CLINIC Case Management Toolkit, available at https://cliniclegal.org/toolkits/case-

management

CLINIC handbook, Managing an Immigration Program: Steps for Creating and

Increasing Legal Capacity,

https://cliniclegal.org/resources/program-management/managing-immigration-program-

steps-creating-and-increasing-legal

Basic Procedural Manual for Asylum Representation, National Immigrant Justice Center,

https://www.immigrationadvocates.org/nonprofit/library/

CLINIC’s monthly affiliate newsletter and daily list serve with immigration law updates,

news from the Catholic network, a training schedule, and information on immigration

advocacy efforts

Immigration Advocates Network (IAN), www.immigrationadvocates.org list serve and

web-based library with podcasts, webinars, video trainings, calendar of training dates,

and news alerts

USCIS e-mail updates regarding policy changes and new guidelines

Detention Watch Network Listserv, https://www.detentionwatchnetwork.org/signup

Siskind’s Immigration Bulletin,

https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/qX2e4ol/Siskindsignup

DOJ Recognition & Accreditation Guide February 2023

SAMPLE ORGANIZATIONAL CHART

Catholic Charities, Inc. Diocese of Any

City

Immigration Legal Services

Organization Chart

Board of Directors

Director

Program Operations

NAME

Immigration Program Director

NAME

DOJ Accredited Representative (Partial)

Based in Any City (Main Office)

(Travels to each sub-office monthly)

Executive Director

NAME

Name of City

Immigration

Sub-Office

Immigration

Specialist

NAME

DOJ Accredited

Rep. (Partial)

Name of City

Immigration

Sub-Office

Immigration

Specialist

NAME

DOJ Accreditation

Requested

DOJ Recognition & Accreditation Guide February 2023

SAMPLE BUDGET FOR IMMIGRATION PROGRAM (1)

[On organization’s letterhead]

IMMIGRATION PROGRAM BUDGET FOR CURRENT YEAR

(JANUARY – DECEMBER 2023)

Revenue:

• Local Church Mission Fund $3,500.00

• Local Church in-kind donation $15,000.00

- Rent and utilities

• Southern District of Larger Denomination (donation) $26,000.00

• Grant from Community Foundation of [City] $2,000.00

• Individual Contributions $2,500.00

• Projected Fees $5,000.00

Total $54,000.00

Expenses:

• Rent/Utilities in-kind $15,000.00

• Office supplies and computers $3,000.00

• Liability Insurance $2,000.00

• Case Management Software $3,000.00

• Training $1,500.00

• Legal Library $2,000.00

• Payroll Expenses (1 full-time DOJ representative) $26,000.00

• Technical Legal Support $1,500.00

Total $54,000.00

DOJ Recognition & Accreditation Guide February 2023

SAMPLE BUDGET FOR IMMIGRATION PROGRAM (2)

[On organization’s letterhead]

IMMIGRATION PROGRAM BUDGET FOR CURRENT YEAR, FY 2022/2023

(July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2023)

INCOME

Source Amount

Fundraising

Radiothon $5,000

Parish Support $7,000

Individual Contributions $4,300

Client Fees $20,000

In-Kind Support for Space/Utilities $11,000

City of Anytown Grant $20,000

TOTAL $67,300

EXPENSES

Source Amount

Staff Salaries and Benefits $60,000

Office Supplies (postage, printing, etc.) $2,000

Immigration Training & Law Library $1,500

Case Management Software $3,000

CLINIC Membership $800

TOTAL $67,300

DOJ Recognition & Accreditation Guide February 2023

SAMPLE FEE SCHEDULE

[On organization’s letterhead]

IMMIGRATION SERVICES FEE SCHEDULE

EFFECTIVE [DATE]

Form

Service

Fee

Initial Consultation Fee

$40

N-400

Citizenship

$200

N-565

Replace Naturalization Certificate

$100

N-600

Certificate of Citizenship

$100

I-90

Renew/Replace Green Card

$100

I-102

Replace 1-94 Card

$100

I-129R1

Religious Worker Visa

$300

I-129F

Fiancé Petition

$250

I-130

Alien Relative Petition (stand-alone)

