Houston Immigration Lawyer Charged With Faking Visa Filings
A Houston immigration attorney allegedly took client money to file work visa and green card applications — then never submitted them. Alla Nowowiejski, 44, was indicted on mail fraud and false statement charges after USCIS helped investigators uncover the scheme. Clients were left with fake case numbers and no real applications on file.
A Houston-area immigration attorney took money from clients to file work visa and status applications — then allegedly never submitted them. Alla Nowowiejski, 44, was indicted and arrested on charges of mail fraud and making false statements, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Texas announced on September 17, 2026.
According to the indictment, Nowowiejski accepted payments to help clients adjust their work status or apply for work visas (such as an H-1B). She allegedly submitted nothing — or only part of the paperwork. To keep clients from suspecting anything, she reportedly gave them fake documents and case reference numbers tied to real immigration cases that had nothing to do with her clients. The goal, prosecutors say, was to make people believe USCIS was actively processing their applications.
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How the fraud was uncovered
USCIS helped investigators identify the scheme. The Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General, the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General, and the Harris County Constable's Office, Precinct 1 all took part in the investigation. If convicted on all counts, Nowowiejski faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Under U.S. law, an indictment is a formal accusation — not proof of guilt. She is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process.
This case is a reminder that immigration fraud can leave victims in legal limbo: no application on file, no status, and money already spent. Clients who trusted their attorney may now face gaps in work authorization or missed deadlines for their green card or work permit applications.
What to do
- If you hired an immigration lawyer and are unsure whether your application was actually filed, log in to your USCIS online account at my.uscis.gov or call USCIS at 1-800-375-5283 to check your case status using your receipt number.
- If you have no receipt number and suspect your attorney never filed, contact a different licensed immigration attorney immediately — delays can affect your work permit (EAD), green card application, or visa status.
- To report suspected immigration fraud by an attorney or anyone else, use the USCIS Tip Form at uscis.gov/tipform.
- You can also verify whether an attorney is licensed through your state bar association's public directory before hiring anyone.
Related: our step-by-step guide — “F-1 Student Visa”.
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If you suspect your attorney never filed your application, you may still have options — but time matters. USCIS sometimes allows late filings or reopening of cases when fraud by a representative can be documented, and you may also file a complaint with your state bar. Gather every receipt, email, and payment record you have, and bring them to a new attorney who can assess what, if anything, can be salvaged. Do not wait to get a second opinion.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my immigration attorney actually filed my application?
Log in to your USCIS online account at my.uscis.gov or call USCIS at 1-800-375-5283. If your application was filed, USCIS will have a receipt number on file. No receipt number usually means nothing was submitted.
What happens to my immigration status if my attorney never filed my paperwork?
It depends on your situation. If you were waiting on a work permit (EAD) renewal or a green card application, a missing filing can leave you without valid status or work authorization. Talk to a new attorney immediately to understand your options.
Can I get my money back if an immigration attorney defrauded me?
You may be able to pursue a civil claim against the attorney and file a complaint with your state bar association. Criminal cases like this one can also lead to restitution orders, but that process takes time. A civil attorney can advise you on recovering funds.
How do I report immigration attorney fraud to USCIS?
Use the USCIS Tip Form, available at uscis.gov/tipform. You can submit a tip anonymously. USCIS works with federal investigators, as it did in this Houston case, to pursue fraud complaints.