Applicant Protection Policy

Last updated: June 16, 2026

At Verom.ai, protecting applicants is our highest priority. This policy explains your rights, our safeguards, and what to do if something goes wrong.

Related documents: Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | Escrow Payment Terms | Anti-Fraud Policy

1. Your Rights as an Applicant

2. How We Protect You

Before You Engage

• We verify every attorney's credentials, identity, and disciplinary history before they join the platform
• Attorney ratings and reviews are based on verified case outcomes only — no fake reviews
• You can see an attorney's response time, success rate, and specializations before choosing them
• Fee schedules are transparent — you know the total cost before committing

During Your Case

• All payments are held in escrow — never sent directly to the attorney
• Milestone-based releases mean your attorney is accountable at every step
• You can track your case status, deadlines, and documents in real-time
• All communications are logged and preserved on the platform
• If your attorney doesn't take action within 30 days, auto-refund protections activate

If Something Goes Wrong

• Report concerns through the in-app "Report" button on any attorney profile or case
• Our Trust & Safety team investigates all reports within 48 hours
• Emergency situations (missed deadlines, suspected fraud) receive priority handling
• You are protected from retaliation for reporting concerns in good faith

3. Refund Policy

Full Refund (72-Hour Window)

Within 72 hours of your initial escrow payment, if no substantive legal work has been performed, you may request and receive a full refund. Substantive work includes filing documents, submitting government forms, or providing a detailed legal assessment.

Milestone-Based Refunds

After 72 hours:

• Unreleased milestones — Fully refundable at any time if you terminate the engagement
• Released milestones — Not refundable (attorney has proven work was completed)
• Disputed milestones — Handled through the dispute resolution process

Auto-Refund on Attorney Inactivity

If your attorney takes no verifiable action on your case for 30 consecutive days:

1. You receive a notification with the option to wait or request a refund
2. If no attorney action within an additional 14 days, all unreleased funds are automatically returned
3. Your case is made available for transfer to a new attorney

4. Case Transfer Process

If your attorney leaves the platform or is removed:

1. You are immediately notified of the situation
2. All your case files, documents, and communications are preserved
3. Verom's team helps you select a new qualified attorney from the network
4. Your case file is transferred to the new attorney with your authorization
5. Any unreleased escrow funds are applied to the new engagement
6. The new attorney reviews your case and confirms the engagement within 48 hours

5. Dispute Resolution Process

1. Direct communication — We encourage you to discuss concerns directly with your attorney through the platform first
2. Request mediation — If direct communication doesn't resolve the issue, click "Request Mediation" in your case dashboard
3. Verom review — A Verom dispute specialist reviews all evidence, communications, and milestone documentation within 5 business days
4. Resolution — The specialist proposes a fair resolution (refund, partial refund, continued services, or case transfer)
5. If you disagree — You may pursue binding arbitration as described in our Terms of Service

During the dispute process, contested escrow funds remain held until resolution.

6. What We Do NOT Guarantee

While we protect your money and ensure you work with verified attorneys, Verom cannot guarantee:

• Any specific immigration outcome (approval, denial, processing time)
• That an attorney's legal strategy will be successful
• Government processing timelines or policy changes
• The accuracy of AI-generated analysis or recommendations

Immigration outcomes depend on many factors beyond anyone's control. We ensure you have the best possible representation, but results are determined by government agencies.

7. How to Contact Us

• General support: support@verom.ai
• Fraud reports: trust@verom.ai
• Payment issues: payments@verom.ai
• Urgent matters: Use the in-app emergency report button for immediate escalation

8. Your Data Rights

Under our Privacy Policy, you have the right to:

• Access all data we hold about you
• Download your complete case file at any time
• Request deletion of your account and personal data
• Know who has accessed your information

9. Attorney-Client Relationship — Understanding Your Rights

Your attorney-client relationship is with your attorney, not Verom

When you engage an attorney through Verom:

• The attorney-client relationship is formed directly between you and the attorney you choose
• Verom facilitates the match and provides the tools, but is not a party to the attorney-client relationship
• Attorney-client privilege protects your confidential communications with your attorney — Verom's secure messaging platform is designed to preserve that privilege
• Your attorney has professional obligations to you (competence, communication, loyalty, confidentiality) that exist independently of Verom's policies

Your right to choose and change attorneys

• You may decline or terminate an attorney engagement at any time
• You may request a different attorney through Verom's case transfer process
• You always retain ownership of your case file and documents, regardless of which attorney handles your case
• Terminating an attorney engagement may result in additional costs if you retain a new attorney; unreleased escrow funds will be applied to any new engagement

AI tools are not your attorney

• Verom's AI tools (application assistant, document checker, AI chatbot, form filler) are information and organization tools — they do not provide legal advice
• AI-generated content about your case is general information, not legal advice specific to your circumstances
• Do not make significant immigration decisions based solely on AI-generated information without consulting your attorney
• If you are using Verom without an attorney, you understand you are self-representing and that immigration law is complex — consider consulting an attorney before submitting any application to a government agency

Filing without an attorney

You may use Verom's tools to prepare your own immigration applications without engaging an attorney. If you choose to self-represent:

• You are solely responsible for the accuracy and completeness of your submissions
• AI-generated form population and document analysis are tools to help you organize information, not legal advice
• Submitting false or materially misleading information to immigration authorities may constitute a federal crime (18 U.S.C. § 1001) and may result in denial, deportation, or a permanent bar from future applications
• Verom strongly recommends consulting a licensed attorney before submitting immigration applications, particularly for complex cases

10. Complaints and External Resources

In addition to Verom's internal dispute resolution process, you have the right to contact external authorities:

• If your attorney committed professional misconduct: File a complaint with the state bar association where the attorney is licensed
• If you were a victim of immigration fraud: Contact your state attorney general, the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov, or the USCIS tip line
• For privacy complaints (EU/UK): Contact your national data protection authority
• For payment disputes: Contact your credit card company or bank (for eligible transactions) or Stripe support
• Emergency immigration situations: If you face deportation, detention, or an emergency immigration issue, contact an immigration attorney immediately; USCIS provides a list of accredited representatives at no or low cost