$200

I-130

"One Step" Adjustment of Status Package for Spouse/Child

Over 14 (includes I-485, I-131, I-765, I-864, and G-325A)

$400

• For child under 14

$350

I-485

Adjustment of Status (non-immediate relative)

$300

• For child under 14

$150

I-485

Refugee/Asylee Adjustment of Status

$150

I-485A

Adjustment of Status Supplement A

$100

DS-230

Consular Packet

$300

• Each additional family member

$100

I-131

Travel Document

$100

I-134

Affidavit of Support for Visit

$100

I-539

Extend/Change Status

$150

I-751

Removal of Conditions

$200

I-765

Employment Authorization

$75

I-821

Temporary Protected Status

$100

I-864

Affidavit of Support

$150

I-864A

Affidavit of Support Joint Sponsor

$125

I-360

Petition for Widow/Battered Spouse or Child

$300

I-824

Application for Action on Approved Application or Petition

$100

I-730

Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition

$50

I-918

Complete U-Visa

$400

AR-11

Change of Address

$10

Infopass Appointment (one per application free)

$25

Translate Document

$20/page

• Cap on translation

$40

NOTE: No one will be turned away based on inability to pay. A fee waiver is

available for those who qualify. USCIS charges separate fees for processing

applications filed. Those USCIS filing fees are not reflected above.

DOJ Recognition & Accreditation Guide February 2023

SAMPLE FEE WAIVER POLICY

[On organization’s letterhead]

Fee Waiver Policy

No one will be turned away due to inability to pay.

A client who is unable to pay for services may ask for a fee waiver for [organization’s] fees.

Please see our guidelines below.

A client may request a fee waiver for [organization’s] fees if his/her household income (includes

all income from all adults contributing to the expenses of the household) is at or below 100% of

the Federal Poverty Guidelines and he/she has less than $2,000 in checking/savings/cash assets

that belong to him/her or a spouse (after paying all the fees connected to the current case).

Family Size

Annual

Monthly

Weekly

$14,580

$1,215

$280

$19,720

$1,643

$379

$24,860

$2,072

$478

$30,000

$2,500

$577

$35,140

$2,928

$676

$40,280

$3,357

$775

$45,420

$3,785

$873

$50,560

$4,213

$972

Each Add'l

$5,140

$428

$99

100% of the 2023 Federal Poverty Level Guidelines

A client may also request a fee waiver if he/she receives a means tested local, state, or federal

government benefit (such as food stamps, TANF, Medicaid, or Supplemental Social Income) or

in cases of extreme economic hardship.

All fee waiver applicants must submit documentation detailing their situation, which could

include:

• Current pay stubs or other proof of income

• Current bank statement

• Most recent tax return

• Proof of current public benefits received

• Proof of extreme economic hardship

All fee waivers are determined by [organization’s] treasurer and executive director.

A client who receives a fee waiver from [organization] is still responsible for applicable fees from

USCIS/NVC. However, if appropriate and available, we will also help the client complete a

USCIS fee waiver request.

DOJ Recognition & Accreditation Guide February 2023

SAMPLE FEE WAIVER/REDUCTION POLICY (SLIDING SCALE)

[On organization’s letterhead]

FEE WAIVER/REDUCTION POLICY*

Immigration Ministry will reduce or waive fees for clients who formally request and

prove that they cannot afford to pay the immigration legal service fees charged by

Immigration Ministry at Local Church. Clients requiring a waiver of fees charged by

USCIS must submit a separate waiver directly to the Federal Government.

The criteria for reducing or waiving fees will be based on the U.S. Federal Poverty

Guidelines. The following sliding fee scale is implemented:

• If a client falls at or below 130% of the U.S. Federal Poverty Guidelines,

100% of the recommended fees may be waived.

• If a client falls between 131% and 200% of the U.S. Federal Poverty

Guidelines, 50% of the recommended fees may be waived.

Clients requesting a fee waiver or reduced fee must submit acceptable documentation to

verify their income level, such as their most recent federal tax return, pay stubs, bank

statement, proof of current public benefits received, proof of extreme economic hardship,

or other form of documentation.

A fee waiver/reduction may only be granted by the Program Director of Immigration

Ministry at Any Church.

