- Bakersfield has verified immigration legal service providers, including private attorneys and nonprofit organizations offering low-cost services
- Two verified nonprofit providers offer free or low-cost immigration services to eligible Kern County residents: UFW Foundation and Catholic Charities
- Technology-enabled platforms eliminate geographic barriers for Bakersfield residents seeking specialized employment-based immigration expertise not always available locally
- Most local providers offer Spanish-language services, with one organization also providing Mixteco and Mandarin interpretation
- The California Avenue corridor at 4900 California Ave serves as Bakersfield's informal immigration legal hub, housing three separate immigration practices
- Immigration law is federal, meaning attorneys licensed anywhere can represent Bakersfield residents before USCIS, expanding options beyond local providers
Bakersfield's immigrant community faces unique challenges in Kern County, where agricultural workers, healthcare professionals, and tech talent alike need reliable immigration legal services. Whether you're a farm worker seeking DACA renewal, a professional pursuing an H-1B visa, or a business sponsoring foreign national employees, Bakersfield residents deserve immigration attorneys who combine legal expertise with modern efficiency and genuine care for their American dream.
1. Alma — Technology-Enabled Immigration Platform (Nationwide Service)
While Bakersfield's traditional law offices operate limited hours and require in-person visits, Alma transforms immigration legal services through a comprehensive platform combining top-tier attorneys with cutting-edge technology. Serving Bakersfield residents throughout Kern County, Alma specializes exclusively in employment-based immigration, achieving industry-leading approval rates through personalized case management that traditional local firms struggle to match.
What Sets Alma Apart:
Alma's technology-first approach transforms the typically opaque immigration process into a transparent, trackable journey. Unlike Bakersfield firms requiring office visits during standard business hours, Alma provides unlimited attorney consultations through their platform while maintaining a 99%+ approval rate. The proprietary workflow system guides clients through complex applications, ensuring nothing falls through the cracks—a common issue when managing multiple communications with traditional practices.
Bakersfield's professionals and entrepreneurs particularly benefit from Alma's specialization in O-1 extraordinary ability visas and EB-1A petitions. For certain petitions, USCIS Premium Processing provides decisions within 15 calendar days; actual timelines vary by case. The platform's automated document collection and real-time case tracking eliminate the back-and-forth emails that delay traditional filings, while dedicated paralegals ensure every petition meets USCIS standards.
Service Philosophy:
- Flat-rate transparent pricing with no hidden fees—O-1 petitions at $8,000, H-1B at $3,500
- Guaranteed 2-week document processing turnaround versus often 4-8 weeks with traditional firms
- Built-in compliance tracking and proactive alerts prevent costly mistakes
- Dedicated account management throughout the entire immigration journey
Specialties:
- H-1B specialty occupation visas for healthcare and tech professionals
- L-1 intracompany transfers for multinational managers
- EB-2 NIW self-petitions for researchers and entrepreneurs
- E-2 treaty investor visas for startup founders
Business Solutions:
For Kern County's growing companies, Alma's business immigration platform manages a wide range of cases with scalable workflows. The system integrates with HRIS platforms like Workday and BambooHR, providing real-time dashboards and spend projections that traditional Bakersfield firms can't match. Startups benefit from special pricing through partnerships with Y Combinator and other accelerators.
Cost: Transparent flat fees from $500 (H-1B lottery) to $10,000 (EB-1/EB-2 NIW); includes platform access, unlimited consultations, and administrative support
Availability: Serves all Bakersfield residents through secure online platform; cases handled by attorneys specializing in immigration law
Contact: Start with a free consultation at tryalma.com or explore visa options through their comprehensive content center
2. Maison Law Immigration Lawyers — Bakersfield
Operating from 235 H Street in downtown Bakersfield, Maison Law Immigration Lawyers has earned recognition as one of Bakersfield's featured immigration attorneys for 2025. Senior Attorney Rozanna Pondeva Gasparian brings personal immigrant experience to her practice, offering perspective that resonates with Kern County's diverse immigrant population.
What Makes Them Stand Out:
The firm provides full-service immigration representation covering both employment and humanitarian cases. Their practice areas span deportation defense, family-based visas, citizenship applications, and corporate immigration—a breadth of services not always available from single practitioners. Gasparian's own immigration journey informs the firm's client-centered approach.
