Become an Immigration Adviser

Working as an immigration adviser (also known as an immigration consultant) can bring you career fulfillment as you guide clients through your country's citizenship process. Study your country's immigration laws and gain accreditation based on your state or country policies. A second language can also strengthen your resume and help you communicate with a wider range of clients. Make sure you pay attention to any legal changes so you can best advise your clients as they apply for citizenship.

Steps

Getting the Necessary Education

1. Graduate with your high school diploma. Most consulting jobs require at least an associate's degree. Study hard in high school so you can apply to a college offering your intended program. If you have not received your diploma, study for and pass the GED test.
2. Learn a foreign language. Although not usually required, employers prefer a consultant who knows a second language. Because your clients may be new to your country, they may not fluently speak the area's language yet. Study a language in college or high school, and gain practice talking with native speakers.
   • Immersing yourself in a foreign language can greatly improve your linguistic skill. You could volunteer, vacation, or study in another country for a few months.
   • Research which country's citizens immigrate most to your country and choose your language based on this information.
3. Study your country's immigration and refugee laws. Although you will not represent your client in court, you will need to know the ins and outs of gaining citizenship. Take college courses on immigration law or research it on your own.
4. Get your associate or bachelor degree. An associate degree in sociology or political science can prepare you for most consulting jobs, but a bachelor degree can help you find better-paying work. Choose a degree in political science, law/pre-law, sociology, or public administration.
   • Talk to your college guidance counselor to determine a major based on your interests and specific career goals. You might prefer pre-law over sociology, for example, if you want to work as a consultant before or while attending law school.
5. Decide whether to attend grad school. A post-graduate degree can qualify you for the most advanced, highest-paying consulting jobs. Law, public administration, social work, or political science post-graduate degrees can all offer relevant experience.
   • While you can attend graduate school directly out of college, you don't have to. You may wait until after you've worked for several years.

Gaining Experience and Meeting Legal Requirements

1. Do an internship while you are still in college. Internships provide on-the-job experience and networking opportunities while you decide whether consulting is the right job for you. While you cannot intern as an unlicensed consultant, you may work as an assistant to a current immigration adviser.
   • Consulting agencies prefer applicants with experience, which an internship can provide early in your career.
2. Apply to be a notary public. This position allows you to sign and authenticate legal documents, a key part of working as an immigration adviser. The application process depends on your location but may include paying necessary fees, sending a letter of recommendation, and getting fingerprinted.
   • This advice is predominantly directed towards U.S. immigration consultants. Your country may require a position similar to being a notary public but with a different name.
   • Typically, notaries must be at least eighteen years old.
3. Pass a background check. You may or may not need to complete a background check as part of licensure, but many agencies require background checks of their applicants. Depending on your country, your state or employer may check your work history, education, criminal history, or other records.
4. Get the accreditation required in your state or country. Consultants in most countries must become licensed by their government to practice. Research your country's laws and talk to accredited immigration advisers to determine what this process involves.
   • In the United States, advisers can choose between "partial" and "full" accreditation. Partially accredited advisers can only represent clients in the Department of Homeland Security, whereas fully accredited advisers can represent their clients at the Executive Office for Review.
5. Research immigration agencies looking for new employees. Check for agency listings in your area or the location where you plan to work. Read the job requirements carefully to make sure you meet education, language, accreditation, and other requirements.
   • Honesty is important when filling out job applications. Never lie about credentials that you don't have. You may get in legal trouble or even lose your license.

Adding and Serving Clients

1. Create a business website. Your website will help prospective clients discover your practice. Include your work history and any important credentials (like your accreditation or languages spoken). Make your contact information clear and simple, and include both an email and phone number for clients to reach out.
   • Pick a web design that looks good on a computer screen and a mobile device. If you're unfamiliar with site design, hire a professional.
2. Keep a list of references handy. A good consultant will have a list of testimonials and references for prospective clients. This attests to your previous work and secures your credibility as an immigration adviser. Give out references to clients as requested. As you gain more satisfied clients, ask them to be references as well.
   • Ask your clients to leave online reviews for your business.
3. Stay up-to-date with immigration laws. Sudden changes can greatly change your clients' citizenship routes, so pay attention to the current political climate. Talk to other immigration advisers and subscribe to unbiased news sources so you remain informed.
4. Do not overstep your limits as a consultant. What you can and can't do as an adviser depends on your country. Generally, however, immigration consultants cannot represent their clients before the court, give legal advice, or charge fees beyond those regulated by state law. Breaking your limits can cost you your job and get you into serious judicial trouble.
   • Immigration advisers can lose their license for claiming to offer legal advice.

Tips

• Make sure you stay clear with your client that you are not a lawyer. If they need solely legal advice, redirect them to an immigration lawyer.
• Do not advertise yourself as an immigration consultant before you have checked your state or country's authorization process.

References

__

See also

• Become a Qualified Armoured Vehicle Driver
• Get a Valet Parking Job
• Become a Train Driver in the UK
• Become a Train Conductor
• Become a Lumper
• Teach Someone Driving Safety
• Pass the Taxi Knowledge Test in London
• Become a Launch Driver or Water Taxi Captain
• Get Paid to Drive
• Get Automotive Career Training

Read more ...