Change in CA Law

In August 2014, Debra Bowen, the CA Secretary of State decided that since the I-9 (Employment Eligibility Verification) issued by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services was an immigration document, only an attorney, a representative accredited by the U.S. Department of Justice, or a person who is registered by the California Secretary of State and bonded as an immigration consultant under the Business and Professions Code may assist a client in completing the form.
(Business and Professions Code section 22440)  

Previously, out-of-state employers would tell their new employees to seek a local notary to assist with the I-9.  Some employees misunderstand that what they need is a notary that is also an immigration consultant. That is incorrect. The I-9 does not require notarization. Even when notaries were permitted to help with the I-9, they did not do so as notaries, they did so as an authorized representative of the hiring company.

After the change in the law, it became illegal in California for a notary to act as the authorized representative for the remote employer.  So how can the employee find a remote immigration consultant to help with the I-9?  The Secretary of State has a list of immigration consultants on their website where the bond status may be verified, but many are inactive or have Cease and Desist orders in place.  With the available search criteria, it’s difficult to locate an immigration consultant near you. 

How do you find an immigration consultant to help with the I-9? 

If you are located in the Bay Area, call Totally Notary.  Registered and bonded, Totally Notary is a CA immigration consultant and legally qualified to verify your I-9.  In office and mobile services available 7 days a week.  Totally Notary provides remote I-9 verification in Alameda, Contra Costa, Santa Clara, San Mateo and San Francisco counties.  
If you are located outside the Bay Area, call or email Totally Notary for a referral near you. 

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