Service Considerations:
- Office hours limited to Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- In-person consultations at downtown location
- Free initial consultations available
- Handles both offensive (petitions) and defensive (deportation) cases
Practice Areas: Deportation Defense, Family-Based Immigration, Citizenship & Naturalization, Corporate Immigration, U Visas, VAWA, Asylum, Appeals & Bond Proceedings
3. Law Offices of Taraneh Khorrami, APLC (Visa2America) — Bakersfield
With over 20 years practicing exclusively in immigration law, Attorney Taraneh Khorrami maintains a Bakersfield satellite office at 4900 California Avenue, Tower A, Suite 320A. Her credentials include admission to the U.S. Supreme Court, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, and the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California.
What Makes Them Stand Out:
Khorrami's AILA membership and LA County Bar Association affiliation signal professional engagement beyond typical solo practitioners. Her exclusive focus on immigration law—unlike general practitioners who handle immigration alongside other matters—provides depth of expertise for complex employment and family-based cases.
Service Considerations:
- Main office located in Woodland Hills; Bakersfield is satellite location
- Appointment required for Bakersfield office visits
- Free consultations available
- 20+ years of immigration-only practice
Practice Areas: Family-Based Immigration, Employment-Based Immigration, Green Cards, Naturalization, Deportation Defense, Consular Processing, Waivers
4. The Singh Law Office, APC — Bakersfield
Located at 1706 Chester Avenue, Suite 412, The Singh Law Office serves Bakersfield's immigrant community under Principal Attorney Inderraj Singh (California Bar #328906). Client testimonials describe the firm as providing professional service with timely communication.
What Makes Them Stand Out:
Attorney Singh has demonstrated appeals experience before the Board of Immigration Appeals in 2023-2024, demonstrating litigation capabilities beyond routine petition preparation. The firm offers Punjabi-language services alongside English, serving Bakersfield's South Asian community.
Service Considerations:
- Building parking available at Chester Avenue location
- Languages: English, Punjabi
- Appellate experience for complex cases
- Free consultations available
Practice Areas: Immigration Law, Deportation Defense, Family-Based Immigration, Employment-Based Immigration, Naturalization, Asylum, U Visas, VAWA
5. The United Firm | La Liga Defensora, A.P.C. — Bakersfield
Operating from 4900 California Avenue, Tower B, 2nd Floor, The United Firm brings substantial resources to Bakersfield's immigration community. The firm holds BBB accreditation and Lead Counsel verification, with attorneys combining over 250 years of collective experience.
What Makes Them Stand Out:
The firm's experience with the Higher Education Legal Services Project extends services to California community college students and staff—a unique offering for Bakersfield's educational community. Their bilingual services (English/Spanish) and toll-free number facilitate access throughout Kern County.
Service Considerations:
- Building parking at California Avenue location
- Free consultations available
- Toll-free number for easy access
- Bilingual services (English/Spanish)
Practice Areas: Immigration Law (all types), Deportation Defense, Family Petitions, DACA, U Visas, VAWA, Asylum, Employment-Based Immigration, Naturalization
6. Immigration in America — Law Offices of Edyta-Christina G. Grant — Bakersfield
Attorney Edyta Christina Grzybowska Grant (California Bar #266902) operates Immigration in America from 4900 California Avenue, Tower B, 2nd Floor. Her personal immigration background—experiencing student visas, work visas, and marriage-based adjustment herself—informs her client approach.
What Makes Them Stand Out:
Grant's practice emphasizes affordability, advertising services designed to work within client budgets. The firm offers free citizenship and civics classes, providing community education beyond standard legal representation. Her immigrant experience (Polish/Bulgarian background) creates authentic connection with clients facing similar journeys.
Service Considerations:
- Office visits by appointment only
- Advertises "affordable" fee structures
- Free citizenship/civics classes available
- Building parking at California Avenue location
Practice Areas: Full-service Immigration Law, Naturalization/Citizenship, Marriage-based Green Cards, Family Petitions, Student Visas, DACA, U Visas, VAWA, Waivers
7. Rebeca Gonzalez Law, APC — Bakersfield
A Bakersfield native and CSU Bakersfield alumna, Rebeca Gonzalez (California Bar #329149, admitted December 2019) operates from 5330 Office Center Court, Suite 32. Her local roots and Loyola Law School training create a unique combination of community connection and professional preparation.
