Brigham Young University (BYU) launched its new Fundamentals of Immigration Law course in August 2025, aiming to train students and community volunteers to better serve immigrants and refugees in Utah. The eight-week, fully online course, created in partnership with the No More a Stranger Foundation (NOMAS), responds to the growing need for affordable immigration legal help and offers a pathway for non-lawyers to become Department of Justice (DOJ) accredited representatives.
A New Approach to Immigration Law Education
BYU’s Fundamentals of Immigration Law course stands out for its practical focus and broad accessibility. The course, offered through BYU’s Office of Belonging and Continuing Education, is open to both law students and non-lawyer volunteers. It is available in English and Spanish, making it easier for a diverse group of participants to join. The most recent session ran from August 4 to September 30, 2025, with the next session scheduled for September 29 to November 30, 2025. Applications for the upcoming session will be accepted from September 1 to 15, 2025.
The course covers the basics of U.S. immigration law, including:
- Family-based and employment-based immigration: How people can come to the United States 🇺🇸 through family ties or job offers.
- Humanitarian protections: Topics like asylum and refugee status, which help people fleeing danger.
- Removal proceedings: What happens when someone faces deportation.
- Citizenship: The process for immigrants to become U.S. citizens.
Participants learn through lectures, real-life case studies, interactive online activities, and hands-on training in legal intake and client service. This mix of learning methods helps students and volunteers gain both knowledge and practical skills.
Pathway to DOJ Accreditation
One of the most important features of the Fundamentals of Immigration Law course is its role as the first step toward DOJ accreditation for non-attorney representatives. DOJ-accredited representatives are non-lawyers who, after completing special training and meeting certain requirements, can provide limited legal help in immigration matters under the supervision of a recognized nonprofit.
The process for becoming a DOJ-accredited representative through the BYU and NOMAS partnership includes:
- Applying for the course during the official application window.
- Completing the 8-week online course. The course is free for non-lawyer volunteers who agree to serve at least two months with NOMAS or another DOJ-recognized nonprofit.
- Gaining hands-on experience at NOMAS Community Legal Clinics, where volunteers help with legal intake, assist with immigration forms, and work under the supervision of licensed attorneys.
- Completing additional training required by the DOJ, showing good moral character (through background checks and references), and being connected to a recognized nonprofit.
- Providing legal help as a DOJ-accredited representative, within the limits set by DOJ rules.
For more information about DOJ accreditation and the official requirements, readers can visit the U.S. Department of Justice Recognition & Accreditation Program.
Community Impact and Stakeholder Support
The BYU Fundamentals of Immigration Law course is supported by local attorneys, law students, and community volunteers. Clinics operate in Salt Lake City, Ogden, and Logan, Utah, providing much-needed legal support to immigrants and refugees who might not otherwise afford it. BYU officials say the course “empowers service-minded students” and helps “bridge the access-to-justice gap” for vulnerable populations.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, this approach directly addresses the shortage of affordable immigration legal services. By training non-lawyer volunteers and expanding the pool of DOJ-accredited representatives, the program helps more people get the legal help they need. The course also offers a model that other universities and nonprofits can follow to increase legal capacity in immigrant communities.
Legal experts and immigrant advocacy groups have praised the BYU and NOMAS partnership for its innovative mix of academic learning and real-world service. They note that the program could improve outcomes for immigrants and refugees who often face complicated legal challenges. However, some stakeholders stress the need for strong training and ongoing supervision to make sure volunteers provide high-quality, ethical service.
How the Course Works: Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Apply during the designated window for the session you want to join.
- Step 2: Complete the 8-week online course. Non-lawyer volunteers who commit to at least two months of service with NOMAS or a similar DOJ-recognized nonprofit can take the course for free.
- Step 3: Serve at NOMAS clinics. Volunteers help with legal intake, fill out forms, and work under attorney supervision.
- Step 4: Pursue DOJ accreditation. This involves more training, background checks, and being connected to a recognized nonprofit.
- Step 5: Provide limited legal help as a DOJ-accredited representative.
BYU launched the Fundamentals of Immigration Law course
Most recent session ran from
End of the most recent session
Next session scheduled to start
Application window for the upcoming session
Background and Future Plans
The Fundamentals of Immigration Law course builds on BYU’s long history of public service and legal education. NOMAS, a DOJ-recognized nonprofit, brings years of experience running community legal clinics. As immigration caseloads rise and legal aid resources remain limited, programs like this have become more important than ever.
BYU and NOMAS plan to expand the course, offering more sessions and possibly adding advanced modules for specialized immigration topics. There are also talks about sharing this model with other regions and including it in wider university-community partnerships.
Practical Benefits for Participants
People who complete the course gain:
- Practical legal skills and real-world experience
- Community service opportunities
- A pathway to formal legal roles in immigration advocacy
For law students, the course offers a strong foundation in immigration law and a chance to serve the community. For non-lawyer volunteers, it opens the door to DOJ accreditation and a meaningful way to help others.
How to Get Involved
Anyone interested in the BYU Fundamentals of Immigration Law course can find more details and application instructions on the official BYU Office of Belonging website. Volunteers can also learn more about service opportunities at NOMAS by visiting nomaslegal.org.
Looking Ahead
As the need for immigration legal help grows, BYU’s Fundamentals of Immigration Law course offers a practical, community-focused solution. By training both students and volunteers, and working closely with the No More a Stranger Foundation, BYU is helping to close the justice gap for immigrants and refugees in Utah and beyond.
For the latest updates on course dates, application windows, and volunteer opportunities, visit the BYU Office of Belonging website or contact NOMAS directly. This program stands as a promising example of how universities and nonprofits can work together to serve those most in need.
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