Immigration consultants provide immigration assistance in regards to immigration law winnipeg. This can include services such as assistance with filing and petition applications, helping to gather necessary documentation or translations like tudorhouseconsulting.com.
There is no certification process in the United States to become an immigration consultant, which means there are no standards that US consultants must adhere to. An immigration consultant may have little experience with the immigration system or be an expert. They may have a high level of education (which may or may not include legal training) or very little education. However, an immigration consultant is not the same as an immigration attorney or accredited representative
The big difference between an immigration consultant and an accredited immigration attorney/representative is that the consultant is not allowed to provide legal assistance. For example, they may not tell you how you should answer immigration interview questions or what application or application to make. They also cannot represent you in immigration court.
“Notaries” in the US falsely claim to be qualified to provide legal immigration assistance. Notary is the Spanish term for a notary in Latin America. A public notary in the United States does not have the same legal qualifications as a notary in Latin America. Several states have enacted laws that prohibit notaries from advertising as notaries publico.
Many states have laws governing immigration consultants and all states prohibit immigration consultants or “notaries” from providing legal advice or legal representation. The American Bar Association provides a PDF list of relevant laws by state.
USCIS provides an overview of the immigration consultant, notary public or notary services that may or may not be provided.
What immigration consultants CANNOT do:
- represent you before USCIS (only immigration attorneys and accredited representatives can represent you)
- provide you with legal advice on immigration benefits you may apply for
- give you advice on what to say in an immigration interview
- claim to be eligible in legal matters or in immigration and naturalization procedures
- charge a hefty fee – the consultant may only charge a nominal fee (cheap) as regulated by state law
