Please note: This website is not a complete list. This is intended as a resource to help get you answers on the immigration questions the University of Wisconsin–Madison is prohibited from answering under the law. UW–Madison cannot recommend one attorney over another.
In the U.S., there are many different types of law. Common types of law are business, criminal, employment/labor, family, immigration, personal injury, and tax. Laws can be complex and difficult to understand. You may need one or more lawyers to help you if your situation involves one or more different types of laws. This page provides resources on your legal rights in the U.S. and spaces to find a lawyer.
If you have questions about a different U.S. visa or U.S. immigration status, you should find and work with an immigration attorney. If you have questions about employer sponsored immigration statuses, such as an H-1B or TN and you are not a UW employee, we recommend you talk to your employer and/or an immigration attorney.
If you have legal questions not related to your immigration status, you should work with a lawyer who specializes in the laws about which you have questions. You may need to hire more than one lawyer if you need legal advice in immigration law and another area of law, such as criminal, humanitarian, or family-based law.
Finding a U.S. Immigration Lawyer
Below are resources to find a licensed immigration lawyer. ISS is not affiliated with any of these resources. We highly recommend you do your own research before contacting a lawyer or an organization. It is important to have a consultation meeting with a lawyer before you hire them to work on your case. This document is a list of helpful questions to ask before you hire a lawyer.
https://www.justice.gov/eoir/find-legal-representation
Local Law Resources
This is a list of law offices who serve specific people for specific issues. ISS is not affiliated with any of these law offices. We highly recommend you do your own research and review before contacting any of the organizations below. This is not a complete list, and we would encourage you to do additional research if the options below do not meet your needs.
- Low Cost Legal Assistance in Dane County created by The Dane County Law Library
- UW–Madison Law School has an Economic Justice Institute which supports several law clinics. They are focused on serving select populations.
- Madison College has partnered with Lawyers for Learners in offering free legal advice to students and community members. See examples of cases and resources on their clinic website.
FAQs
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What can International Student Services (ISS) advise on?
What is International Student Services (ISS) is able to advise on?
- Non-immigrant F-1 student status
- Non-immigrant J-1 student status
- Non-immigrant J-1 student intern status
Depending on the complexity of your case, ISS may recommend you speak with a lawyer.
If your employer is UW–Madison and you have questions about your employment options, then you should review the International Faculty and Staff Services (IFSS) website and contact IFSS with any questions.
Are there any resources for DACA Students?
For undocumented students who are part of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program (DACA) the Office of Student Assistance and Support has a webpage on Supporting DACA recipients.
Resources for Refugee or Displaced Persons
ISS cannot advise on refugee or asylee status and is not affiliated with any of the resources below.
Local Wisconsin resources:
https://dcf.wisconsin.gov/refugee
https://dcf.wisconsin.gov/refugee/school
https://dcf.wisconsin.gov/refugee/agencies
https://dcf.wisconsin.gov/refugee/providers/resources
https://jlbrown29.wixsite.com/mkerefugee
Dane County Immigration Affairs, Community Immigration Law Center: https://www.danecountyhumanservices.org/Children-Youth-and-Family/Immigration-Affairs
U.S. Wide Resource Hub:
https://www.worldlearning.org/program-pages/supporting-higher-education-in-refugee-resettlement-sherr/refugee-resource-hub/
U.S. organizations and initiatives:
https://everycampusarefuge.net/
https://nash.edu/
https://www.presidentsalliance.org/issues/?fwp_post_categories=refugee-students-families
https://www.taicep.org/taiceporgwp/
Community Sponsorship Hub:
https://communitysponsorshiphub.org/
American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) Resources
The American Civil Liberties Union has different webpages explaining your legal rights based on your situation. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has a page on finding help in your community including legal services.
What are resources for students who have experienced sexual misconduct?
The Office of Compliance has resources for current students including legal resources. If you are no longer studying at UW-Madison but are an employee of UW-Madison the Office of Compliance also has resources for employees including legal resources.