The 2023 U.S. Federal Poverty Guidelines for the 48 Contiguous States and the District

of Columbia, located at https://aspe.hhs.gov/poverty-guidelines, are as follows:

Household Size

100% of Poverty

Level

130% of Poverty

Level

200% of Poverty

Level

$14,580

$18,954

$29,160

$19,720

$25,636

$39,440

$24,860

$32,318

$49,720

$30,000

$39,000

$60,000

$35,140

$45,682

$70,280

$40,280

$52,364

$80,560

$45,420

$59,046

$90,840

$50,560

$65,728

$101,120

For each additional

person, add

$5,140

$6,682

$10,280

*Immigration Ministry at Any Church has the right to amend this fee waiver policy at

any time.

DOJ Recognition & Accreditation Guide February 2023

SAMPLE RESUME FOR PARTIAL ACCREDITATION

Susan S. Sanchez

Any Church

1234 Main Street, Any Town, State 98765

555-222-1278

[email protected]

[Use the individual’s work address and contact information

rather than his/her personal contact information. You may

also put the resume on organization letterhead.]

RELEVANT EXPERIENCE

[Only include experience that involves immigrants and working with other cultures.

Be sure to include any shadowing or hands-on experience gained with other

organizations.]

Any Church

Multicultural Ministries Volunteer September 2021-Present

• Volunteered in a number of outreach activities geared toward serving immigrants in

the Any Town area.

• Led setup of Immigration Ministry including obtaining training and hands on

experience, fundraising and logistics management.

World Relief DuPage/Aurora Wheaton, IL

Internship October 2022

• Received training in immigration law and program management

• Under the supervision of DOJ accredited representatives, observed and assisted in

conducting client intakes; filling out forms; document review and compilation; case

management and follow-up.

Advocacy Organization for Immigration Reform Suburb, ST

Volunteer April-June 2021

• Organized a Forum on Immigration Reform that discussed a summary of the U.S.

Senate Proposed legislation.

• Raised money for the event which consisted of making calls, sending emails, and

visiting potential financial contributors.

• We invited the media, community members, organizers, lawyers, professors as well

as Council members.

Immigration Benefit Applications Assisted and Familiar with:

[Make sure to list both the form number and name.]

AR-11 Change of Address

G-28 Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Accredited Representative

G-639 Freedom of Information/Privacy Act Request

I-90 Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card

I-130 Petition for Alien Relative

I-131 Application for Travel Document

I-485 Application to Register Permanent Residence or to Adjust Status [Asylum and

DOJ Recognition & Accreditation Guide February 2023

Family-Based Applications]

I-539 Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status

I-589 Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal

I-751 Petition to Remove the Condition on Residence

I-765 Application for Employment Authorization

I-765WS (Complement with Employment Authorization for DACA)

I-821D Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals

I-912 Request for Fee Waiver

I-918 Petition for U Nonimmigrant Status

I-918 Supplement A, Petition for Qualifying Family Member of U-1Recipient

I-918 Supplement B, U Nonimmigrant Status Certification

N-400 Application for Naturalization

N-565 Application for Replacement of Naturalization/Citizenship Document

N-600 Application for Certificate of Citizenship

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Arts in French May 2016

University of the Upper Peninsula, MI

IMMIGRATION TRAININGS

[Make sure you have at least one recent course that provides a comprehensive

overview of immigration law. Ideally you should have at least 5-6 other recent

trainings to supplement the comprehensive overview course. It is fine if the

majority of trainings are web-based. Make sure to list the organization that actually

taught the training, not the host organization. If in-person, list city and state. For

each training, add a couple of sentences describing what was taught, or attach the

training agenda.]

Life after DACA

By: Organization name(s)

Webinar (1.5 hours) December 1, 2022

One or two sentences describing what the training covered.

Immigration Program Management Techniques and Strategies

By: Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc.

Webinar (1.5 hours) November 26, 2022

One or two sentences describing what the training covered.

Getting In-and-Out While You Wait: Travel for U Conditional Grantees

By: Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. and ASISTA

Webinar (1.5 hours) October 8, 2022

One or two sentences describing what the training covered.

DOJ Recognition & Accreditation Guide February 2023

***Comprehensive Overview of Immigration Law: A Course for New Practitioners (a

course on the fundamentals of immigration law, procedure, and practice.)

