The below, taken from Christine's post, is a GREAT READ for someone considering Immigration Consultant as a career choice. You do NOT have to be a notary to become a Immigration Consultant. You wear TWO hats: One as a notary (PUBLIC official IF a document requires notarization) and One as an Immigration Consultant (IF you decide to "help" the customer fill out the form). It's probably similar in every state, not just California.
From Christine's post (California law), my edits:
"Unless a PERSON [notary public] is QUALIFIED AND BONDED AS AN IMMIGRATION CONSULTANT, a PERSON [notary public] may not enter data provided by a customer on an immigration form or provide the services of an immigration consultant. There are special rules that apply to PERSONS [notaries public] who are also immigration consultants, or advertise their services in a language other than English. A notary public is barred from advertising in any manner whatsoever that he or she is a notary public if the notary public also promotes himself or herself as an immigration specialist or consultant."
On a personal note: It took years and MANY forms plus required certified true copy, notarized, sworn statement, proof of hire/employment on arrival, proof of place to live and agreement of support from family to get relatives who were fluent in English in the U.S. from a FRIENDLY country. Completing the form perfectly with the proper documentation isn't easy as it looks. A simple "oops" can add months to the process. For someone already in the U.S., a simple "oops" can lead to being here illegally and possible deportation. Just because YOU made a simple mistake and by the time the document package was reviewed (months) and the immigrant was notified of the error meant the immigrant had overstayed his/her temporary visa does NOT get the immigrant an extension. "Helping" on an immigration form doesn't always end well - and when the lawsuit is brought, WHO will get the blame, the person who helped or the immigrant blaming his/herself. Not to discourage, but this isn't a career choice for the faint of heart. It does bring great personal achievement rewards. Make sure you are "appropriately trained" and Qualified for the work. Google is your friend: ask a few Immigration Consultants what they did to start and maintain their career: education, working under an experienced employer's supervision, how many months or years did it take before s/he was comfortable with this career? |