New York Immigration Bond

Any individual or business providing immigration assistance in New York must be licensed. Assistance Provider registration is done through the New York State Attorney General’s Office. To successfully register, you will need a complete license application, background check, and a $50,000 Immigration Assistance Providers Bond.

The purpose of this bond is to protect clients. It ensures that an immigration assistance consultant is financially liable if they conduct business unlawfully. Per the NYC Administrative Code, Title 20, Chapter 5, Subchapter 14, Immigration Assistance Services, this includes, but isn’t limited to:

• Demanding or retaining compensation for services not performed.
• Giving legal advice concerning an immigration matter or otherwise engaging in law practice.
• Failing to provide a customer with copies of documents filed with a governmental entity.
• Failing to return original documents to the client.
• Misrepresenting the title and/or power of the position.

If an immigration assistance provider engages in unlawful activity, the affected client can make a claim against the bond to recover losses. Valid claims are initially paid by the surety company that issued the bond. However, the assistance provider must then pay the company back in full.

This surety bond is a contractual agreement between three parties:

1.  Principal – The immigration assistance provider that needs the bond.
2. Obligee – The one requesting the bond from the Principal (New York State Attorney General).
3. Surety – The surety company issuing and financially backing the bond (ex. JW Surety Bonds).

See How Do Bond Claims Work? for more information.

A New York Immigration Assistance Provider Bond typically costs $500 - $5,000. While the full bond amount needed is a minimum of $50,000, you will only pay a small percentage of that to get bonded.

The percentage you pay to get this New York surety bond is referred to as a bond rate or bond premium. The rate you can secure heavily depends on your credit score. While securing this bond with bad credit is possible, you can expect to pay a higher premium.

• In some instances, a surety company may also consider past bonding history, business experience, and financials when determining bond cost.

Important: If the provider earns more than $250,000 during any twelve-month period, then the bond must be in the amount of 20% of paid fees and compensation.

Get a Free Quote for Your New York Immigration Assistance Provider Bond

Bond Form

As per The Immigrant Assistance Service Enforcement Act, those providing immigration service assistance must file an original bond form.

Teresa found a copy of this bond form online and filled it out herself before applying for the bond with us. While we commend her initiative, this would not be accepted by the New York State Attorney General’s Office. The surety company that you get your bond from will fill out an official bond form for you to submit.

Immigration Assistance Service Providers Requirements

New York state law requires immigration assistance service consultants to:

• Obtain a $50,000 surety bond.
• Provide clients with a plain-language contract in both English and their native language. This contract must outline the services provided and the fees charged.
• Permit the client to cancel contracts within three business days.
• Provide clients with copies of all documents submitted to the government on their behalf.
• Ensure clients know that the consultant cannot provide legal services.
• Keep all documents and forms for three years.

Step 1: Choose a Surety Company

This bond must be issued by a corporate surety permitted to do business in the state of New York. Additionally, they must offer New York Immigration Assistance Provider Bonds.

Looking for the lowest price? Larger surety providers, such as JW Surety, offer the most competitive rates thanks to the large number of bonds they underwrite.

Read How to Choose the Right Surety for more money-saving tips and information. 

Step 2: Apply for the Surety Bond

Fill out an online application. The form is available 24/7, can be completed in a few minutes, and sends an instant bond quote to your email.

Information required includes:

• Bond Name (Immigration Assistance Provider Bond)
• Bond Amount (min. $50,000)
• Contact Information

Step 3: Sign the Bonding Agreement & Pay

Follow the email’s instructions to log in to our website. There, you can sign your bond agreement and pay your invoice.

Step 4: Double Check Your Bond Information

You will receive an electronic copy of your bond as soon as your payment clears. Please double-check that all information is correct. This includes spelling, bond type, and bond amount. Errors may cause your bond to be denied, delaying your licensing.

Step 5: Submit Your Bond

Send your bond to the New York State Attorney General. You must have an active bond on file at all times to keep your license active. Your surety company should contact you a minimum of 30 days before your bond expires with instructions on how to renew your bond.

Immigration Assistance Services Requirements. (n.d.). In City of New York. Retrieved January 20, 2025, from

https://nyc-business.nyc.gov/nycbusiness/description/immigration-assistance-services-requirements

NYC Immigration Assistance Services. (n.d.). Retrieved January 20, 2025, from

https://nycadmincode.readthedocs.io/t20/c05/sch14_

Surety Bond Cost: Guide & Free Online Quotes. (n.d.). In JW Surety Bonds. Retrieved January 20, 2025, from

https://www.jwsuretybonds.com/edu/what-do-surety-bonds-cost

The Immigrant Assistance Service Enforcement Act. (n.d.). In The Immigrant Assistance Service Enforcement Act. Retrieved January 20, 2025, from

https://ag.ny.gov/sites/default/files/publications/immigrant-assistance-english.pdf