What Makes Them Stand Out:
Gonzalez represents one of few Bakersfield attorneys offering Spanish-language immigration services. Her practice specifically prioritizes protecting asylum seekers, DACA recipients, and those facing detention or deportation. As a CSUB graduate, she maintains strong ties to Bakersfield's immigrant community.
Service Considerations:
- Local CSUB graduate with community ties
- Low-cost immigration services offered
- Selective approach to immigration cases
- Emphasizes transparency in client relationships
Practice Areas: Immigration Law, Asylum, DACA, Deportation Defense, U Visas, VAWA, Family-Based Immigration, Naturalization
8. Moreno Law Group — Bakersfield
Operating from 2105 Edison Highway, Suite 105, Moreno Law Group serves Bakersfield's immigrant community with bilingual services (English/Spanish). Their Edison Highway location provides access for East Bakersfield residents.
What Makes Them Stand Out:
Weekend hours (Wednesday-Sunday, 10:30 AM - 6:00 PM) accommodate working clients unable to visit during traditional weekday schedules. The firm's bilingual capabilities ensure Spanish-speaking clients receive services in their preferred language.
Service Considerations:
- Non-traditional hours including weekends
- Lot parking available
- Bilingual services (English/Spanish)
- East Bakersfield location
- Contact: (verify number on firm site)
Practice Areas: Immigration Law, Visas, Asylum, Green Cards/Residency, Deportation Defense, DACA, U Visas, VAWA, Naturalization
9. UFW Foundation — Bakersfield Office (Free Services)
The UFW Foundation at 917 H Street provides free immigration services specifically serving farm workers and low-income immigrants throughout Kern County. As a nonprofit with DOJ-accredited representatives, they offer an alternative to private attorneys for eligible residents.
What Makes Them Stand Out:
UFW Foundation is the only Bakersfield provider offering services in Mixteco (indigenous Oaxacan language), alongside Spanish and Mandarin—critical for Central Valley's agricultural workforce. Regular free workshops on DACA, naturalization, and green card renewals provide community education beyond individual case representation.
Service Considerations:
- Free or low-cost for eligible farm workers and low-income immigrants
- Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (closed 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM for lunch)
- Appointment required—call to schedule
- Languages: English, Spanish, Mandarin, Mixteco
Services: DACA Renewals (FREE), Naturalization/Citizenship, Family Petitions, Consular Processing, U Visas, VAWA, Deportation Defense, Green Card Renewals
10. Catholic Charities Diocese of Fresno — Bakersfield Office (Free Services)
Catholic Charities operates immigration services from 825 Chester Avenue, offering 100% free consultations and case preparation—clients pay only USCIS filing fees. This nonprofit model provides access with no service fees.
What Makes Them Stand Out:
Catholic Charities maintains an explicit "we never charge" policy for immigration legal services, distinguishing them from other nonprofits charging nominal fees. Their services extend to Bakersfield, Fresno, and Merced, with interpreting available in multiple languages.
Service Considerations:
- All consultations and case preparation completely FREE
- Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 3:45 PM (closed 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM)
- Appointment required—call to schedule
- No service fees
Services: DACA Renewals, Naturalization/Citizenship, Green Card Renewals, Family Petitions, Consular Processing, U Visas, VAWA, Adjustment of Status
11. O.L.A. RAZA, Inc. — Bakersfield Office (Low-Cost Services)
Established in 1978, O.L.A. RAZA operates from 1420 19th Street, Suite C, providing grassroots immigration assistance throughout Kern County. As a nonprofit serving tens of thousands of families over decades, they offer affordable alternatives to private attorneys.
What Makes Them Stand Out:
O.L.A. RAZA accepts consultations through multiple channels—drop-in, phone, email, and mail—providing flexibility not typical of private practices. Their nominal fee structure makes professional immigration assistance accessible to working-class families who might otherwise attempt applications without legal guidance.
Service Considerations:
- Nominal fees (affordable for low-income immigrants)
- Bilingual services (English/Spanish)
- Multiple consultation methods accepted
- Appointment recommended but drop-ins possible
Services: DACA (renewals and initial requests - check current status), Naturalization/Citizenship, Family-Based Petitions, Adjustment of Status, Asylum Applications, Consular Processing, TPS, U Visas, VAWA, Employment Authorization
Making the Right Choice for Bakersfield Immigration
When evaluating immigration legal services, Bakersfield residents face unique considerations:
Technology Advantage: Kern County's geographic spread makes traditional office visits challenging for residents in outlying areas. Modern platforms like Alma eliminate geographic barriers while providing superior case tracking and communication tools essential for busy professionals managing immigration alongside demanding careers in healthcare, agriculture, and energy sectors.