By: Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc.

6-week, Intensive E-learning Course July 6 – August 20, 2022

(18 hours of webinar instruction and 30 hours of self-study)

One or two sentences describing what the training covered.

Special Immigrant Juvenile Status

By: U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants

Webinar (1.5 hours) June 2, 2022

One or two sentences describing what the training covered.

Affidavit of Support

By: World Relief

Webinar (1.5 hours) May 11, 2022

One or two sentences describing what the training covered.

Immigrations Consequences of Criminal Convictions

By: Esperanza Immigrant Rights Project

Los Angeles, CA (in-person training, 6 hours) October 10, 2021

One or two sentences describing what the training covered.

Naturalization Application Training Workshop/Clinic Volunteers

By: Asian Americans Advancing Justice

Los Angeles, CA (in-person training, 2 hours) May 21, 2021

One or two sentences describing what the training covered.

SPECIAL SKILLS

Language: Fluent in Spanish and English

DOJ Recognition & Accreditation Guide February 2023

SAMPLE RESUME FOR FULL ACCREDITATION

Josephine Blauer

World Relief Kalamazoo

135 Blueberry Way

Kalamazoo, MI 12345

(443) 451-1992

[email protected]rg

[Please note: use organization contact information,

not your personal contact information]

RELEVANT EXPERIENCE

[For employment entries, you should show the title, organization, time worked, and

basic job duties for each job in which you gained immigration experience.]

Immigration Advocate

World Relief Kalamazoo December 2019-Present

• Partially accredited representative since x date.

• Evaluate clients’ eligibility for immigration benefits and possible bars to

immigration.

• Assist eligible clients with completion of appropriate immigration benefit

applications and filing.

• Assist clients to schedule immigration appointments.

• Represent clients at naturalization interviews before USCIS.

• Assist clients with translation of legal documents.

• Attend ongoing immigration law trainings to maintain accreditation and stay up to

date on new developments in immigration law.

• Review immigration list serves and websites regularly to stay up to date on

immigration changes.

• Provide immigration referrals when necessary.

• Attend monthly meetings with USCIS District Office.

• Conduct outreach and information sessions to inform community members about

immigration benefits and new developments.

Advocacy, Research, & Writing Skills

• Working under the supervision of an immigration attorney for six months, gained

experience needed for full accreditation.

• Gained experience in conducting legal research; interviewing clients; writing

declarations, affidavits, pleadings, and motions; preparing clients for immigration

court hearings; and observing proceedings before the immigration court.

• Observed master calendar hearing for clients of Jane Attorney, Esq. at [name of]

Immigration Court on x date.

• Observed individual hearing for client of Jane Attorney, Esq. at Immigration

Court on x date.

DOJ Recognition & Accreditation Guide February 2023

Please see attached, redacted writing samples related to court cases assisted with.

Please see attached log for a full list of experiences and observations at the Immigration

Court.

Immigration Benefit Applications Assisted with:

[These are common forms that advocates may have completed. List only the forms

you have actually prepared, and add any that are not listed here. Add the number

and title of the form.]

AR-11 Change of Address

G-325A Biographic Information

G-639 Freedom of Information/Privacy Act Request

I-90 Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card

I-102 Application for Replacement/Initial Nonimmigrant Arrival/Departure

Record

I-130 Petition for Alien Relative

I-131 Application for Travel Document

I-134 Affidavit of Support

I-485 Application to Register Permanent Residence or to Adjust Status [Indicate

whether for Refugees, Asylees, and/or Family-Based Applications]

I-602 Application by Refugee For Waiver of Grounds of Excludability

I-730 Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition

I-751 Petition to Remove the Conditions on Residence

I-765 Application for Employment Authorization

I-864 Affidavit of Support

I-864A Affidavit of Support Contract Between Sponsor and Household Member

I-864EZ Affidavit of Support

I-864W Intending Immigrant's Affidavit of Support Exemption

N-400 Application for Naturalization

N-600 Application for Certification of Citizenship

N-648 Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Arts in French May 2012

University of the Upper Peninsula, MI

[You may add the date of graduation if you like, but it is not required.]

