The Secret To Easy Immigration In Chicago

By Charles Jones


Immigrants have numerous opportunities in Chicago. The experience is rewarding for holiday or short term visitors as well as those seeking to stay there longer. Failure to understand laws governing immigration in Chicago will easily ruin your experience. You risk ending up in jail, cutting short your stay or not even landing in the state at all. To ease your entry and stay, the state provides assistance through its own departments and approved agents.

There are three agents approved to provide assistance to immigrants. A licensed attorney with the state of Illinois will smoothly guide you through the process. The attorney may work through a supervised intern to render these services. There are non-profit organizations that are accredited by the Board of Immigration Appeal. You may also get assistance from licensed service providers operating as a business.

How do you identify an accredited assistant in such a vast state and city? Such assistants are required to obtain and always maintain an updated business license. The assistants are also required to always offer their services under a written contract. They are also required to post signs boards advertising their services in strategic places, using appropriate language and ensuring that it is clearly visible.

The charges for services offered to immigrants are regulated. There is a maximum amount for each service, ensuring that you will not be shocked to be asked to pay more. For instance, the charges for form preparation are the lower amount between 5 dollars for quarter an hour and 10 dollars for each filled page. Fingerprints charges are 3 dollars while judicial records are 15 dollars. This helps you to plan your finances.

Some of the services you can expect from immigration assistants include government forms, transcribing of responses to government agencies and translation of questions, instructions and answers on the forms. You will also be assisted to obtain such documents as marriage and birth certificates. Some offer translation services for documents that are not in English.

Notary of Public will also assist immigrants especially with legal documents and signatures. For an agent without such powers, he or she will refer you to a notary without charging for the referral. They direct you on medical exams and ensure that the results are presented in the appropriate manner. There are civics and language classes especially offered by non-profit organizations. You will also get photography and fingerprinting services.

Immigration assistants cannot retain any document or form for whatever reason. To escape frustrations, avoid certain scams targeting innocent immigrants. There are agents who claim special connections or influence on the Department of Homeland Security and underlying agencies. Other consultants promise to arrange your status if you give them extra cash. In other cases, they use confusing titles meant to lure you into their trap. Stick to legal means to avoid scams and conflicts with the law.

There is freedom to make visa applications in person or online. There are special requirements depending on your case and nationality. Consult your consulate or embassy for clarification and assistance. All information provided must be truthful to avoid legal challenges including declined application or deportation. Stick to the stipulated deadlines to ensure smooth and successful application.




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