Free Immigration Legal Help in Iowa
13 nonprofits recognized by the U.S. Justice Department to give immigration legal help have 16 offices in Iowa, with the most in Des Moines, Davenport and Cedar Rapids.
From the Justice Department's recognized organizations roster (updated October 25, 2026) and its pro bono list (October 2026 edition). The sources are listed at the end of this page.
Nonprofits recognized by the Justice Department
Each can give immigration legal help through accredited representatives, and some also have staff attorneys. They help with applications to USCIS, and some also represent people in immigration court.
Cedar Rapids
Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Dubuque
Principal Office
420 6th Street SE, Suite 220Cedar Rapids, IA 52401
Clive
Iowa Coalition Against Domestic Violence
Principal Office
8980 Hickman Rd, Suite 100Clive, IA 50325
Davenport
Diocesan Immigration Program, Diocese of Davenport
Principal Office
780 W. Central Park AvenueDavenport, IA 52804-1901Tapestry Farms
Principal Office
121 W. 12th StreetDavenport, IA 52803World Relief
World Relief Quad Cities - Davenport Extension Office
210 Emerson Place, Suite 200Davenport, IA 52801
Des Moines
Immigrant Connection at Table Church
Principal Office
855 17th StreetDes Moines, IA 50314Iowa Coalition Against Domestic Violence
Principal Office
P.O. Box 41700Des Moines, IA 50311Iowa Migrant Movement for Justice
Principal Office
2024 Forest Avenue, Suite 101Des Moines, IA 50311U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants
Des Moines Extension Office
1200 University Avenue, Suite 205Des Moines, IA 50314
Dubuque
Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Dubuque
Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Dubuque - Dubuque Extension Office
1229 Mt. Loretta AvenueDubuque, IA 52003
Hampton
La Luz Centro Cultural
Principal Office
7 2nd Avenue NEHampton, IA 50441
Iowa City
ICCompassion
Principal Office
1035 Wade StreetIowa City, IA 52240
Muscatine
The Diversity Service Center of Iowa
Principal Office
1514 Isett Avenue, Suite 2Muscatine, IA 52761
Sioux Center
Immigrant Connection of Northwest Iowa
Principal Office
303 N Main AveSioux Center, IA 51250
Sioux City
Mary J. Treglia Community House
Principal Office
900 Jennings StreetSioux City, IA 51105
Waterloo
Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Dubuque
Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Dubuque - Waterloo Extension Office
3835 West 9th StreetWaterloo, IA 50702
Before you call
- Say what you need help with: the form (for example I-485, I-130, N-400 or a DACA renewal) and any notice you got from USCIS or the court.
- Ask whether they take that kind of case, and whether there is a waiting list.
- Ask about fees. Ask whether they can waive or reduce them if you cannot pay.
- Ask who will work on your case: an attorney or an accredited representative.
- Ask whether someone speaks your language, or whether they use an interpreter.
- Have your receipt number, A-Number and notices nearby.
- Free help often has waiting lists, so contact more than one organization.
Only lawyers and accredited representatives can advise you
In the U.S., a notary public or "notario" is not a lawyer and cannot give immigration legal advice, even though a notario is a lawyer in some other countries. USCIS lists who can: attorneys in good standing with a U.S. state bar, and accredited representatives who work for an organization the Justice Department recognizes.
You can check an attorney on the state bar's website, and an accredited representative on the Justice Department's roster. EOIR also publishes a list of disciplined practitioners.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I get free immigration legal help in Iowa?
13 nonprofits recognized by the U.S. Justice Department to give immigration legal help have 16 offices in Iowa, with the most in Des Moines, Davenport and Cedar Rapids. Recognized organizations serve mainly people with low incomes, and those that charge fees must have a policy for clients who cannot pay.
Are these Iowa organizations free?
Not always. Some recognized organizations charge low fees, and each one that charges must have a written policy for people who cannot pay. Providers on the pro bono list give free help to people in immigration court. Ask about fees when you call.
Can they help with my green card or citizenship application?
Recognized organizations can help with applications to USCIS, such as family-based green cards, DACA renewals and naturalization. The roster does not say which cases each office takes, so ask. Representatives marked “DHS only” on the roster can help with USCIS but cannot represent you in immigration court.
Does MyCheck recommend any of them?
No. Every organization here comes from a public Justice Department list. MyCheck does not rank or vet them, and none pays to be listed.
Legal help in other states
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
- Puerto Rico
Sources
MyCheck is not a law firm and does not give legal advice. The organizations on this page come from public U.S. Justice Department lists. MyCheck does not endorse or recommend any of them, and no one pays to be listed. Hours, fees and services change, so call before you go. To report a mistake on this page, email info@sfdify.com.
