Where can college students get free immigration legal help?

This page covers California public colleges. Students in other states can ask their campus Dream Center or search the National Immigration Legal Services Directory by zip code. This is general information, not legal advice.

Why start on campus?

Because it is free, it is close, and it is built for you. Many campus programs can screen you for options you may not know you have. That could include DACA renewal, a family petition or citizenship.

Community college students

California runs the Higher Education Legal Services Project for community colleges (Chancellor's Office). It is free for students, staff and faculty. Priority goes to students, including dual enrollment, noncredit and adult education students. Undocumented students get priority.

What they help with:

• A consult to screen for immigration options
• DACA renewals
• Family petitions
• Citizenship applications
• Advance parole and Special Immigrant Juvenile Status
• Know your rights and family preparedness sessions

What the statewide program says it does not cover: removal defense (deportation cases) and asylum applications. They can refer you. Campus pages do not always match. For example, College of San Mateo's page (checked October 21, 2026) still lists removal defense and asylum. If you need either, ask when you book whether your appointment can cover it, and line up a community legal group too.

How to book: go to findyourally.com, pick your college, and choose a time. Using the scheduler is not required. You can also use the contact form. At College of San Mateo, appointments are by Zoom, phone or in person, and in person visits are on Tuesdays. English and Spanish are available.

About DACA fees: this program once helped pay DACA fees for community college students. The Chancellor's Office says that fund has been fully used (updated August 20, 2026). Some campus pages still say fees are covered, so ask before you count on it. A DACA renewal costs $85 plus a $520 work permit fee on paper or $470 online. See Can I renew my DACA?

Cal State and UC students

Cal State (CSU). San José State and SF State both work with Immigrant Legal Defense, a nonprofit.

• San José State: free consults and case help for all SJSU students, staff, faculty, their immediate family, and graduates from the last two years. Book online or email undocuspartan@sjsu.edu. Call (408) 924-2762, Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Student Union, MOSAIC Center. Interpreters are available on request.
• SF State: free consults, DACA renewals and help with forms. Undocumented students get priority. Book through the Dream Resource Center at drc@sfsu.edu, Student Services Building 206M.
• Other CSU campuses: ask your Dream Center or Dreamer Resource Liaison. State law says every CSU and community college campus must have one. UC campuses are asked, not required, to have one.

University of California (UC). The UC Immigrant Legal Services Center helps students at nine campuses, including UC Santa Cruz and UCSF, plus their immediate family. It handles DACA, advance parole and more, free of charge.

• UC Berkeley students use the East Bay Community Law Center through the Undocumented Student Program. It handles DACA, family petitions, removal defense, asylum and U visas, free, by appointment. Family members may be helped when possible.

What if my case is urgent?

If you have a court date, got a Notice to Appear, or someone in your family is detained, say so when you book. SJSU asks people with time sensitive cases to call or email so they can arrange an attorney sooner. If your campus program cannot take deportation cases, go to community groups that do:

• Community Legal Services in East Palo Alto (CLSEPA): (650) 326-6440. Low income residents of San Mateo and Santa Clara counties. Walk ins Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• More options in Where to find free or low cost immigration legal help in the Bay Area.

What should I bring?

Bring what you have. Missing papers should not stop you from booking.

• A photo ID, if you have one.
• Every immigration paper you have: DACA approval notices, work permit cards, receipt notices, past applications.
• Any letter or notice from immigration or the immigration court, especially a Notice to Appear or a hearing notice.
• Any arrest, ticket or court record, even if the case was dismissed.
• A list of dates you entered or left the United States, as best you know them.
• Your questions, written down.

More detail is on What to bring to your first meeting with an immigration lawyer.

How do I avoid a scam?

Only a licensed attorney or a DOJ accredited representative may give you immigration legal advice. A "notario" is not a lawyer in the U.S. Your campus program is a safe first stop. See Warning signs of an immigration scam.

Who can help?

Contact them to confirm hours, languages and openings. Being listed here is not a referral or a promise of service.

• Your college's Dream Center or Dreamer Resource Liaison.
• Higher Education Legal Services Project: findyourally.com
• California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office: 916-445-8752, info@cccco.edu
• Community Legal Services in East Palo Alto (for low income residents of San Mateo and Santa Clara counties): (650) 326-6440
• Immigration Institute of the Bay Area, Redwood City (for San Mateo County): (650) 587-1558 to schedule a free first consultation, by appointment only, no drop ins. Citizenship workshop registration is (650) 780-7530 (both checked on IIBA's own page October 21, 2026).

Related questions

• Can I still go to college in California as an undocumented student?
• Can I renew my DACA?
• Who qualifies for in state tuition in California?

You do not have to figure out your case alone. Help is often just across campus.