Can You Switch Immigration Lawyers? What You Need to Know

Your immigration case is deeply personal, and the lawyer guiding you should be someone you trust. But what if that relationship is no longer working?

At N400 Harbor Immigration Law, we often hear from people who feel unheard, frustrated, or left in the dark during critical points in their case. The good news is that you can switch lawyers mid-case. In many situations, doing so can help protect your future.

From green card applications to asylum and citizenship, we assist clients across the U.S., including right here in Pompano Beach, Florida. In this article, we’ll explain how to change immigration lawyers smoothly and what to consider when making that decision.

The Right to Choose (and Change) Your Immigration Lawyer

If you’ve been wondering whether you can change lawyers mid-case, the answer is yes, and it’s more common than you might think.

It’s Your Legal Right

No matter where you are in your immigration process, whether you’re filing a visa application with USCIS, attending Immigration Court hearings, or appealing to the BIA, you have the right to choose your lawyer. That includes switching to a new one at almost any point in your case.

This applies to all kinds of immigration matters:

• Asylum and deportation defense
• Family-based green cards
• Naturalization
• Student visas
• Employment or investor visas
• Waivers of inadmissibility
• Work authorization renewals

You don’t need anyone’s permission to make a change. Not from the government. Not from your current lawyer. The choice is yours.

No Legal Penalties for Changing Lawyers

You won’t be punished for switching attorneys. USCIS, EOIR, and other immigration agencies don’t view the switch negatively, as long as the case continues to move forward and deadlines are respected. The government doesn’t get involved in your personal decision about legal representation.

Reasons People Decide to Switch

We’ve heard a lot of stories from clients over the years. Here are a few reasons people decide to find new representation:

• Communication is lacking: Phone calls and emails go unanswered.
• You’re not feeling confident: You aren’t sure your case is being handled carefully or competently.
• No movement: Your petition feels stuck, and you’re not getting updates.
• Money concerns: Fees are piling up, but you don’t understand what they’re for.
• Clashing approaches: You and your lawyer disagree on the direction of your case.
• Something feels off: Maybe it’s professionalism, maybe it’s tone, or maybe the trust just isn’t there anymore.
• Your lawyer moved, stopped practicing, or became unavailable: Life happens, and sometimes you need to find someone new for that reason alone.

Things to Know Before You Make the Switch

Before you part ways with your current lawyer, there are a few things worth understanding to make sure the change doesn’t disrupt your case.

Will It Hurt Your Case?

Switching lawyers does not hurt your case by itself. Your eligibility for a visa, Green Card, asylum, or citizenship is based on your facts and supporting documents, not who’s representing you. What matters is that you continue to meet your deadlines and keep your case moving.

What About Delays?

Yes, there can be a slight delay while your new lawyer gets caught up. That’s why timing is everything. If you have an interview or court date coming up, talk to your new lawyer about how much time they’ll need and how you can work together to avoid any interruptions.

Delays often happen when:

• Your case file isn’t transferred promptly.
• Immigration officials don’t get notified about the new lawyer.
• There’s a gap between firing one lawyer and hiring the next.

However, these can be avoided or minimized with clear communication and quick action.

Money Matters

Before ending things with your current lawyer, take a look at your original agreement. Some things to think about:

• Are you owed a refund? If you paid for services that weren’t delivered, you might be due some money back.
• Are there cancellation clauses? While rare, some agreements include a fee for ending the relationship early.
• What’s left to pay? Settle any outstanding bills so that your file gets released without drama.

And of course, plan for your new lawyer’s fees, too. Make sure you understand how they charge—flat fee, hourly, etc.—and what you’re getting.

How to Switch Immigration Lawyers the Right Way

Once you’ve decided to change lawyers, here’s a straightforward way to do it without missing a beat.

1. Talk to New Lawyers Before Ending the Current Relationship

Don’t fire your lawyer just yet. Line up a new one first.

• Schedule a few consultations.
• Bring your documents.
• Explain what’s going on.
• Ask questions about their communication style, experience, and how they’d handle your case.

2. Officially Hire Your New Lawyer

Once you’ve found someone you trust, sign their agreement and make it official.

3. Notify Your Old Lawyer (In Writing)

Keep it respectful, even if things didn’t go well.

• Send an email or letter stating you’ve decided to terminate their services.
• Request your entire case file—either directly to you or your new lawyer.
• If possible, copy your new lawyer on the message so they can handle the next steps.

4. Update Immigration Authorities

This part’s crucial.

• Your new lawyer will file a Form G-28 with USCIS or EOIR-28/27 if you’re in Immigration Court.
• That way, the agency knows to send all future notices, interview details, or court orders to the right person.
• You may also want to confirm directly with the agency that your records have been updated.

5. Make Sure Your File Gets Transferred

Your file is yours. You’re entitled to a copy, whether it’s digital, hard copy, or both.

Stay in touch with both lawyers to make sure nothing gets lost in the shuffle. Ask your new lawyer to confirm what they’ve received and if anything is missing.

6. Wrap Up Final Details

Settle up with your former lawyer, ask for a final invoice, and confirm that nothing else is outstanding.

Let’s Talk About Your Case: You Deserve Clarity and Support

Stuck with your current lawyer or unsure where to turn? At N400 Harbor Immigration Law, we provide more than legal answers we offer peace of mind. From family petitions to tough waivers and asylum cases, we’re here to help.

Call us at 305-396-8882 for a confidential consultation. Based in Pompano Beach and serving clients nationwide, we’re ready to give your case the focus it deserves. Your future matters. Let’s move forward together.