California Immigration Consultant Bond Overview
- Purpose: To protect clients seeking immigration help from misleading or harmful advice from a consultant
- Who Needs It: Individuals offering nonlegal assistance and immigration advice in California
- Regulating Body: The California Secretary of State
- Bond Amount: $100,000
- Minimum Price: $1,750 for a two-year term
What Is a California Immigration Consultant Bond?
California immigrant consultant bonds ensure consultants follow California Code. These bonds protect clients seeking consultation on immigration matters from misleading or false statements resulting in harm.
Who Needs an Immigration Consultant Bond?
The California Secretary of State (SOS) requires immigration consultants to have a $100,000 surety bond. An immigration consultant is defined as someone who gives nonlegal assistance and advice on immigration matters.
Immigration consultants offer assistance in services including, but not limited to, the following:
- Completing federal or state forms, but not advising a person on their answers
- Translating a person’s answers on forms
- Securing necessary documents like birth certificates
- Submitting immigration forms on behalf of clients
- Making referrals to people who may need legal representation for immigration
How Much Do Immigration Consultant Bonds Cost?
A $100,000 California immigration consultant bond has a starting premium of $1,750. Exact rates vary based on personal credit history. Get a quote in one business day or less!
SuretyBonds.com offers the lowest available rates from our nationwide provider network with no added fees.
How Does a California Immigration Consultant Bond Work?
When you get an immigration consultant bond, you enter a three-party agreement.
| Bond Party | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Principal | You, the immigration consultant |
| 2. Obligee | The California Secretary of State |
| 3. Surety | The issuing surety provider |
If you provide false or misleading assistance, harmed clients can file a bond claim. The surety pays for valid claims and you must reimburse the surety later on.
How Do I Get a California Immigration Consultant Bond?
Get a quote in one business day by completing the following steps:
- Provide personal and work information
- Get a quote
- Pay the premium
- File your bond with the SOS
You’ll receive an email with your bond form within minutes of checking out. File your bond by mailing it with other registration materials to the following address:
California Secretary of State
P.O. Box 942870
Sacramento, CA 94277-2870
Can I Get Bonded With Bad Credit?
We approve 99% of applicants. However, if you're concerned about qualifying, read about our Bad Credit Options.
How Do I Renew My Bond?
California immigration consultant bonds expire every two years. Starting 90 days before the expiration date, you’ll receive periodic email and text reminders.
Just follow the renewal reminder instructions and pay the invoice to renew your bond. You’ll also receive a continuation certificate to file with the SOS.
How Do I Update My Bond Information?
If you need to update information on your bond form, contact our Customer Care team:
- 1(800)-308-4358
- [email protected]
Small changes can be made with a bond rider. However, larger updates may require a new bond form.
How to Become a California Immigration Consultant
There is no official license for immigrant consultants in California. However, you’ll need to register with the SOS to conduct business.
Complete the following steps to qualify as an immigration consultant:
- Pass a background check
- File a $100,000 surety bond
- Submit a completed Immigration Consultant Disclosure
- Attach a copy of your current, valid photo identification
- Include a 2” x 2” passport photo
- Pay the $30 filing fee
Submit all materials to the SOS at this address:
California Secretary of State
P.O. Box 942870
Sacramento, CA 94277-2870
Review our detailed guide on how to become an immigration consultant for more information.
