How to Start a Corporate Immigration Consulting Business

Part 1 - How to start a Corporate Immigration Consulting business - Background

You can turn on the news at any given time and hear about immigration struggles, both on an individual and corporate level. The entire process takes time, money, and a highly specialized set of skills and knowledge. As implied by the name, corporate immigration is the process through which a foreign business entity moves all or a portion of their business to the United States. 

A corporate immigration consulting business helps facilitate this process. They ensure the migrating company is compliant with all federal business immigration laws, that the formation of the new business entity is done properly, that costs are kept to a minimum, and that migrating employees/key personnel obtain the necessary documentation to work in the United States.

Our guide is in 3 parts:

• Part 1 - How to start a Corporate Immigration Consulting business - Background
• Part 2 - Our planner tool to see if this idea is the right fit for you
• Part 3 - Action plan to get started

What are the costs involved in opening a corporate immigration consulting business?

Entrepreneurs who have launched a successful consulting firm recommend a starting budget of at least $150,000. Items that should be included in your budget include:

• Insurance — Annual premiums could reach as high as $10,000 or more

• Office facility — Depending upon whether you decide to purchase or lease a space, your initial investment in an office space could cost as much as $40,000

• Office equipment — Computers, business software, telephones, printers, furniture, and fixtures

• Marketing materials

• Website

• Payroll expenses

• Licensing and fees

• Business consultant — While this could cost you anywhere from $1,500 to over $3,000, the guidance your consultant offers could prove invaluable

If you lack the necessary funding, consider all financing options available to you. Remember who your business will serve — if you cut corners on your website or office space, it will show, and your business will suffer the consequences.

What are the ongoing expenses for a corporate immigration consulting business?

In addition to the standard overhead costs of rent/mortgage, utilities, insurance, website management/hosting, and marketing, you will need to maintain a steady cash flow to cover payroll. Additionally, your ongoing expense budget should include travel expenses and ongoing education.

Who is the target market?

Your marketing strategy should be geared towards businesses, particularly corporate enterprises, that are looking to move or expand to the United States. You will need to appeal to the decision-makers, as they are the ones you will be dealing with and who, ultimately, control the budget.

How does a corporate immigration consulting business make money?

Corporate immigration consulting companies are hired by corporations who are considering moving or expanding their businesses to the United States. Fees are negotiated based on the scope of the project and are typically paid out at an hourly rate.

How much can you charge customers?

Established corporate immigration businesses charge a flat fee for basic services and bill hourly for others. Hourly rates range from $150 to $300, and flat fees vary from $250 to over $5,000. Keep in mind that pricing is a delicate balance — if you price too low, people will wonder why; alternatively, if you price too high, potential clients will look to hire another agency.

How much profit can a corporate immigration consulting business make?

If you charge clients $150 per hour and invest 51 hours of work into one client and 46 hours into the other, you will generate over $14,000 in revenue. If your ongoing expenses equal $4,400, your total profit will equal out to almost $10,000.

How can you make your business more profitable?

If you are looking for ways to increase annual profits, consider offering additional immigration consulting services. While corporate immigration may be a focus, you may want to consider helping individuals who are trying to navigate the legal system and legally immigrate to the United States.

Day-to-Day and Growth

What happens during a typical day at a corporate immigration consulting business?

Helping a business entity immigrate to the United States requires a great deal of work. Once your marketing efforts land you a client, it is time to get to work. More than likely, your business dealings will take you overseas, where you will conduct on-site interviews to gain a clear understanding of their goals and expectations. 

You will need to assess every aspect of the organization, from the scope of the business to its financials and everything in between. All paperwork must be filled out and filed with the appropriate agencies, with adherence to immigration laws as a top priority. All relevant fees should be paid, and all issues must be addressed promptly. Additionally, your clients will likely look to you to ensure all paperwork for migrating employees is filed and that they have access to any resources that might make for a smooth transition.

What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful corporate immigration consulting business?

Operating a business of this magnitude requires a highly-specialized set of skills. While not required, many entering this industry have a legal background. At the very least, you will want several years of industry experience before venturing out on your own. Certificates related to immigration are also recommended. If you do not already hold these certificates, you’ll want to consider getting your PERM Labor Certification, the Certified Immigration Consultant & Certified Immigration Forms Preparer certificate, as well as the Immigration Specialist Paralegal Certificate.

While education and industry experience will help build a solid foundation for your agency, there are a number of business and leadership skills needed to launch and manage a successful consulting firm. You will need to be an excellent communicator with strong active listening skills. You must be detail-oriented, organized, and skilled at problem-solving. It is also critical that you be adept at researching and committed to staying current with new laws and guidelines that may affect your clients’ corporate immigration goals.

If you do not have a business background or experience in marketing, consider taking a workshop through your local small business administration or hiring a professional to handle those aspects of your business. This will set your organization up for long-term success and ensure you have enough time to focus on your true passion — helping others achieve their business dreams in the United States.

What is the growth potential for a corporate immigration consulting business?

While we often hear about corporations migrating out of the United States, the number of businesses looking to enter the US has increased dramatically over the last decade. This, coupled with the specialized nature of this field, ensures significant growth and profit opportunities for entrepreneurs considering this business venture.

What are some insider tips for jump starting a corporate immigration consulting business?

Unfortunately, no matter how prepared you are, mistakes happen. As a result, industry leaders indicate they cannot stress the importance of networking. One phone call to a well-placed connection can tear down any roadblocks in a matter of minutes, paving the way for successful immigration.

How and when to build a team

When deciding when to build a team and what skills new hires must possess, you must start by looking inwards. If research isn’t your strong suit, hire a team member to tackle those duties. If a new client requires specialized experience you do not possess, consider hiring a consultant on a freelance basis. Every team member, whether permanent or freelance, should maintain a professional air and have a clear understanding of what will be expected of them.

Part 2 - Is a Corporate Immigration Consulting business the right fit for you?

Part 3 - Action plan to launch your Corporate Immigration Consulting business in 90 days