The first piece of local knowledge for a Boston immigration lawyer is that Massachusetts has two USCIS offices, and Quincy and Lexington, though both in Greater Boston, are assigned to different offices.
We should also be clear on this: Lu Xin Law Offices has no office in Boston or anywhere in Massachusetts. Our offices are in Flushing, New York and West New York, New Jersey. The responsible attorney, Michael R. Curran, is licensed in New York and New Jersey and does not hold a Massachusetts license. The phrase "Boston immigration lawyer" in this article is only a search term readers commonly use and does not mean that any attorney of the firm holds a Massachusetts license. Immigration law is federal, so Massachusetts residents can communicate with us remotely. In-person representation at court or interviews is arranged case by case under the applicable rules. The information below is current as of November 6, 2026.
The dividing line in Massachusetts
According to USCIS's August 2026 table:
- Boston office (JFK Federal Building, 15 New Sudbury Street, Room E-160): Quincy, Brookline, Cambridge, Newton, Waltham, Medford and others.
- Lawrence office (280 Merrimack Street, 6th floor): Lexington, Acton, Burlington, Andover, Lowell, as well as Worcester and Springfield.
Middlesex County is split in two, so you cannot tell by county name. People going to Lawrence should allow for the drive, which is another way residents of the northern suburbs differ from those in the city.
One building, two systems
The Boston immigration court is also in the JFK Building, in Room 320, while USCIS is in Room E-160. When you get to the building, first check which one your notice names. The court's filing window is open until 4:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday and until 3:30 p.m. on Friday.
The other immigration court in Massachusetts is in Chelmsford, at 150 Apollo Drive, Suite 100. Where your case is assigned depends on the hearing notice.
The asylum office is at 5 Post Office Square, 14th floor, and serves Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont.
Appeals go to the federal First Circuit Court of Appeals, which is different from New York's Second Circuit, and the case law may differ as well. An out-of-state attorney handling a Massachusetts case needs to research this specifically.
Where Chinese residents live: more than Chinatown
Boston's Chinatown is still an old neighborhood, but Census Bureau 2020 to 2024 estimates put Boston's Chinese population (excluding Taiwanese) at about 30,000, while the city of Quincy has about 17,000, roughly 17% of Quincy's population. Cambridge has about 10,000, roughly 8%.
The area has many universities and hospitals. Inferring from this makeup (not from statistics), common issues include F-1 and J-1 status, the J-1 two-year home residence requirement, postdocs and researchers pursuing EB-1 or NIW, O-1, and family immigration and naturalization for families around Quincy. For the J-1 rules, see The J-1 two-year home residence requirement and waivers.
Massachusetts courts have their own practices
An SIJ petition requires an order from a state court. The Massachusetts Probate and Family Court accepts the relevant petitions under General Laws chapter 119, section 39M. In Recinos v. Escobar, Massachusetts' highest court held that it has equity jurisdiction over young people aged 18 to 21 and can make the findings needed for SIJ. This part must be handled by a Massachusetts attorney, because our attorney does not hold a Massachusetts license.
The reality of working at a distance
New York to Boston is not far, but an attorney's attendance still costs time and money. Beginning May 18, 2026, USCIS no longer allows attorneys to participate remotely in field office interviews, with a few exceptions. Interviews in Lawrence in particular need to be arranged well in advance.
Contact us
The responsible attorney, Michael R. Curran, is licensed in New York and New Jersey. For a consultation in Chinese, call 347-618-3386. For our services, see Immigration Legal Services.
FAQ
Are Quincy and Lexington under the same USCIS office?
No. Quincy is under the Boston office and Lexington is under the Lawrence office. Middlesex County is split in two, so you cannot tell by county name.
Are USCIS and immigration court in the JFK Building in the same place?
No. The Boston immigration court is in Room 320 and USCIS is in Room E-160. When you get to the building, first check which one your notice names.
Does your firm have an office in Boston?
No. Lu Xin Law Offices has no office in Boston or anywhere in Massachusetts. Our office is in Flushing, New York. In-person representation at court or interviews is arranged case by case under the applicable rules.
Sources: uscis.gov, uscis.gov, justice.gov, justice.gov, uscis.gov, mass.gov, courtlistener.com, boston.gov, censusreporter.org, law.cornell.edu. The information above is current as of November 6, 2026. Immigration rules and fees may change, so check the latest official requirements before you file.
Attorney Advertising. This article is general information and is not legal advice on any particular case. Eligibility, procedures and outcomes depend on the facts of each case, the applicable law and the decision of the government agency.