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.

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The entire process of obtaining the Permanent Residence Status in Canada is very simple and straightforward. The strategy is to get on the right track from the beginning. (To get the right information, instructions, examples and application forms.) 

The advantage you have by processing your application by yourself, besides saving thousands of dollars is that, you have a full control over your file at first hand and faster processing results.

By obtaining a package you will have the necessary information required to prepare, complete, and submit your applications to the Canadian immigration authorities. We have thousands and thousands of satisfied customers from all over the world that have used our Do-It-Yourself packages and obtained their Permanent Residence in Canada.

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New Years Canadian Immigration Lawyer Top 10 Tips for Immigration Applications

Below are what I think are THE Immigration Lawyer Top 10 tips for people interested in immigration to Canada. Now our “top 10″ isn’t going to be what you think. I am not going to waste your time feeding you a list of application forms, Embassy addresses, or websites to visit. No, these tips will be more practical (I hope) than that. So here it goes.

Immigration Tip #1: Figure out what immigration category you fall under.

If you want to immigrate to Canada, you better know where you stand before getting on board the train. Are you a member of the Family Class, the Federal Skilled Worker Category, or a Business Immigrant? Knowing who you are as a potential immigrant to Canada will provide the proper road map for where you are going and how to get there. Choose the wrong category and end up in legal-limbo.

 Immigration Tip #2: Figure out if you qualify

Ok now that you have done your homework and figured out what immigration category best suits you, you now have to figure out whether you in fact “make the grade”. That is, do you qualify for your immigration category? Finding this out isn’t that easy. There are now online tools that you can use to get an idea of your eligibility for immigration to Canada but that is only the first step. You can consult a lawyer or immigration consultant to perform an immigration assessment as to whether you qualify. However you better make sure you find a good one. One of the biggest mistakes people make is choosing a lawyer who really doesn’t do a proper job at assessing your case.
But on the other hand, there is no substitute for a good immigration lawyer who is able to give you a clear idea of whether it is worth submitting the application. - Check out a quick link to assess if you qualify -
So Assuming you do qualify, then the next step in your journey is:

Immigration Tip #3: Determining what is involved in the immigration process

So congratulations. You qualify. Great news. Well, maybe. It is one thing to know that you can apply for immigration to Canada; it’s an entirely another thing to know how to apply. Knowing how to fill out the forms, where to file, what information is required, how to reach the government if something goes wrong, whether you will have an interview or not, what fees to pay etc., is what the immigration process is all about it and it ain’t always pretty!
Sorry to rain on your parade but that is the reality. Most applicants fail not because they don’t qualify but they just get it wrong in the “how to” part, that is, during the actual immigration process. So knowing how to apply is as much or more important than knowing if you can apply. - check out our free tutorials providing you with step by step instructions -

Immigration Tip #4: How to get Help with your Canadian Immigration Application

This is a biggie. I have alluded to it time and time again. First of all, get help. DONT go it alone. Would you buy a house without hiring a lawyer? No. I didn’t think so. Well, moving to another country is as life-changing if not more so.  Get professional assistance for your immigration application. I say this despite what they tell you on the government websites about not needing a lawyer to do you paperwork. If you follow the guide, they say, you can “do it yourself”. If it were only that easy. If about half of our cases didn’t come from failed, albeit well-meaning, attempts to go it alone.

Immigration Tip #5: Keep yourself informed.

While it is true that you should seek professional help with your immigration application, it is equally true that you should not be passive. You should ask questions, make sure you understand what you are in for, when certain events in the application process will take place etc. Being well informed will keep your lawyer on his or her toes.

Immigration Tip #6: Be Patient

Immigration cases take a long time generally. No lawyer nor immigration consultant can wave a magic wand and make your case go faster. If they tell you this, that is a red flag and seek help elsewhere. We can certainly reduce errors and make sure your application is processed properly which will save time. However, once your file is in the system, it is a waiting game and sometimes it’s a long one

Immigration Tip #7: Report any Changes to your lawyer

Since the immigration process does take time, it is important that you keep your lawyer up to date on any changes in your life that may impact on the outcome of your case. Changes include marriage, kids, divorce, change of employment etc. Life happens and does not stand still once your application is filed.

