Why should I hire a California Immigration Lawyer vs an Immigration Consultant?

Consultant vs Lawyer:
While consultants serve an important function, they are not allowed to provide legal advice and are not bound by the same professional standard imposed by the State Bar. They can assist you with translating answers and questions on USCIS forms, get copies of supporting documents, and help you submit various forms. Consultants don’t typically appear with you at USCIS/DHS interviews and/or court hearings. Consultants are not required to graduate from a particular program or pass any mandated exams. The fees charged are typically less than licensed attorneys, but not always. While consultants may charge less, the law does not allow them to provide crucial legal guidance and strategy that a qualified attorney can.

Under California law, an immigration consultant can provide the following services:

• Complete federal or state immigration forms, but cannot advise individual’s on how to answer questions
• Translate an individual’s answers onto questions in immigration forms
• Secure supporting documents that are necessary to complete immigration forms
• Submit completed forms on a person’s behalf to U.S Citizenship and Immigration Services
• Refer legal representation for an individual based on his/her immigration matter