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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.

The state has approved three categories of agents to assist immigrants. The first category is that of licensed attorneys operating within the state. They are at liberty to work through trained and supervised interns in their discharge of duty. You may also seek assistance from dedicated non-profit organizations. These organizations are under the supervision of Board of Immigration Appeal. The other option is to use private immigration assistance providers operating as businesses.

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.

There are regulations limiting the amount charged for services to immigrants. This helps you to prepare your finances in advance and avoid shock fees. You will, for instance, be charged the lowest between 10 dollars for each filled page or 5 dollars per quarter an hour for form preparation. Judicial records charges are 15 dollars while fingerprinting is three dollars.

The services offered by migration agents in Chicago are very dynamic. They include translation of questions, answers and instructions on forms to be filled. The agents transcribe responses meant for government offices. They also assist with processing of the forms. It is through the agents that you can obtain crucial certificates like marriage and birth certificates. You will also get translation services in case you are not conversant with English.

Assistants who are licensed Notaries of Public will authenticate the signatures used on official documents. In case they are not, they offer referrals to accredited attorneys. Such referrals are offered free of charge. Assistants also organize medical exams with reputable clinics and institutions as well as collection of results in the format required. Not-for-profit organizations and assistants operating as businesses will conduct civics and language causes. They arrange to have fingerprints and photographs taken as well.

No immigration assistant is allowed to retain your documents or forms. There are scams targeting naive immigrants. Some agents claim to have special or direct connections with the Department of Homeland Security or influence underlying agencies. Others promise special status upon giving a bribe. You will also find others operating under strange titles aimed at confusing you. By sticking to legal means, your application will be processed on time.

You are at liberty to make your application online or in person. Because of special cases based on nationality and individual mission, it is advisable that you consult a specialist in your consulate or embassy. Provide accurate information and stick to stipulated deadlines. This ensures that your application is not challenged or declined.




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