Tips on how to immigrate to Canada with a registered Canadian immigration consultant.

Tips on how to immigrate to Canada with a registered Canadian immigration consultant.

In this article, we provide useful tips and information on how to immigrate to Canada with a registered Canadian immigration consultant, including the services consultants offer as well as some red flags to watch out for before engaging a consultant.

Whether you’re planning to immigrate to Canada as a permanent resident (PR) or temporary resident, such as on a study permit or work permit, the application process can be quite complex and requires a lot of documentation.

Hiring an immigration consultant is not a requirement, but it can make the application process simpler for you and reduce the likelihood of errors. However, not everyone is authorized to offer advice on Canadian immigration applications. In fact, IT IS ILLEGAL for anyone who is not an RCIC or lawyer, to provide Canadian immigration consulting services for a fee.

Many applicants hire an immigration consultant to help them choose the right immigration program and to submit their applications.

Who is a Canadian immigration consultant?

An immigration consultant is an individual or organization you can retain to provide advice, guidance, or support in completing and submitting Canadian immigration or citizenship applications. Not everyone is authorized to offer these services and, in Canada, the profession is highly regulated.

The College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC), previously known as the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC), regulates consultants who offer citizenship and immigration consulting services for Canada.

Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCIC) are authorised by the CICC to charge a fee to provide advice, representation, or to submit your Canadian immigration application on your behalf. The CICC also regulates qualified student immigration advisors, known as Regulated International Student Immigration Advisors (RISIA), who offer guidance and support specifically for study permit applications, but cannot submit applications for you.

To become an RCIC or RISIA and register with the CICC, consultants must meet certain academic requirements, complete a one-year certification program, and pass the Entry-to-Practice Exam (EPE). Only Canadian permanent residents and citizens are allowed to appear for the Entry-to-Practice exam, but they are free to practice in other countries after getting certified.

In addition to immigration consultants, immigration lawyers can also offer advice and representation for temporary visas, PR, and citizenship applications for Canada. Immigration lawyers are not regulated by CICC. However, they need to have a law degree and must be registered with the Canadian Bar Association and a Canadian province.

Important Tip:
Before you retain an immigration consultant for Canada, ask if they are registered with the CICC. If you use an unauthorized representative, the government may reject or return your application.

What services do Registered Canadian Immigration Consultants offer?

Authorized immigration consultants and immigration lawyers can charge a fee to provide you with some or all of the below services:

• Explain or give advice on immigration options: The best immigration consultants will typically help you understand the various Canadian immigration programs you can apply for, including their eligibility criteria, application process, required documentation, and fees.
• Help you choose the ideal program for you: Based on your qualifications, age, work experience, and other factors, an immigration consultant can help you identify immigration programs you are likely to qualify for. They cannot, however, provide any guarantee as to whether your application will be approved.
• Submit your immigration application on your behalf: Authorised RCICs can also fill out and submit study permit, work permit, permanent residence, and Canadian citizenship applications for you. When you engage a consultant to submit your application on your behalf, you will need to share your personal information and essential documents with them. A consultant can also review any applications you have completed by yourself and make sure you are not missing out on any crucial information or paperwork.
• Communicate with the government of Canada on your behalf, if needed: When you apply for immigration, the government may send you communication regarding any further action that is required for your application, such as the submission of additional documents. Likewise, you may also need to contact them for additional information on the processing status of your application. It is the duty of an authorized immigration consultant can act as your representative and manage such communication on your behalf.

In rare cases, immigration or citizenship applications may be subject to a legal hearing. This typically only happens if there’s evidence you’ve misrepresented information or may be inadmissible to Canada due to criminality or other reasons. In such cases, an immigration lawyer, unlike an immigration consultant, will be needed to represent you in a Canadian court of law.

Is a Canadian immigration consultant the same as an immigration representative?

The term “immigration representative” is often used in the Canadian immigration process. An immigration representative doesn’t necessarily have to be an immigration consultant. It can be anyone you select to act on your behalf for your immigration application, regardless of whether you compensate them for their service. You can choose an authorized immigration consultant (usually paid), a friend, a family member, or another third party as your immigration representative.