DOJ Recognition & Accreditation Guide February 2023

IMMIGRATION TRAININGS

[List recent trainings in the last three years. Seek advanced level trainings to

prepare for full accreditation.]

Court Skills Training for Partially Accredited Representatives

In-Person Training in Chicago, Illinois (35 hours)

Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. month/day/year

Representing Clients in Removal Proceedings

Eight Webinar Series (12 hours)

Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. month/day/year

Asylum for DACA and TPS Holders

Webinar (1.5 hours)

Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. month/day/year

Written and Oral Advocacy in Immigration Court

Webinar (1.5 hours)

Immigration Advocates Network month/day/year

Challenging the Government’s Case in Immigration Court

Webinar (1.5 hours)

Immigration Advocates Network month/day/year

The Federal Rules of Evidence: What Immigration

Court Representatives Need to Know

Webinar (1.5 hours)

Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. month/day/year

Getting Clients Released on Bond

Webinar (1.5 hours)

Florence Immigrant & Refugee Rights Project month/day/year

Humanitarian Immigration Law Clinic

Annual Immigration Law Seminar (7 hours)

School of Law, City, State month/day/year

SPECIAL SKILLS

Fluent in Spanish, French, and English

Extensive experience working with immigrants and refugees from various cultures and

countries, such as: France, Kenya, Sudan, Thailand, Burma, Canada, Mexico, Colombia

DOJ Recognition & Accreditation Guide February 2023

SAMPLE LOG OF COURT EXPERIENCES AND OBSERVATIONS FOR FULL

ACCREDITATION

LOG OF EXPERIENCES AND OBSERVATIONS AT THE IMMIGRATION

COURT FOR [NAME OF APPLICANT]

DATE

LOCATION

TYPE OF CASE

February 13, 2022

Charlotte Immigration Court

Individual Hearing with mentor

[NAME], Esq. Case was dealing

with cancellation of removal.

March 21, 2022

Charlotte Immigration Court

Individual Hearing with mentor

[NAME], Esq. for cancellation of

removal case.

August 15, 2022

Charlotte Immigration Court

Master Calendar Hearing. Cases

included asylum, cancellation of

removal, and adjustment of status.

September 26, 2022

Charlotte Immigration Court

Master Calendar Hearing. Cases

included asylum and cancellation of

removal.

October 3, 2022

Charlotte Immigration Court

Master Calendar Hearing. Cases

included asylum, cancellation of

removal, and adjustment of status.

DOJ Recognition & Accreditation Guide February 2023

SAMPLE AFFIDAVIT FOR TRAININGS MISSING A CERTIFICATE OF

COMPLETION

To whom it may concern:

I attest under penalty of perjury that [name of applicant] completed the following

immigration trainings. A certificate is not available for these trainings because

[explanation].

Immigration Trainings Attended by name of applicant

Date

Training Title

Type of

Training

Hours

Training Provided By

Applicant Name (print), Signature, and Date:

________________________________________________________________________

Supervisor Name (print), Signature, and Date:

________________________________________________________________________

DOJ Recognition & Accreditation Guide February 2023

SAMPLE LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION FOR OFFICE RECOGNITION

This should be written like a standard letter of recommendation. The information

in bold must be included though not necessarily in those exact words.

[On letterhead of writer’s organization]

[Date]

Recognition and Accreditation Program Coordinator

Office of Legal Access Programs

Office of Policy

Executive Office for Immigration Review

5107 Leesburg Pike, Suite 2500

Falls Church, VA 22041

RE: Recommendation for Office Recognition of World Relief Kalamazoo, MI

Dear Recognition and Accreditation Program Coordinator:

I am pleased to write this letter of recommendation for recognition by the Department of

Justice for World Relief Kalamazoo. I am very familiar with the work of World Relief

Kalamazoo and highly recommend it for office recognition from the DOJ. I have been

familiar with World Relief Kalamazoo since [date], when I became Mayor of Our

Town, MI, near Kalamazoo.

World Relief participates in an immigrant task force that is run out of my office. This

task force meets regularly, and World Relief is an active and important participating

organization. Because World Relief works with refugees and immigrants in the

community, its perspectives are vital to the task force and our city’s relationship with

refugees and immigrants. Our Town, Kalamazoo, and the surrounding area has a

significant low-income constituency and World Relief plays a crucial role in meeting the

needs of this community.

