You must fulfill a number of requirements and be listed with the state of California in order to work as an immigration consultant there. In order to safeguard the state and the general public from any misconduct on your behalf, you must also file a surety bond.
The California Secretary of State can provide you with more information on the criteria, qualifications, permitted services, and forbidden behavior.
You offer non-legal help as an immigration adviser to individuals applying for visas or citizenship in the US. You assist them in completing and submitting the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)-required paperwork, give them copies of the essential records, and, if required, direct them to legal counsel.
Immigration advisers are not attorneys and are required to submit a bond to the California Secretary of State in order to practice in the state, unlike notaries public, paralegals, and accredited agents. However, they are permitted to charge customers for their assistance in filling out immigration documents.
Immigration experts must post obvious signs in their workplaces saying their name, bond number, services offered, and a list of fees in order to comply with California legislation protecting immigrants. They must also offer customers a receipt that includes their financial details as well as a written contract.
You must register with the state of California as a potential immigration counselor. This entails completing the appropriate papers, conducting a background investigation, and putting up a surety bond. You can send a physical copy to the state's office or do it online.
A 2" x 2" color passport picture and fingerprints must also be submitted to a Live Scan center. It might take several weeks to finish the procedure.
Any original papers you receive from customers in support of their application must also be returned. Birth certificates, electricity invoices, pay stubs, and other papers fall under this category.
You can start working as a visa counselor after completing the necessary requirements. The starting salary for this profession is $50,000, but it can go up to $250,000 or more for a competent professional.
You will be required to acquire a surety bond as part of the licensure procedure to become an immigration adviser. States have different requirements, but they all consider the bond rule carefully and won't issue a license to anyone without one.
A security bond is a two-party agreement that assures the public or the government that you'll abide by certain rules. This can include paying your workers on time, keeping your workplace tidy and secure, and more.
If your company doesn't meet these requirements, the state may make a claim against your security. This is why you should refrain from any actions that could result in claims and make sure to settle all fees and penalties as soon as they become due. This can help you keep from ever having to make a security claim. It's crucial to make sure that you pay back any money the guarantee received for a claim that was invalid.
People with immigration papers can get non-legal help from immigration consultants. They must submit a disclosure document and bond as well as follow all state licensing guidelines.
They cannot, however, demand a price for their services. Instead, they must direct customers to other individuals or businesses that offer visa services.
It's crucial to keep up with legal developments and administrative procedures if you want to work as an immigration counselor in California. By taking training classes and seeking a degree in immigration law or public policy, you can learn this information.
You can also seek guidance from people who have already employed an immigration expert. Ensure that the conditions of the service and the expense are included in a written contract.
You ought to acquire a California immigration expert bond in order to safeguard both yourself and your customers. This bond guarantees that you will operate your company legally and guards against financial harm to others should you break the law. Your personal and company funds, along with any fixed or liquid assets, will decide the bond's value.