It’s important to note that hiring an immigration consultant does not mean that your application will be prioritized or approved by the IRCC.

Above all, immigration applications can be quite complex, especially if you plan to apply for PR through streams such as the Provincial Nominee Program, Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP), or Atlantic Immigration Program. Immigration consultants are well-versed in the various immigration programs and paperwork needed and can offer knowledgeable advice to ensure that your application is filed accurately.

An immigration consultant will also have a fair idea about your application’s likelihood of being accepted, based on the supporting evidence you share, and can guide you on how to improve your chances of qualifying for a temporary or permanent residence application in Canada.

Does my Canadian immigration consultant have to be based in Canada?

The immigration consultant you engage for your Canadian immigration application doesn’t necessarily have to be in Canada. You can choose an immigration consultant based in your home country, in Canada, or anywhere else, as long as they are registered with the CICC. The only exception is RISIAs, who are typically based in Canada and affiliated with a specific Learning Institution.

Authorised consultants who advertise for and provide assistance with immigration to Canada, regardless of which country they practice in, must be registered with the CICC.

The CICC maintains a public register of authorized RCICs, so you can find one in your home country or verify the consultant you choose is legally permitted to offer those services and in good standing with the CICC.

How to find the right Canadian immigration consultant?

When researching Canadian immigration consultants, there are several steps you can take to ensure you are making an informed decision. These include checking the consultant’s credentials with the ICCRC, reading online reviews and testimonials, and asking for recommendations from friends or family who have used immigration consultants.

If you do choose to work with an immigration consultant, it’s important to find someone who is legitimate and trustworthy.

Here are some tips to help you find the right Canadian immigration consultant:

• Verifying their credentials by checking their licence number or authorization:To verify that a consultant is registered with the ICCRC, you can check by name, location, and licensing status on the ICCRC’s website or call their toll-free number. This will provide you with information on the consultant’s qualifications and any disciplinary actions that have been taken against them.
• Asking for recommendations:Friends and family who have used immigration consultants can provide valuable recommendations and insight. They can share their experiences and provide valuable information on the services offered by a particular consultant.

• Ask about their training and experience: When shortlisting suitable consultants, be sure to ask about their education, certification, and years of experience. You can also ask them to share references or a list of other applicants they’ve helped in the past you can speak to for an honest review.

• Reading reviews and testimonials:Online reviews and testimonials can provide valuable insight into the experiences of others who have used the services of a particular consultant. It’s important to read both positive and negative reviews to understand the consultant’s reputation.
• Ask about their services and fee:While most RCICs offer similar services, some might have areas of specialization, such as PR consultants for Canada. It’s good to clarify how much they will charge and what their fee will cover. You can also get quotes from two or more consultants in your area to make sure you are not overcharged.

• Get a written contract or agreement: When you engage a consultant, it’s important to get a written service agreement or contract that includes all the terms that you discussed, including what they’ll provide and the fee you’ll pay.

How much does a Canadian immigration consultant cost?

The fee charged by Canadian immigration consultants can vary significantly based on the immigration program you apply for, the country they are based in, the size and reputation of the company, and the services you require. It is recommended that you get a quote from two or more consultants and decide on the consultant that will best serve your needs.

Red flags to help you avoid scams and fraudulent immigration consultants.

Unfortunately, some unscrupulous individuals and companies may try to take advantage of those seeking Canadian immigration assistance. It’s essential to be aware of some warning signs and signals of fraudulent consultants, and to know how to report a suspicious consultant to the ICCRC.

Hiring the wrong Canadian immigration consultant can seriously damage your chances of qualifying for immigration to Canada. If you come across any of the following red flags, it’s best to find another consultant to help with your application:

