Canadian Immigration

Immigration consultants, lawyers, and other representatives: Tips on choosing one

NEW: Bill C-35 comes into force and new regulator announced
As of June 30, 2011, the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC) is the regulator of immigration consultants. Immigration consultants in good standing with the Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants (CSIC) on June 30, 2011, can begin to register with the ICCRC. Find out more...

It is your decision whether or not to use an immigration consultant, lawyer, Québec notary or paralegal regulated by a law society. No immigration representative has special access to our programs and services and no one can guarantee you a visa.

All the forms and guides you need to apply for any type of visa are available for free on this website.

Choosing an immigration consultant:

·        Ask for recommendations from people you trust. Talk to several potential advisers before choosing one.

·        Ask about their training and experience:

o   find out if they are authorized

o   ask for references

o   find out how long they have been in business.

·        Discuss what services they will provide and the fee. Get this information in writing.

·        Ask questions. You should be wary of a consultant who refuses to answer your questions.

·        Be careful of anything that sounds too good to be true.

If you are choosing an immigration consultant in Canada, you can also contact the Better Business Bureau before making your choice. They can tell you if any complaints have been raised against immigration consultants, lawyers, and other representatives that operate in Canada.

Once you have chosen an immigration consultant:

·        Make sure you get a written contract—read it carefully before you sign it. Make sure that all the promised services are listed and the fee is clearly set out.

·        Do not leave original documents or photos with the consultant.

·        Do not sign blank application forms. If the consultant has forms or documents for you to sign, do not sign them unless you are able to read them. If you don’t understand them, bring someone with you to translate. Make sure to get copies of any documents that are prepared for you.

·        Any time you make a payment, get a signed receipt.

·        Make sure your consultant updates you on your application on a regular basis.

·        If you change your mind about your immigration consultant, you do not have to continue with them. You can change your representative at any time or deal directly with the visa office or the in-Canada immigration office yourself. If you change your representative, you must notify CIC.

·        You must provide your representative’s name and contact information on your application form whether they are paid or not. If your immigration consultant says that this is not necessary, this is false. You should verify the accuracy of your representative’s advice.

·        If you appoint a representative who is not a member of one of the designated bodies, your application will be returned.

Note: The Government of Canada will never ask you to deposit money into a personal bank account or to transfer money through a specific private money transfer company.

Remember—you are responsible for all the information in your application. It is against the law to give false or misleading information to Citizenship and Immigration Canada.

·        If the information on your application is false or misleading, this is against the law and you may be refused entry to Canada or be deported from Canada after you arrive.

·        Immigration consultants who tell you to provide false or misleading information are also breaking the law.

Processing fees are the same at all Canadian visa offices around the world. Fees are in Canadian currency. Check the website for the visa office you are dealing with to get details on the form of payment.

If you are in Canada, you can also contact the call centre at 1‑888‑242‑2100 for guidelines on how to apply. To protect your privacy, you must provide written consent to CIC before any personal information may be shared with your consultant.