Immigration FAQs
Who can represent me in my immigration case?
Canada allows unpaid and paid representatives to represent you. However, only authorized representatives such as immigration consultants and lawyers can represent you in Canadian immigration or citizenship matters for compensation. If the person representing your case is not authorized by either the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council or a Canadian law society, he or she cannot collect compensation for representing you.
Everything is online, why do I need an immigration consultant?
One can certainly handle his or her immigration case without representation. However, given the rapid changes in the Canadian immigration landscape, a small error can cause unforeseen delays to your application or worse. Moreover, you cannot rely on the government to help you or give you consistent advice. Free advice is everywhere, but you are ultimately responsible for your own case. As a result, incorrect advice can be extremely emotionally, monetarily, and legally costly. For instance, an applicant can be barred entry into Canada for five years due to statements made in the application.
Immigration can be a confusing and tiring process and a professional can save you time, frustration, and money by optimizing your chances on the first attempt.
How do I know if my immigration consultant is licenced to practice?
Immigration consultants must be members of the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council in order to practice Canadian immigration and citizenship law. Immigration consultants will have a member number and their names will be listed on the Council’s directory of immigration consultants.
What services can be provided by the immigration consultant?
Immigration consultants can provide legal services for immigration and citizenship cases. This includes reviewing legal correspondence, advising on immigration strategy, etc. Furthermore, immigration consultants can represent you at the Immigration and Refugee Board.
How do I know if I might be involved with an immigration scam?
If it seems too good to be true, it is most likely untrue. Some people may offer to help you by creating fraudulent documents, faking proof of residency, etc., but these actions will put you and your family at risk. The outcome of your application is decided by the government—not your representative. Moreover, only immigration professionals who are in good standing with their respective Canadian governing body can provide immigration and citizenship services for a fee.
You can report immigration and citizenship fraud to the Canadian Border Services Agency and Citizenship and Immigration Canada. If you suspect that your consultant is not registered, you can contact the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council.
If you feel that your case is complicated and/or requires an expert opinion, please feel free to contact us.
What can’t immigration consultants do?
Immigration consultants are bound to the professional code of ethics as outlined by the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council. For instance, an immigration consultant who claims special influence with officials, collects fees without written agreements, etc., would be violating the professional code.
If you are appealing to the Federal Court and are seeking a paid representative, you will need to retain a lawyer. If you do decide to retain a lawyer, make sure your lawyer specializes in immigration law.
What factors affect the processing time for my application?
Many factors can affect the processing time of your application. Some factors are within the control of the applicant, e.g. expired documents, incorrectly filled forms. Other factors are beyond the control of the applicant, e.g. government policy, inexperienced officers, etc. Sending constant inquiries to the government will not expedite your case.
A qualified immigration consultant can help maximize your chances of success. As well, an immigration consultant can give you a better understanding and expectation of Canadian immigration policy, procedures, and laws.
Why hire your company to represent me?
Let us show you how we can help:
Personalized and Customized Service: We provide our top of the line services on your terms and on your schedule—just the way we like it.
Professional Advice, Personalized Strategy: Your immigration issues are more than just another case and we take the time to develop the immigration strategy best suited for your individual situation.
Responsive Service: We will be with you every step of the way from the beginning to the end. We respond to your inquiries within 48 hours.
Safe and Sound: As a Registered Canadian Immigration Consultant you can be reassured that your case will receive the individualized and professional attention it deserves and that the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council and the Canadian government will protect you.
Save Time, Money, and Stress: Let us handle the hassles of your immigration affairs so that you can spend time doing the things you love and taking care of the people and things that matter the most to you.