Find answers to the most common questions about our services, the lawyer referral program, and more.
General Questions
What is Teranga Global Solutions?
Teranga Global Solutions is a document preparation and consulting company that helps immigrants, families, and entrepreneurs navigate immigration, tax, business, and civil matters. We are NOT a law firm. For matters requiring legal representation, we connect you with licensed attorneys through our Lawyer Referral Program.
What languages do you serve?
We serve clients in English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Wolof, Arabic, Haitian Creole, and more. Our multilingual team ensures that language is never a barrier to getting the help you need.
How much do your services cost?
Our fees vary by service. We offer a free initial consultation to assess your needs and provide a transparent quote before any work begins. We believe in affordable, transparent pricing with no hidden fees. Contact us for a specific quote.
Do you offer remote/virtual services?
Yes! We serve clients nationwide through phone, video call (Zoom, Google Meet), and email. You can upload documents securely through our Client Portal. In-person appointments are also available at our office by appointment.
Are you affiliated with any government agency?
No. Teranga Global Solutions is a private company and is NOT affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to USCIS, IRS, SBA, or any other government agency. Government forms are always free — never pay for a government form.
Immigration Questions
Can you help me get a green card?
Yes. We provide document preparation services for green card applications (Form I-485 for Adjustment of Status, or consular processing). We help you gather required documents, complete forms accurately, and prepare your application package. For complex cases or those involving legal issues, we refer you to a licensed immigration attorney.
I received a Notice to Appear (NTA) — can you help?
A Notice to Appear means you have been placed in removal proceedings before an immigration judge. This is a serious legal matter that REQUIRES a licensed immigration attorney. We cannot represent you in immigration court, but we will immediately connect you with a qualified immigration attorney through our Lawyer Referral Program. Please contact us urgently.
Can you help with DACA renewal?
Yes. We help DACA recipients prepare and submit their renewal applications (Form I-821D and I-765). We stay current on DACA program updates and will guide you through the process. Contact us well before your DACA expiration date — we recommend at least 6 months in advance.
What documents do I need for a green card application?
Required documents vary by category, but typically include: valid passport, birth certificate (with certified translation if not in English), marriage certificate (if applicable), police clearances, medical examination (Form I-693), financial support documents (Form I-864), and photos. We provide a complete personalized checklist during your consultation.
How long does immigration processing take?
Processing times vary significantly by case type and USCIS workload. Green cards for immediate relatives of U.S. citizens typically take 12–24 months. Naturalization takes 8–24 months. DACA renewals take 3–5 months. We monitor your case status and keep you updated throughout the process. Check current processing times at uscis.gov/processing-times.
Tax Questions
Do I need to file taxes if I'm not a U.S. citizen?
Yes, if you have U.S. source income. All individuals who earn income in the United States — regardless of immigration status — are generally required to file a tax return. If you don't have a Social Security Number, you can use an ITIN. Filing taxes can also help establish a record of good standing for future immigration applications.
What is an ITIN and how do I get one?
An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is a tax processing number issued by the IRS to individuals who are not eligible for a Social Security Number. You apply using Form W-7. We are Certified Acceptance Agents (CAA) authorized by the IRS to certify your identity documents, so you don't need to mail your original passport to the IRS.
Can you help if I haven't filed taxes in several years?
Yes. We can prepare prior year tax returns going back several years. Getting caught up on unfiled returns is important to avoid penalties and interest. In some cases, you may be owed refunds for prior years. We'll assess your situation and help you get compliant as efficiently as possible.
Business Questions
Can I start a business if I'm not a U.S. citizen?
Yes! Non-citizens, including undocumented individuals, can form LLCs and corporations in most U.S. states. You will need an ITIN or SSN for tax purposes. Note that certain business activities may require work authorization. We recommend consulting with an immigration attorney if you have questions about how business ownership affects your immigration status.
What is the difference between an LLC and a corporation?
An LLC (Limited Liability Company) offers flexible management, pass-through taxation, and less paperwork — ideal for most small businesses. A corporation has a more formal structure with shareholders and a board of directors, better for businesses seeking investors or planning to go public. An S-Corporation combines corporate structure with pass-through taxation. We'll help you choose the right structure during your consultation.
How long does it take to form an LLC?
LLC formation typically takes 1–4 weeks depending on the state. Some states offer expedited processing for an additional fee. Once formed, we help you get your EIN from the IRS (usually same-day online), draft your Operating Agreement, and obtain any required business licenses.
Lawyer Referral Questions
How does the Lawyer Referral Program work?
When your case requires a licensed attorney, we assess your situation and match you with the most appropriate attorney from our vetted network. We make the introduction within 24–48 hours. Many of our partner attorneys offer free initial consultations. You are never obligated to hire the referred attorney.
Is there a fee for the lawyer referral?
No. Teranga Global Solutions does not charge clients any fee for the referral itself. You pay only the attorney's fees directly to the attorney. Teranga may receive a referral fee from the attorney where permitted by state bar rules, which is always disclosed transparently.
What types of cases can you refer me to an attorney for?
We refer clients to attorneys for: immigration court and removal defense, IRS audits and tax litigation, business disputes and contract issues, family law (divorce, custody, adoption), civil litigation (personal injury, landlord-tenant, civil rights), criminal defense, and more. If you need a lawyer, we can help you find one.
Client Portal Questions
What can I do in the Client Portal?
The Client Portal gives you 24/7 secure access to: your case status and progress, uploaded documents, invoices and payment history, appointment history and upcoming appointments, messages with your specialist, and educational resources. You can also upload new documents and search across all your case information from one unified search.
How do I get access to the Client Portal?
When you become a client, we create a secure portal account for you and send login credentials to your email. If you haven't received your credentials or need help accessing your account, contact us at info@terangaglobalsolutions.com or call (555) 123-4567.
Is my information secure in the Client Portal?
Yes. We use industry-standard SSL/TLS encryption to protect all data in transit. Your documents and personal information are stored securely and are only accessible to you and authorized Teranga staff working on your case. We never share your information without your explicit consent.
Still Have Questions?
Our team is here to help. Contact us and we'll answer your questions within 24 hours.