Immigration Tip #8: Be realistic

While you may have a good case and a good lawyer, there are no guarantees…ever. The reality is that your application, however well prepared, can get refused. If this happens, you still have options such as appealing the decision.  Like in life, when it comes to immigration, you hope for the best but prepare for the worst

Immigration Tip #9: Learn about your new home before you arrive

This seems obvious but you would be surprised how many clients tell me that once they land in Canada, they have no idea where to go for housing, banking, food, schools etc. Do not be left holding your new immigrant visa with no place to go. Do your home work well in advance before you come. This way you will be prepared to handle the transition of moving to Canada.

Immigration Tip #10: Expect the Unexpected

Get excited about the choice you made in relocating to Canada. Just know that whatever the plan, it will have to change somewhat in terms of the immigration process and settlement. There just are too many variables involved that are out of all our control to perfectly plan out what will happen when. The best advice I can give is to be flexible and adapt to whatever comes your way. Whether your lawyer tells you new forms are needed, new documents are required, there has been a delay at the Embassy etc., just try to roll with it the best you can. This approach will save you a lot of stress and even money in the end.

Is it easy to immigrate to Canada?

Is it easy to immigrate to Canada?

Yes, it is very easy to immigrate to Canada. If you qualify under any category of Canadian immigration then it’s quite easy, particularly comparing to immigrate to other developed countries. Canadian immigration authorities made a point-based system where every applicant can be evaluated through his age, qualification, work experience (In 38 defined professions) , language skills and some other parameters defined by CIC.

Canada is waiting for skilled people and entrepreneurs. So don’t delay!

 

Visit our site to get started with your FREE & SIMPLE immigration tutorial!

 

How to get a Canada Visa

People from all countries world of South Asia and Middle East, for instance, India, Pakistan, Dubai, Singapore, Philippines are wondering to find the information about how to obtain a Canada Visa. They often fail to find any appropriate information about Canada Visa on Internet. This blog is specially designed to give all relevant information about Canada Visa.

The government of Canada has embassies or Canada Visa Offices in nearly each country of the world. These offices give visas to different categories of visa seekers. Visas are required by visitors for visit, study, immigrating or permanent settlement (wrongly said Green Card of Canada) of Canada in various capacities.

Depending upon the circumstances at the time of application for visas, the processing time for application for temporary visit or student may require minimum 6 weeks. In case of permanent residence visas, it may take from 12 to 60 months to finalize, but the Canadian is now taking steps to reduce this long time for immigration. Those who submit an application for permanent residence visas can also take with them their spouses and unmarried children below the age of 22 years. In rare cases the children over the age of 22 years may also be considered.

Persons who want to submit an application for Canada visas have to pay a certain sum of non-refundable visa fee. If you are applying as a skilled worker for permanent residence, you should pay 550 CAD (Canadian Dollars) for yourself plus extra 550 CAD for your spouse. An extra fee of $75 is also paid for every family member under the age of 22 years. In addition, a Right of Permanent Residence Fee of $975 CAD has to be paid before the issuance of visa.

You should appear for an interview together with your spouse, at the immigration office. In some positive circumstances, the interview provision for you and your spouse can be waived off. The reason of holding an interview is to determine the exactness of the information you mentioned in your application form, to make clear the facts concerning your background, and to make sure that you own the enough funds to settle in Canada. You must bring all original documentation to the interview supporting the application; any official documents of non-criminal conviction and all proofs of settlement funds.

Fast-track your Canada Immigration Visa Application

How you can Obtain a Canada Immigration Visa Sooner with a Canadian Job Offer through either a Work permit, Arranged Employment or Provincial Nomination.

 

A genuine job offer from a Canadian employer is one way to speed-up your entry to Canada. You can shave years off your permanent resident application processing time by finding employment in Canada.

The starting point is a Canadian job offer. Once you have a job offer, you can consider the following options:

1. Work Permit (try our online tutorial)

Work permits are issued only for employment that is temporary. In some circumstances, work permits can be extended from inside Canada.

Advantage

• The fastest way to come to Canada is on a temporary work permit. Usually you can be in Canada within weeks after you apply, if not sooner.

