Immigration Assistance Services Requirements
People or businesses that charge fees for any kind of immigration-related services must follow certain requirements.
Immigration Service Providers (ISPs) must:
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Have a surety bond of at least $50,000.
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Give clients a simple contract in English and their own language. The contract must have:
- The name, address and phone number of the ISP.
- Services offered.
- Fees charged.
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Let clients cancel the contract within three business days and get a refund.
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Give clients copies of all papers sent to the government.
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Tell clients that the ISP is not a lawyer and cannot provide legal services.
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Keep all documents and forms for three years and give them to the client if asked for free.
An ISP in New York City must follow the New York City Administrative Code, Title 20, Chapter 5, Subchapter 14: Immigration Assistance Services.
The Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) does not license ISPs. DCWP does take complaints about ISPs. Contact DCWP if you need to file a complaint.