12. Where can I get help with my immigration application?

If you are making an application or appeal, and you do not have enough money to pay for a lawyer, you should be able to get specialist help or advice free through the Community Legal Service.

It is against the law for someone to offer advice or help with immigration cases unless they work by the rules of the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (see 'Further help' for more details).

Your adviser must tell you in writing:

• what service you can expect;  
• who to complain to if you are not happy with the service;  
• whether you will have to pay, and if so how it is worked out; and  
• how to contact your adviser when you need to.

If you pay for immigration advice, your adviser must tell you that you can also get free advice.

If you are not happy with any immigration advice, or think any charge you have to pay is unfair, you can complain to the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner.

What if I need an interpreter?
If you need an interpreter, the immigration authorities will provide one for any interview they carry out. Your legal representative should also find an interpreter for you when you see them. You won’t have to pay for this if you get free legal help.

Remember, the interpreter is there to help you to communicate. They should just translate what is said, not give advice or answer questions for you. You should try to avoid using friends or family members for translating all but the simplest advice.