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In Charleston—and across the U.S.—too many immigrants are falling into a costly trap: trusting their future to a “notario” or document preparer instead of a qualified immigration attorney.
Just yesterday I got a call from a man who learned this lesson the hard way.
A Costly Mistake: What Happened to His Case
He came to us after his marriage-based green card application was denied.
Why? His I-864 Affidavit of Support — an essential form used to prove that a U.S. citizen spouse can financially support their immigrant spouse — was completed incorrectly. Twice.
The first error triggered a Request for Evidence (RFE) from USCIS. The second error, submitted in response to that RFE, sealed the denial of his I-485 green card application.
Both forms were prepared by a “notario” who was not licensed to practice law and had no formal training in immigration law.
Now, this man has to file a motion to reopen his case, pay an additional $800 just to be heard, and hire an attorney to do the job right — something he could have done from the beginning for less than the cost of fixing this mess.
Did you know?
An incorrect I-864 Affidavit of Support is the most common reason for a Request for Evidence on the I-485 Adjustment of Status.
What’s the Difference Between a Notario and a Real Immigration Lawyer?
In many Latin American countries, a “notario” is a highly trained legal professional. But in the United States, the term has no legal standing. In fact, using the title “notario” to offer legal advice is illegal and considered the unauthorized practice of law.
Notarios and document preparers are not allowed to:
- Give legal advice
- Analyze your eligibility
- Choose the right forms
- Guide you through complex issues
- Represent you before USCIS
At best, they can type. At worst, they can destroy your case.
Immigration Is More Than Just Paperwork
Your immigration application is more than just filling out forms. It requires legal strategy, knowledge of current policies, and the ability to prevent (or respond to) issues like RFEs, denials, or interviews.
An immigration attorney understands how to:
- Avoid red flags in your application
- Ensure your financial documents meet the legal requirements
- Navigate complications like prior visas, unlawful presence, or public charge concerns
- Protect your timeline in a shifting immigration climate
More importantly, a licensed immigration attorney is legally required to act in your best interest.
We’re responsible for the quality of the application — and if something goes wrong, we’re accountable to you and to the law.
A notario or document preparer? They have no license. No accountability. No obligation to do what’s best for you. If they mess up your case, you’re the one who pays the price — and you have no legal recourse.
The Truth About Cost: You Pay More When You Try to Save
We know legal fees feel expensive—but they’re small compared to the cost of a denial. Filing fees, lost time, repeat medical exams, delays in work permits, and even being placed in removal proceedings can all result from preventable errors.
What’s more: we offer structured payment plans, fast-track filing options, and transparent pricing, because we believe families shouldn’t be separated just because they didn’t know where to turn.
Frequently Asked Questions
If a notario or document preparer did your application and it was denied, you may still have options — but you need to act fast. An immigration attorney can help you file a Motion to Reopen or a new application, depending on your case. Bring all documents and USCIS notices with you to your consultation so we can evaluate the best path forward.
Yes, but it depends on where your case is in the process. If you received a Request for Evidence (RFE), you may still have time to correct the mistake. If your case was denied, you may need to file a Motion to Reopen or reapply. Either way, it’s critical to get professional legal help right away to avoid more delays or permanent harm to your case.
It is illegal for a notario or document preparer to give legal advice or help choose what forms to file unless they are a licensed attorney or DOJ-accredited representative. Even if they say they’re “just helping with paperwork,” that’s still unauthorized practice of law if they guide you on legal decisions — and it often leads to serious mistakes.
Immigration attorneys are licensed, trained in the law, and ethically required to act in your best interest. We know how to avoid mistakes that lead to RFEs, denials, and delays. Most importantly, we’re accountable if something goes wrong. A notario or document preparer isn’t.
Fixing a bad filing can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars — especially if you need to refile, respond to an RFE, or submit a Motion to Reopen. In the case described in this post, the government fee alone was $800. Hiring an attorney from the start is often far less expensive than trying to undo someone else’s mistakes.
If You’re Filing a Marriage-Based Green Card in Charleston—Get Professional Help
Don’t let a document preparer gamble with your future.
At Occam Immigration, we’ve helped hundreds of Charleston families avoid disaster and file correctly the first time. And if you’re already in trouble from a notario’s mistakes, we can help you fix it.
📞 Schedule a consultation today before the clock runs out.