What is a California Immigration Consultant Surety Bond?
A California Immigration Consultant Surety Bond is required for any individual or business that seeks to become a certified immigration consultant. The bond amount is $100,000 and must be submitted to the state before receiving authority to operate.
The state of California defines an immigration consultant as anyone who gives non-legal assistance or advice on an immigration matter. That assistance or advice includes, but is not limited to, the following:
- Completing a form provided by a federal or state agency, but not advising a person as to their answers on those forms
- Translating a person’s answers to questions posed in those forms
- Securing for a person supporting documents, such as birth certificates, which may be necessary to complete those forms
- Submitting completed forms on a person’s behalf and at their request to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services
- Making referrals to persons who could undertake legal representation activities for a person in an immigration matter
Obtaining a California Immigration Consultant Surety Bond ensures your clients that you and your organization maintain a thorough and updated understanding of all procedures required for the completion of immigration documents, as well as guaranteeing them that their specific needs will be treated in a lawful and unbiased manner.
How does a California Immigration Consultant Surety Bond work?
These license and permit surety bonds protect both the state and the public against unlawful and fraudulent actions of the principal (Immigration Consultant). They ensure the principal will follow all regulations in Division 8, Chapter 19.5, Sections 22440 – 2249 of the California Business and Professions Code pertaining to immigration consultants.
If the principal engages in unethical or unlawful business practices, a claim can be filed with the surety company for relief. If the claim is valid, the surety will pay up to the penal sum of the bond to resolve the claim.
The principal is then responsible for reimbursing the surety for all monies paid out, including any attorney fees incurred by the surety in defense of the claim.
What are the terms of a California Immigration Consultant Surety Bond?
California Immigration Consultant Surety Bonds are filed with the California Secretary of State and have a two (2) year term. A continuation certificate will be issued at the end of the term to renew the bond with the state. If the renewal or continuation is not filed with the Secretary of State prior to the expiration of the surety bond, the person covered by the bond may not engage in the business or act in the capacity of an immigration consultant until he or she is again in compliance with all of the requirements. This includes the submission of a new surety bond, disclosure statement and the passing of a background check.
Surety bond continuation certificates, or similar documents purporting to renew surety bonds that are received after the expiration of the applicable surety bond, will be returned unfiled. The surety can cancel the bond at anytime by giving a written notice to the Secretary of State thirty (30) days prior to the effective termination date. The aggregate liability of the surety will not exceed the penal sum of the bond in any event.
How much does a California Immigration Consultant Surety Bond cost?
California Immigration Consultant Surety Bonds are subject to underwriting and the price you will pay depends on a review of your personal credit report. Pacific Surety is proud to offer those with qualifying credit rates starting at $1,250 for the 2-year term. To find out how much your California Immigration Consultant Surety Bond is going to cost, please complete our online application for your free, no obligation price quote.
Can I get a California Immigration Consultant Surety Bond with bad credit?
Pacific Surety offers a wide range of approvals, regardless of credit, for California Immigration Consultant Surety Bonds. With our strong surety relationships, we have the ability to approve 99% of applicants, regardless of how bad their credit is. Our knowledgeable underwriting staff will work with you to ensure you receive the lowest possible pricing for your bond. To see what rate you will qualify for, please complete our online application for your free, no obligation price quote.
Can the premium for a California Immigration Consultant Surety Bond be financed?
Pacific Surety has an industry-leading premium finance program that gives our clients the ability to purchase a bond when the upfront costs might be prohibitive to them. Applicants who choose this option will pay a percentage of their premium as a down payment, and the balance of the premium will be paid in four (4) monthly installments. Please contact our staff for additional information regarding our finance program.
How do I get a California Immigration Consultant Surety Bond?
The first step is to complete our quick online application for your free, no obligation bond quote. Submission takes only five minutes, and our underwriting staff will be in contact with you within a couple of hours with pricing. If you prefer to speak with our knowledgeable staff, please call 1-866-722-7837 and one of our Underwriters will assist you in applying for your bond.
After you receive approval, you must sign an indemnity agreement with the surety and provide payment for your bond premium. In most cases, we can issue bonds the same day we receive your signed documents and payment.