Any organization wishing to provide the public with complete and lawful immigration services must be authorized to do so by the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA).
What is the BIA?
The BIA is the highest administrative body for interpreting and applying immigration laws. It falls within the Department of Justice (DOJ). The BIA administers the recognition and accreditation process that allows non-attorneys to provide legal services. More information about the BIA and its role is available on the BIA home page.
Why Become Authorized?
Being BIA-authorized:
Shows customers that your organization is a trustworthy, legitimate service provider that offers the right kind of help
Allows your organization to practice immigration law before the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), immigration courts and the BIA itself
An organization becomes authorized by the BIA through what is called the “recognition-and-accreditation process.” Organizations looking to offer immigration services should be familiar with this process.
How do I apply?
Visit BIA’s Recognition and Accreditation Program Web page. It contains all the information you’ll need to request BIA-recognition for your organization and accreditation for your practitioners.
