Immigration form preparation service

Individuals and families who want help with paperwork, often people who find the forms confusing or have limited English.

A flat fee per form or per document package, plus optional extras such as translation coordination, checklists and copy and mailing help.

• Careful attention to detail
• Clear written communication
• Patience and respect with clients from many backgrounds
• Knowing where your role ends and a lawyer's begins

• Unauthorized practice of law: in most cases only attorneys or DOJ-accredited representatives can give immigration legal advice or represent clients, so check exactly what you may do
• Some states require immigration consultants to register, post a bond or use specific contract wording, so check your state
• Never promise outcomes, guarantee approvals or call yourself a 'notario' or an immigration 'lawyer' or 'attorney'
• Mistakes on forms can harm a client's case, so ask about professional liability (errors and omissions) insurance
• Protect clients' sensitive documents with secure storage and file sharing

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $600 to $3,000, depending on your software, insurance and how you set up secure file storage. Treat this as an estimate and price out your own setup before you commit.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $800 to $4,000, depending on how many clients you take on and how many hours you work. The estimate assumes at least about 8 hours a week.

Check exactly what a non-attorney may do, since in most cases only attorneys or DOJ-accredited representatives can give immigration legal advice. Also check whether your state requires consultants to register or post a bond, and never promise outcomes or use the title 'notario.'