Any non-attorney business that assists individuals with immigration matters in Pennsylvania must be registered. For example, to offer assistance with translating forms and arranging medical testing in Philadelphia, you must get licensed through the Department of Licenses & Inspection.
To get an Immigration Assistance Provider License in PA, you need a registered business, a complete application form, and a $50,000 Pennsylvania Immigration Assistance Provider Bond.
- The purpose of this surety bond is to protect clients. If an Immigration Assistance Provider conducts business unlawfully or unethically, the affected client can file a bond claim to get reimbursed for losses.
How Does Pennsylvania Immigration Assistance Provider Bond Work?
A Pennsylvania Assistance Provider Bond is a legal requirement to get licensed—it is not elective. This bond is NOT insurance to protect your business. Instead, it protects your clients and the general public by holding you financially liable for damages.
Every PA Immigration Assistance Provider Bond is a contractual agreement between three parties.
- Principal – the immigration assistance provider that needs to purchase the bond.
- Obligee – the one requiring the principal to get bonded (ex. Department of Licenses and Inspection).
- Surety – the company that issues and financially backs the bond (ex. JW Surety Bonds).
In the event that you (the principal) commit fraud, breach your contract, or are negligent, a claim can be made against your bond. The surety initially pays valid claims. However, you must then pay them back in full, plus any legal fees.
Note: Sometimes, this bond is also referred to as a “Pennsylvania Immigration Consultant Bond”.
How Much Does a Pennsylvania Immigration Assistance Provider Bond Cost?
A Pennsylvania Immigration Assistance Provider Bond typically costs $500 - $5,000. While the full bond amount required is $50,000, you only pay a small percentage of that to get bonded.
The percentage you pay to get bonded (bond rate) depends heavily on your credit rating. Those with higher credit scores pay less, while those with credit issues pay the most. Those with bad credit are eligible for this bond but can expect to pay a higher bond rate.
Surety Bond Cost Based on Credit Score |
||||
Surety Bond Name |
Surety Bond Amount |
Over 700 |
Between 600 - 699 |
Below 599 |
Pennsylvania Immigration Assistance Provider Bond |
$50,000 |
$1,000 - $1,500 |
$1,500 - $2,500 |
$2,500 - $5,000 |
Get a Free Quote for Your Pennsylvania Immigration Assistance Provider Bond.
Other factors that a surety company or surety agency may consider when determining your bond rate include past bonding history, industry experience, and financial stability. See our guide: How Much Does a Surety Bond Cost? for more information.
Pennsylvania Immigration Assistance Provider Bond Requirements
Philadelphia is the main licensor for Immigration Assistance Providers in Pennsylvania. The information below applies to this registration.
Bond Form
A surety bond form for the amount of $50,000 must be obtained before registration. Your surety company will issue this form after you buy your bond.
Immigration Assistance Provider Requirements
Per Section 9-634 of the Philadelphia Code, all Immigration Assistance Providers must agree to:
- Only offer services that their license allows (transcribing responses, translation services, notarizing signatures, collecting necessary documents, arranging medical testing, etc.)
- Provide customers with a written contract that identifies all costs.
- Post signage only if it adheres to the size guidelines and includes mandatory disclaimers such as “This office is not an authorized government agency.
- Keep records of contracts and documentation for at least three (3) years.
- Allow customers to cancel their contract within three (3) business days after the execution of the agreement (without fee or penalty).
Important: This registration is NOT THE SAME as becoming an Authorized Immigration Service Provider through the Department of Justice Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA). The registrations differ regarding services you can offer and laws you must follow.
How Do I Get a Pennsylvania Immigration Assistance Provider Bond?
Step 1: Find a Surety Company
The surety company for this Pennsylvania surety bond must:
- Be permitted to do business in the state of Pennsylvania.
- Offer Pennsylvania Immigration Assistance Provider Bond.
You should also note when picking a surety that larger companies offer the best prices. JW Surety Bonds is a prime example of this—we’re able to provide the lowest prices due to the high volume of bonds we underwrite.
Just last week, Jill called in as she was shopping around for Immigration Assistance Provider Bond quotes. We were able to beat her previous lowest quote by over $300. Plus, we got her bonded the same day!
Step 2: Apply for the Surety Bond
Fill out an online application. This is the quickest and easiest way to get bonded—it offers instant free quotes and only takes minutes to complete.
Information required includes:
- Bond Name or Type (Pennsylvania Immigration Assistance Provider Bond / License Bond)
- Bond Amount ($50,000)
- Contact Information
Prefer to apply over the phone? You can also call us at 888 592 6631.
Step 3: Pay Your Bond & Sign Your Contract
Quotes for this bond are instant and generally only take a few minutes to arrive in your inbox. Please check your junk mail.
This email also provides instructions on how to log in to our website to purchase your bond and fill out the paperwork.
Step 4: Proofread Your Bond Information
An electronic copy of your bond will be sent as soon as your payment clears. It is essential to proofread it for any errors. Misspellings, an incorrect bond amount, or other issues can cause your bond to get denied.
Step 5: Submit Your Bond
Send your bond form in with your Immigration Assistance Provider registration. This bond is valid for one year.
You must have an active bond on file at all times to keep your license active. We will contact you a minimum of 30 days before your bond expires with instructions on how to renew your bond.
Sources
Document Preparation Services Application. (n.d.). Retrieved January 22, 2025, from
https://www.nvsos.gov/sos/licensing/document-preparation-services/application-process
NRS: CHAPTER 240A - DOCUMENT PREPARATION SERVICES. (n.d.). In www.leg.state.nv.us. Retrieved January 22, 2025, from
Surety Bond Cost: Guide & Free Online Quotes. (n.d.). In JW Surety Bonds. Retrieved January 22, 2025, from
What Is a Surety Bond? (n.d.). In JW Surety Bonds. Retrieved January 22, 2025, from
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