• Reluctance or refusal to verify their authenticity: If an immigration consultant refuses to share their CICC identification number or provide references you can contact them, watch out, they may be running an unauthorized business.
• Not able or unwilling to fill and submit an application on your behalf: Authorised RCICs and immigration lawyers are allowed to act as your representative and submit Canadian immigration applications on your behalf. If your consultant tells you that they can only guide you but can’t submit the application for you, they may not be licensed by the CICC.
• Offers that seem too good to be true: If it sounds too good to be true, its likely not true. In some cases, fraudulent consultants may also misrepresent their services, such as by advertising immigration services as free or quoting a lower price and then asking for more money to complete your application.
• Refusal to provide a written and signed contract or service agreement: Do not make any payments to an immigration consultant before you’ve received a written agreement and verified its terms and conditions. Any consultant who refuses to give you a signed contract may be trying to scam you.
• Giving Guarantees regarding your application: Be wary of consultants who promise guaranteed approval of your application, or ask for personal information without a valid reason. While immigration consultants and lawyers usually know from experience which applications are likely to get accepted, they cannot provide any guarantees. Similarly, if a consultant guarantees you’ll get a job offer or admission into a Canadian university or asks for money in exchange for a job in Canada, it’s likely fraud.
• Guiding you to provide false information: Watch out for consultants who ask you to misrepresent facts or provide false information or documents for your application. Lying on your application is a punishable offence and, even if your application gets approved, you maybe be denied entry into Canada or deported.
• Making you sign blank documents or documents you have not read: Never sign blank paperwork, or documents you haven’t read, or don’t understand. If the documents your immigration consultant asks you to sign are in a language you don’t understand, ask someone you trust to translate them for you or hire an impartial translator.
• Requesting for irregular payment terms: Not getting a signed receipt for payments or being asked to pay in cash, by wire transfer, PayPal, or other hard-to-trace methods can be signs of fraud. Legitimate immigration consultants should accept payments through bank transfers or cheques. It’s also a good idea to ask your consultant to clearly specify the application fee for the immigration program you’re applying to and for their services. You can then verify the immigration application fee online to ensure you’re not being cheated.

Reporting suspicious activity: If you suspect a consultant may be fraudulent, you can report them to the ICCRC. You can also report them to the police or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

Filing a complaint against an authorized Canadian immigration consultant.

There may be odd instances where an authorized immigration consultant is not competent or does not act professionally while helping with your application. In such cases, you can file a complaint with the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC). You’ll need to submit documentary evidence and names of people who can corroborate your claim. The CICC will investigate complaints about unprofessional, unethical, or incompetent practices by licensed consultants and can even suspend their licenses.

Tips on important questions you should ask your Canadian immigration consultant.

When choosing a Canadian immigration consultant, it is vital to ask some pertinent questions to ensure they will meet your needs. You may want to ask many questions including some of the following:

• What experience do you have in the area of the specific Canadian immigration that you require?
• What services are they offering, and how much do their services cost?
• How will would they keep you informed and updated throughout the process?
• Can they provide references or testimonials from their previous clients?
• What is their success rate for similar cases?

Now that you know how to immigrate to Canada with a registered Canadian immigration consultant, you can start planning your next steps.

 To conclude, Immigration applications can be complex and you need to understand that choosing the right Canadian immigration consultant is crucial for the success of your immigration application. Make sure to consider the experience and qualifications of the consultant, the services they offer, their reputation, and the cost of their services before making a decision. Working with a consultant who’s not authorised can expose you to the risk of your application being rejected and even fraud or misrepresentation.

If you meet the eligibility requirements and are interested in applying for the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program, Contact Chugo Immigration Services at 1 403 836 1861 (WhatsApp) or book a consultation for more information on how to apply and to find out if you are eligible.

What are your other options for Canadian Immigration? 

Let us help you to navigate any of the following pathways to Canadian Immigration:

• Provincial Nominee Program
• Federal Skilled Trades Program
• Canadian Experience Class
• Humanitarian and Compassionate
• Study to Immigrate
• Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program
• How to Become a Canadian Citizen: Applying for Canadian Citizenship
• Family Sponsorship
• Spousal Sponsorship
• Express Entry
• Federal Skilled Workers Program
• Caregivers
• Canada Business Immigration Programs
• Refugee and Asylum
• Visa rejections and Appeals

Chugo Immigration Service is authorized to offer Canadian Immigration and Citizenship services under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. The Principal Consultant, Pius Chukwuma Ekwulugo RCIC, is a member in good standing of the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC) and has helped many foreigners to start a new life in Canada. We will help you too!