I believe that World Relief Kalamazoo has the necessary knowledge and experience

required to provide quality legal services. The organization has a good reputation in

our community for its work with refugees and immigrants.

Additionally, there is a great need for quality low-cost immigration legal services in the

Kalamazoo area, due to the large population of immigrants and the shortage of

immigration legal services providers.

I strongly support World Relief’s application for office recognition, as it will allow the

office to provide quality immigration legal services to our community. Please contact me

at [contact information] if you have any questions.

Sincerely,

Mayor of Our Town, MI

DOJ Recognition & Accreditation Guide February 2023

SAMPLE LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION FOR PARTIAL

ACCREDITATION (from attorney or fully accredited representative)

This should be written like a standard letter of recommendation. The information

in bold must be included though not necessarily in those exact words. Details should

be personalized.

[On letterhead of writer’s organization]

[Date]

Recognition and Accreditation Program Coordinator

Office of Legal Access Programs

Office of Policy

Executive Office for Immigration Review

5107 Leesburg Pike, Suite 2500

Falls Church, VA 22041

RE: Recommendation for Partial Accreditation of Susan Sanchez

Dear Recognition and Accreditation Program Coordinator:

I am pleased to write this letter of recommendation for partial accreditation of Susan

Sanchez. I am a licensed immigration attorney with 10 years of experience practicing

immigration law at Adelante, a non-profit agency in Wheaton, IL. I am admitted to the

Bar in Illinois. My practice focuses on family-based immigration, deportation and

removal hearings, VAWA, and asylum.

I have known Ms. Sanchez since [date], when she came to work for Any Church. Since

that time she has worked as an Immigration Advocate for that office. We have attended

many meetings and immigration trainings together. I am familiar with her work as she

has provided interpretation services for a number of my clients and has helped coordinate

citizenship workshops with various non-profits in the area.

She has attended numerous trainings on immigration law and has gained extensive

experience assisting immigrants and refugees with immigration applications. I find Ms.

Sanchez to have the character and fitness required to provide immigration legal

services to clients. She is an excellent immigration worker and is well-respected in the

community. I strongly believe she has the necessary knowledge and experience to

warrant receiving partial accreditation from the Department of Justice.

I am available to support the Any Church office and Ms. Sanchez with immigration

questions and strategy. I am available in person, by phone, or by email on a pro bono

basis.

DOJ Recognition & Accreditation Guide February 2023

I strongly recommend Ms. Sanchez for partial accreditation from the Department of

Justice.

Please contact me at [contact information] if you have any questions.

Sincerely,

NAME, Esq.

DOJ Recognition & Accreditation Guide February 2023

SAMPLE LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION FOR FULL ACCREDITATION

(from mentor who is attorney or fully accredited representative)

This should be written like a standard letter of recommendation. The information

in bold must be included though not necessarily in those exact words. Details should

be personalized.

[On letterhead of writer’s organization]

[Date]

Recognition and Accreditation Program Coordinator

Office of Legal Access Programs

Office of Policy

Executive Office for Immigration Review

5107 Leesburg Pike, Suite 2500

Falls Church, VA 22041

RE: Recommendation for Full Accreditation of Josephine Blauer

Dear Recognition and Accreditation Program Coordinator:

I am pleased to write this letter of recommendation for full accreditation of Josephine

Blauer. I am a licensed immigration attorney with 10 years of experience practicing

immigration law at Adelante, a non-profit agency in Kalamazoo, MI. I am admitted to

the Bar in Michigan. My practice focuses on family-based immigration, deportation and

removal hearings, VAWA, and asylum.

Ms. Blauer has been partially accredited since [date]. As an Immigration Advocate at

World Relief Kalamazoo, she has extensive experience assisting immigrants and refugees

with immigration applications, and also has experience in representing clients at USCIS

interviews.

I have known Ms. Blauer for more than two years and have been mentoring her and

helping her prepare for full accreditation for the past six months. Ms. Blauer has

attended numerous trainings in immigration law, which are detailed in her resume. She

has accompanied me to the immigration court in our city on a regular basis to observe

proceedings, including master calendar hearings and individual case hearings. Under my

supervision, she has also gained significant experience in legal research, writing, and

preparing clients for court hearings. Her writing experience includes preparing

pleadings, declarations, and motions for court cases. I have personally observed Ms.

