Immigration Assistance Services Requirements

People or businesses that help with immigration law for money must follow New York State Law.

Immigration helpers must:

• Have a surety bond of at least $50,000.

• Give clients a simple contract in English and their own language. The contract must have:

  • The name, address and phone number of the helper.
  • Services offered.
  • Fees charged.

• Let clients cancel the contract within three business days and get a refund.

• Give clients copies of all papers sent to the government.

• Tell clients that the helper is not a lawyer and cannot provide legal services.

• Keep all documents and forms for three years and give them to the client if asked for free.

Immigration helpers in New York City must follow the New York City Administrative Code, Title 20, Chapter 5, Subchapter 14: Immigration Assistance Services.