Those seeking to become an immigration consultant need to complete a series of training courses. These courses will help students understand the policies and procedures that are involved in the immigration process.
They will also learn how to represent their clients before the federal government. They must then pass an exam to receive their license.
Immigration consultants assist people in acquiring legal status in the United States. Their responsibilities include translating forms, obtaining copies of supporting documents, and submitting them to USCIS.
If you are interested in becoming an immigration consultant, Queen’s Law School offers a comprehensive program for your training. The program offers a graduate diploma in immigration and citizenship law.
The program is delivered primarily online with an option for blended learning. It focuses on aligning with the essential competencies for Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants of the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC).
Students will learn the fundamentals of immigration law, including examining agencies that affect the immigration process, ethical issues to be aware of, family-based petitions and benefits, consular processing and adjustment of status, waivers and proving hardships, and more.
You will also study the requirements to apply for a professional certificate in immigration and naturalization. This certification will help you stand out from other professionals in the field.
Applicants must pass a background check before they are allowed to obtain a license as an immigration consultant. This check includes fingerprints taken at Live Scan locations within the state. Additionally, applicants must post a surety bond. The bond amount is based on the total cost of the consultant’s license and must be at least $50,000.
Immigration consultants work with individuals who want to immigrate to the United States. They assist with the application process, including gathering information about a client’s family and history, translating answers to questions on USCIS forms, and obtaining supporting documents for their clients.
The laws governing immigration consultants vary from state to state. A California immigration consultant must obtain a surety bond and follow the state’s business and professional code requirements.
NNA Services offers an independent immigration consultant training program. It’s designed for people with a bachelor’s degree and some previous work experience in immigration.
To become a licensed immigration consultant, you must attend a training course and pass a licensing exam. You must also pay the licensing fee and register your business with the state.
You can start earning $200 to $750 per immigration application. You will need a bachelor’s degree and at least two years of experience in a related field.
Despite the positive aspects of becoming an immigration consultant, there are some serious risks. Many immigrants are victimized by unauthorized professionals, referred to as ghost consultants. They may threaten to deport you if you don’t pay money, reveal personal information or sign a contract. Some immigration consultants even lie about their qualifications to represent clients in court.
The Latin American Immigration Association has been a leader in helping the immigrant community since 2004. The organization helps immigrant community members navigate the complicated process of obtaining Green Cards and Citizenship by offering independent immigration consultant training.
The organization also provides legal assistance and consultation to its clients in immigration law. The organization's goal is to help immigrants navigate the complex legal system in the United States and provide immigration services based on experience, integrity and affordability.
Located in Sacramento, California, the organization is dedicated to providing services to California's Latin American and Latinx communities. It has over 30 affiliate faculty members who share their expertise on Latin America and the connections between Latin America and the United States.
They conduct scholarly research on Latin America and the Latinx population in the U.S. Its interdisciplinary approach provides students with the academic and professional skills necessary for various career opportunities.
The Latin American Immigration Association has a full-time staff of lawyers, paralegals, and legal assistants. Its attorneys work in various areas, including family-based immigration, visa petitions, waivers, U Visas, naturalization, consular processing, removal defense, and other issues related to immigration law.