Blauer’s attention to detail and have reviewed thorough, quality declarations that she has

prepared for clients. She has a keen ability to hone in on relevant facts and identify

potential legal issues. She is able to communicate in a persuasive and effective manner,

both verbally and in writing.

I believe Ms. Blauer has the character and fitness to represent clients. She is an

excellent immigration worker and is well-respected in the community. I believe she has

the necessary training and experience to warrant full accreditation from the

DOJ Recognition & Accreditation Guide February 2023

Department of Justice. There is a great need for quality legal services in our local area,

especially representation before the Immigration Court, due the large population of

immigrants and the shortage of immigration legal service providers. Ms. Blauer’s full

accreditation with World Relief will allow the organization to help meet that need.

I am available to support the World Relief office and Ms. Blauer on immigration

questions and strategy. I am available in person, by phone, or by e-mail on a pro bono

basis.

I strongly recommend her for full accreditation from the Department of Justice.

Please contact me at [phone and e-mail] if you have any questions.

Sincerely,

NAME, Esq.

DOJ Recognition & Accreditation Guide February 2023

SAMPLE LETTER OF AGREEMENT TO PROVIDE TECHNICAL LEGAL

SUPPORT

[On letterhead of writer’s organization]

[Date]

Recognition and Accreditation Program Coordinator

Office of Legal Access Programs

Office of Policy

Executive Office for Immigration Review

5107 Leesburg Pike, Suite 2500

Falls Church, VA 22041

RE: Agreement to provide technical legal support for the Immigration Assistance

Center (IAC) office located at 555 Main Street, Anytown, Iowa 50500

Dear Recognition and Accreditation Program Coordinator:

I am pleased to write this letter of recommendation for Department of Justice recognition

for IAC. I am familiar with IAC and I fully support the organization’s application to

become recognized because the need for charitable immigration services is so much

greater than the existing resources in the Anytown area, which has a very large immigrant

and refugee population. I understand that IAC will be focusing on family-based

immigration services for low income immigrants.

I am a licensed attorney with 15 years of experience in immigration law. I am admitted

to the bar in the state of Iowa. My practice focuses on family-based immigration,

deportation and removal hearings, and asylum cases. I have known IAC and its

Executive Director, Katherine Medina, for the last five years and have served as a

volunteer at the organization’s community outreach events. I have met with Ms. Medina

and have agreed to provide technical legal support on a pro bono basis. I am available to

answer any immigration questions the IAC staff may have by phone or e-mail.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at [e-mail and phone

number].

Sincerely,

Jill Attorney, Esq.

DOJ Recognition & Accreditation Guide February 2023

TEMPLATE FOR ANNUAL SUMMARY

Note: One annual summary should be provided for each calendar year from the last

date of recognition to the time of the application for renewal.

Annual Summary of Immigration Legal Services

for the Office of Legal Access Programs (OLAP)

Name of Organization: ___________________________________________________

Time Period Covered: _________________________

1) Total number of clients served during this period: ____________

(Include client intakes, applications prepared and filed with USCIS, cases in which your

organization’s attorneys or accredited representatives appeared before the Immigration Courts or

the Board, and referrals made to attorneys or other organizations.)

2) Total number of clients provided services at no cost during this period: ___________

3) General description of the immigration legal services and other immigration-related services

(e.g., educational or outreach events) provided by the organization:

______________________________________________________________________________

4) Statement regarding whether services were provided pro bono or clients were charged in

accordance with a fee schedule:

______________________________________________________________________________

5) Organization policies or guidance regarding fee waivers and reduced fees (describe here or

attach your policy guidance):

______________________________________________________________________________

6) List of the offices or locations where the immigration legal services were provided:

______________________________________________________________________________

Attachments:

• Fee Schedule(s) Used for Immigration Legal Services This Year (if organization charges

fees)

• Organization’s Policy on Fee Waivers and Reduced Fees This Year (if not described

above)

DOJ Recognition & Accreditation Guide February 2023