About the Program
Catholic Family Center has been providing Immigration Assistance as recognized by the Department of Justice (formerly known as BIA) since 1996.
Our Immigration team includes Accredited Representatives authorized by the BIA to provide counsel, intervention and official representation on immigration matters adjudicated by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS).
During 2019, nearly 2,000 individuals were provided with assistance, including screenings and appointments for naturalization, family reunification, change of status, legal consultations, and work authorization applications.
Immigration Assistance Web Resources
What the Program Offers
CFC’s Immigration Assistance Programs currently offer the following services:
Citizenship & Naturalization
Assisting lawful permanent residents in applying for naturalization and helping those preparing for citizenship to access civics and English classes through our local community partners.
Citizenship Preparation Classes
A minimum intermediate level of English as a Second Language (ESL) is required to participate in these classes.
In collaboration with the Office of New Americans (ONA) and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), we are pleased to offer support for individuals preparing for their USCIS interview for citizenship. Classes are held on Thursdays for 2 hours, and at the end of the series, each participant will have the opportunity to practice with a “mock interview”.
How to register: Individuals may register during our Monday afternoon walk-in hours, or by calling (585) 546-7220 X4609, or email: glyzogubenko@cfcrochester.org.
Location: 87 N Clinton Ave., Rochester, NY 14604, in our Refugee & Immigration Conference Room. 2020 update: due to the COVID19 pandemic in New York State, classes may be conducted virtually. Applicants will be informed during the registration process.
ESL & Citizenship Classes
These classes are accessible to students who are at multiple levels of ESL: from beginner, intermediate and higher levels
These classes are offered to assist individuals along their ESL and naturalization preparation journey.
Classes are held each Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Morning and evening sessions are available each day.
How to register: Individuals may register during our Monday afternoon walk-in hours, or by calling
585 546 7220 X4628, or email: lmukhin@cfcrochester.org.
Location: 87 N Clinton Ave., Rochester, NY 14604, in our Refugee & Immigration Conference Room. 2020 update: due to the COVID19 pandemic in New York State, classes may be conducted virtually. Applicants will be informed during the registration process.
Family Reunification
Assisting refugees with family reunification applications through a variety of refugee specific pathways including Affidavits of Relationship and I-730 (Visa 93/92) filings.
Green Card (Permanent Lawful Residence)
Assisting Refugees and Cuban clients obtain lawful status based on USCIS qualifying factors
Journey’s End and Legal Consultation
Providing the local immigrant population access to qualified accredited representatives as well as immigration attorneys for legal immigration consultations or referrals
In collaboration with Journey’s End and Legal Aid Society of Rochester, we are pleased to offer free consultation appointments at our 87 North Clinton offices. Consult days for both Journey’s End and Legal Aid Society of Rochester are the last Wednesday of each month, and by appointment.
How to schedule an appointment: Individuals may request an appointment during our Monday walk-in hours, by emailing immigration@cfcrochester.org , or by calling (585) 546-7220 x4628
Due to the COVID19 pandemic, these appointments will be conducted either by phone or using virtual meeting technology.
Cuban/Haitian Immigration Issues
Providing a full range of immigration assistance to Cubans and Haitians including adjustment of status, employment authorization, replacement green cards, and family reunification for Cuban Medical Professional Paroles.
NYS Office for New Americans
Catholic Family Center is an Opportunity Center of the
New York State Office for New Americans

In partnership with ONA, we offer free Immigration Law Consultations to provide you with professional help and guidance on how to deal with your unique immigration issue.
Where: consultations provided by phone ONLY
When: Last Wednesday* of each month (*once a month ONLY)
Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Please call 585-546-7220 x 4609 or email
immigration@cfcrochester.org
to schedule an appointment or to get more information.
Eligibility criteria
Eligibility for services varies depending upon the specific immigration assistance request.
For questions, contact our offices using the contact information provided.
Intake Process
Clients seeking immigration assistance through CFC should contact our offices using the contact information provided. CFC screens clients
for assistance either through an in-office appointment or over the phone.
Program Cost
Many of CFC’s immigration assistance services are free although some services do require a service fee payable
to CFC.
Clients are responsible for payment as applicable for any filing fees required by the United States Citizenship
& Immigration Service (USCIS), as well as for other costs associated with USCIS application or petition filings
such as photos, translations and mailing costs.