Disadvantage

• Before offering you a job, your potential Canadian employer may have to demonstrate that efforts were made to hire Canadian residents for your intended position, but that those efforts were unsuccessful.

2.  Arranged Employment
Arranged Employment is based on a permanent Canadian job offer of indeterminate length. You do not begin to work in Canada until you receive your Canada Immigration (Permanent Resident) Visa.
Advantages

• Your potential Canadian employer does not have to demonstrate that Canadian residents could not be found for your intended position.
• Priority processing at all Canadian Immigration Visa Offices (except Buffalo) of your application for Permanent Residence in Canada. You will usually receive your visa in less than one year.
• You will receive up to 15 points under the Federal Skilled Worker category of Canada immigration.

Disadvantage

• None, really. It just won’t get you to Canada as quickly as a work permit.

3. Provincial Nomination (try on our online tutorial)

Provincial Nomination contains eleme nts similar to Arranged Employment and to Work Permits. Most Canadian provinces and one territory offer nomination programs that lead to a Canada Immigration Visa. Most often, it involves a permanent job offer of indeterminate length from an employer in a particular province.

Advantages

• Once you have been nominated by a province you can usually immediately receive a work permit to come to Canada and begin work, even before your Canada Immigration Visa is issued.
• Your application for Permanent Residence in Canada will receive priority processing and you will usually receive your visa in less than one year.
• You may qualify for Provincial Nomination even in some occupations that are not considered “high-skilled”

Disadvantages

• Before offering you the position, your potential provincial employer will usually have to demonstrate that efforts were made to hire Canadian residents, but those efforts were unsuccessful.
• It will not get you to Canada as quickly as a work permit, but it’s still relatively fast.

Any way you look at it, a Canadian job offer will speed-up your arrival in Canada.

Visiting Canada through the Parent and Grandparent Super Visa

Parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents have a new option for visiting Canada. You (or your parents) may be eligible to apply for the Parent and Grandparent Super Visa and enjoy visiting your family in Canada for up to two years without the need to renew your status.
With the Parent and Grandparent Super Visa, eligible parents and grandparents will pay fewer fees (compared to the regular visitor visa) and have some certainty that they will be able to enjoy the company of their families in Canada for a longer period of time. CIC is usually able to issue the visas, on average, within eight weeks of the application.

REQUIREMENTS:

To apply for the Parent and Grandparent Super Visa, you must:

• be the parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada;
• be found admissible to Canada; and
• meet certain other conditions.

Visa officers consider several factors before deciding if the person is admissible. This means they are a genuine visitor to Canada who will leave by choice at the end of their visit. Among the things that could be considered are:

• the person's ties to the home country,
• the purpose of the visit,
• the person's family and financial situation,
• the overall economic and political stability of the home country, and
• invitations from Canadian hosts.

The parent or grandparent must also:

• provide a written commitment of financial support from their child or grandchild in Canada who meets a minimum income threshold;
• prove that they have bought Canadian medical insurance coverage for at least one year; and
• complete an Immigration Medical Examination.

The Super Visa is a multi-entry visa that will provide multiple entries for a period up to ten years. The Super Visa is also available as a single-entry visa, if that is the applicant's preference.
If you wish to apply for the Parent and Grandparent Super Visa to Canada, visit the how toapply section of the CIC website.

Looking for Work in Canada?

Canadian employers are actively seeking foreign skilled workers to alleviate labour shortages across industries from coast to coast.

Finding work in Canada can be one of the fastest ways to begin your life in Canada.

Your Work in Canada Options
It all starts with a job offer from a Canadian employer. - try our iCanadaimmigration tutorials to get started by clicking on the links.

• With a full-time permanent job offer, you may qualify for Arranged Employment under the Federal Skilled Worker program or for a Skilled Worker category of one of the Provincial Nomination Programs (PNP).  Both of these options will entitle you to fast-track Canadian Immigration (Permanent Residency).
• If you have an offer of temporary employment, you may be entitled to a Canada Temporary Work Permit.  With a Work Permit, you could be in Canada in a matter of weeks to months.  Many foreign skilled workers who come to Canada on Work Permits can eventually qualify for fast-track Canadian Immigration (Permanent Residency) through one of the Provincial Nomination Programs, the Canadian Experience Class, or Arranged Employment.