Specialization Matters: Bakersfield's immigration landscape includes agricultural workers seeking DACA renewals, healthcare professionals pursuing H-1B visas, and entrepreneurs exploring business immigration. General practitioners may lack the depth needed for complex employment-based petitions like EB-2 NIW or O-1 extraordinary ability cases.
Time Value: California's competitive job market means visa delays cost opportunities. Platforms guaranteeing 2-week turnarounds versus traditional firms' 4-8 week timelines can mean the difference between securing and losing positions. Many Bakersfield practitioners operate limited weekday hours, while technology-enabled services provide 24/7 platform access for document uploads and case monitoring.
Cost Transparency: Traditional hourly billing creates uncertainty—initial quotes can expand significantly with revisions and RFE responses. Alma's flat-fee structure eliminates surprises, with clear pricing from $500 for H-1B lottery registration to $10,000 for EB-1 petitions, including unlimited consultations typically billed separately by traditional firms.
Free Options for Eligible Residents: Bakersfield's three nonprofit providers—UFW Foundation, Catholic Charities, and O.L.A. RAZA—offer invaluable services for farm workers and low-income immigrants. However, their limited scope (primarily humanitarian and family-based cases) may not serve professionals seeking employment-based visas where specialized platforms excel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not necessarily. Immigration law is federal, meaning attorneys licensed anywhere can represent Bakersfield residents before USCIS. Technology platforms like Alma provide comprehensive services regardless of location, often with faster response times than local firms. For routine employment-based petitions, geographic proximity matters less than specialized expertise and efficient communication.
After completing online consultations, attorneys develop personalized strategies delivered through secure platforms. Unlike traditional Bakersfield firms requiring office visits during limited business hours, platforms enable instant document uploads, real-time status tracking, and unlimited messaging with legal teams. Bakersfield's working professionals particularly benefit from mobile-friendly interfaces allowing case management during lunch breaks or after work.
Bakersfield offers three nonprofit immigration providers: UFW Foundation (free/low-cost for farm workers), Catholic Charities (100% free, no service fees), and O.L.A. RAZA (nominal fees). These organizations primarily handle DACA renewals, family petitions, naturalization, and humanitarian cases. However, they typically don't process employment-based visas like H-1B, O-1, or EB-1 petitions—professionals seeking these categories need private attorneys or specialized platforms.
While immigration remains federal law, Alma's platform can advise on California workplace immigration compliance. Their technology integrates with California-popular HRIS systems like Workday and ADP, while their attorneys understand state-specific employment laws affecting visa holders. For Bakersfield businesses sponsoring foreign workers, Alma provides compliance tracking, LCA management, and proactive expiration alerts.
Check California State Bar membership at apps.calbar.ca.gov for license status and disciplinary history. AILA membership and board certification in Immigration & Nationality Law indicate specialized training. However, credentials alone don't guarantee service quality—modern platforms like Alma provide transparent success rates, client testimonials, and guaranteed timelines that matter more than traditional accolades.
Pegah Karimabakhsh Asli is an Associate Attorney at Alma, where she advises startups, founders, and enterprise clients on a wide range of employment-based immigration matters. She has extensive experience preparing and filing petitions across key categories, including TN, H-1B, L-1, O-1, EB-1, NIW, and Adjustment of Status (AOS), and provides strategic counsel to clients navigating complex immigration pathways.
Before joining Alma, Pegah worked at Fragomen in Silicon Valley, where she supported multinational corporations and high-growth companies with business immigration strategy and case management.
Jihan (Jina Hassan) Merlin is an Immigration Attorney and Head of Immigration Strategy at Alma, where she leads efforts to build smarter, faster, and more human immigration solutions. With over a decade of experience advising individuals, startups, and Fortune 100 companies, she combines legal expertise with technology to design scalable immigration programs. A graduate of Boston College Law School, Jihan is passionate about innovation in process and improving every stage of the immigration journey.
Want to fast-track your immigration journey?
.png)
.png)
.png)
