IFS Record Keeping & Case Management 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When organizing a client's immigration file, which document should be placed at the front of the file for fastest reference?
- The earliest document in the case history
- A case summary sheet with key dates and A-Number (Correct answer)
- The most recently received USCIS notice
- The original fee agreement
Correct answer: A case summary sheet with key dates and A-Number
A case summary sheet at the front provides instant access to critical identifiers like the A-Number, receipt numbers, and key filing dates.
Question 2: A client disputes the fees charged and claims they were not informed of the total cost upfront. What documentation would best protect the specialist?
- A verbal confirmation from a witness
- A signed fee schedule provided before services began (Correct answer)
- An invoice sent after services were completed
- A receipt for partial payment
Correct answer: A signed fee schedule provided before services began
A pre-signed fee schedule documents informed consent to costs before services begin and is the strongest protection against fee disputes.
Question 3: Which USCIS online tool allows immigration specialists to track the status of a pending case using a receipt number?
- SAVE (Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements)
- USCIS Case Status Online (Correct answer)
- e-Verify
- myE-Verify
Correct answer: USCIS Case Status Online
USCIS Case Status Online at uscis.gov lets anyone track pending case status using the receipt number from Form I-797.
Question 4: A client's I-485 has been pending for 14 months without a decision. What case management step is appropriate?
- File a second I-485 to replace the pending one
- Advise the client to contact their congressional representative or submit a case inquiry (Correct answer)
- Do nothing since processing times vary
- File a mandamus lawsuit immediately
Correct answer: Advise the client to contact their congressional representative or submit a case inquiry
For unusually long pending cases, clients may submit an online case inquiry to USCIS or contact their congressional representative's office.
Question 5: What is the purpose of the G-28 (Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Accredited Representative) in case management?
- It authorizes an immigration forms specialist to prepare forms
- It designates an attorney or accredited rep to receive USCIS communications for the client (Correct answer)
- It grants the preparer power of attorney over the client
- It allows a notario to represent clients at USCIS interviews
Correct answer: It designates an attorney or accredited rep to receive USCIS communications for the client
Form G-28 authorizes a licensed attorney or accredited representative—not a forms specialist—to appear before USCIS on behalf of a client.
Question 6: When must an immigration forms specialist provide a client with a written contract or fee agreement in California?
- Only for cases involving federal courts
- Before providing any services and collecting any fees (Correct answer)
- After the case is successfully completed
- Only when the fee exceeds $1,000
Correct answer: Before providing any services and collecting any fees
California Business and Professions Code requires immigration consultants to provide a written contract before any services or fees are collected.
Question 7: Which of the following is a red flag that should be documented and may require escalation to authorities in an immigration case?
- A client who frequently calls to check their case status
- A client who presents documents that appear fraudulent or altered (Correct answer)
- A client who requests forms in their native language
- A client who cannot pay fees upfront
Correct answer: A client who presents documents that appear fraudulent or altered
Presenting fraudulent documents is a federal crime; the specialist must document the incident and may be required to report it.
IFS Record Keeping & Case Management 4
When organizing a client's immigration file, which document should be placed at the front of the file for fastest reference?