How to Choose an Immigration Consultant
Ask for recommendations and referrals from friends and family., Verify the qualifications and experience of the consultant., Determine and understand all fees and services., Inquire about visa interview preparation., Read through all paperwork and...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Ask for recommendations and referrals from friends and family.
If you know anybody that has already immigrated to the country you are moving to, inquire about their immigration experience and ask for the name of their consultant based on their recommendation. -
Step 2: Verify the qualifications and experience of the consultant.
When meeting with your immigration consultant, ask to see a license or diploma to verify the validity of their qualifications.
You may also want to ask them for references, as well as their prior experiences with consulting and how long they have been in the business.
If you are hiring an immigration consultant in a country or province where immigration consultants are regulated by the government, you may contact the regulating body directly to verify the credentials of your consultant.
In some countries you can contact their Better Business Bureau to verify credentials. , Obtain a copy of all your immigration consultant's fees and services in writing up front and make sure you understand them.
Inquire about additional services.
Some immigration consultants provide help with finding you a new home and new job, finding quality health insurance, enrolling your children in school, establishing a new bank account and more.
If you need specific assistance when you relocate, make sure your immigration consultant can help you with that need.
Decide on the geographical location on your consultant.
Some immigrants may want to hire a local consultant or a consultant from the country they are immigrating to.
Hiring a local consultant may be easier for in-person meetings and for completion of documents; whereas a consultant from the new country may serve as a dependable contact when you arrive and help you prepare for securing a job, a home, and more. , Verify that your potential immigration consultant is willing to coach you on having a successful visa interview.
An experienced immigration consultant will not only help you prepare for the visa interview, but in most cases will also perform mock interviews with you. , Sign contracts with your immigration consultant only after reading them through entirely.
Ask questions for clarification on any paperwork that may appear unclear and avoid signing any untrue or falsified documents. -
Step 3: Determine and understand all fees and services.
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Step 4: Inquire about visa interview preparation.
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Step 5: Read through all paperwork and contracts before signing.
Detailed Guide
If you know anybody that has already immigrated to the country you are moving to, inquire about their immigration experience and ask for the name of their consultant based on their recommendation.
When meeting with your immigration consultant, ask to see a license or diploma to verify the validity of their qualifications.
You may also want to ask them for references, as well as their prior experiences with consulting and how long they have been in the business.
If you are hiring an immigration consultant in a country or province where immigration consultants are regulated by the government, you may contact the regulating body directly to verify the credentials of your consultant.
In some countries you can contact their Better Business Bureau to verify credentials. , Obtain a copy of all your immigration consultant's fees and services in writing up front and make sure you understand them.
Inquire about additional services.
Some immigration consultants provide help with finding you a new home and new job, finding quality health insurance, enrolling your children in school, establishing a new bank account and more.
If you need specific assistance when you relocate, make sure your immigration consultant can help you with that need.
Decide on the geographical location on your consultant.
Some immigrants may want to hire a local consultant or a consultant from the country they are immigrating to.
Hiring a local consultant may be easier for in-person meetings and for completion of documents; whereas a consultant from the new country may serve as a dependable contact when you arrive and help you prepare for securing a job, a home, and more. , Verify that your potential immigration consultant is willing to coach you on having a successful visa interview.
An experienced immigration consultant will not only help you prepare for the visa interview, but in most cases will also perform mock interviews with you. , Sign contracts with your immigration consultant only after reading them through entirely.
Ask questions for clarification on any paperwork that may appear unclear and avoid signing any untrue or falsified documents.
About the Author
Jennifer Mendoza
Committed to making practical skills accessible and understandable for everyone.
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