Immigration Consultant Canada – Do You Need One?

Immigration Consultant Canada – Do You Need One?

While hiring an Immigration Consultant Canada (RCIC) is not mandatory for immigrating to Canada, it can help navigate the complex immigration process, especially if you are unfamiliar with the procedures and requirements. An RCIC (Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant) can provide guidance, advice, and assistance throughout the visa application process, increasing your chances of visa approval.

Table of Contents
  1. Introduction
  2. Do I need An Immigration Representative?
  3. Types of Immigration Representatives
  4. What are the differences between hiring an RCIC or a Lawyer?
  5. Who is better? The RCICs vs the lawyers?
  6. How can RCICs assist their client?
  7. Helpful Tips to Select an RCIC
  8. Useful Links

MAKE YOUR RIGHT MOVE TOWARD CANADA

1-Introduction

I am grateful for the opportunity to submit a brief article for the clients needing immigration services that deserve quality choices and are protected from ghost consultants or professional misconduct. I am a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC#710241), an active and in good standing member of the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC, formerly ICCRC). I am the managing director of Arnika Visa Solutions Inc. and an honour graduate of the LaSalle College Immigration Practitioner’s program.

By reading this article, you acknowledge and consent to Arnika Visa Solutions Inc. that the information you obtain from this article is not, nor is it intended to be, legal Immigration Advice. For consultation regarding your Immigration matters, you should consult a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (Authorized Representative).

2-Do I need An Immigration Consultant Canada?

As per IRCC, “You don’t need to hire a representative (An Immigration Consultant Canada). It’s your choice. Using one will not draw special attention to your application and doesn’t mean we’ll approve it. On our website, you can get all the forms and instructions you need to apply for a visa, a permit, or citizenship for free. If you follow the instructions, you should be able to fill out the forms and submit them yourself.”

“You may use a representative to act on your behalf for immigration or citizenship applications. An RCIC explains and give advice on your immigration or citizenship options, help you choose the best immigration program for you, fill out and submit your immigration application, communicate with the Government of Canada on your behalf, and represent you in an immigration application or hearing and advertise that they can give immigration advice. Representatives could be a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC), lawyers, friends, family members, or other third parties.”

For useful tips, a list of authorized consultants, and general information to help you choose a representative, visit:

www.canada.ca/immigration-representative

3-Types of Immigration Representatives

There are two types of representatives: PAID (must be authorized) and UNPAID.

Paid Representatives or Authorized Representatives

Only some people can charge you a fee or receive any other payment. These people are called “authorized” representatives. They are lawyers and paralegals who are members of a Canadian provincial or territorial law society, notaries who are members of the Chambre des notaries du Québec, and cRegulated Canadian Immigration Consultant who are members in good standing of the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants.

IRCC won’t deal with representatives who charge a fee but are not authorized. We may return or refuse your application if you use an unauthorized representative in Canada or abroad. Remember: if you pay a representative or compensate them in any way in exchange for their services, IRCC consider that settled, and they must be authorized.

“We won’t deal with representatives who charge a fee but are not authorized. If you use an unauthorized representative in Canada or abroad, we may return or refuse your application.”

Click here to Find out how to check if your representative is authorized

Unpaid Representatives or Third Parties

Unpaid representatives could be family members, friends, and other third parties who do not charge a fee. They may give the same services as paid representatives but do it for free.

Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant

4- What distinguishes a Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) and a Lawyer?

Plenty of fabulous Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant and lawyers can help you with your immigration inquiry. However, it is sometimes difficult for the public to recognize the differences in these professions, which would enable them to hire the one who fits their immigration needs. Here are the topmost factors that differentiate these professions:
  • Education: Immigration law is one elective subject in law school, not a required credit, and is not offered at all law schools in Canada. In return, the RCIC entering the profession must complete a dedicated education program focused solely on Canadian Immigration law.
  • Billing: In Canada, most lawyers’ fees are nearly double the RCIC for case processing. The Initial consultation fees are also often higher than the Immigration Consultant Canada.
  • Expertise and Advocacy:  Most lawyers practice all types of laws (Acts and Regulations) and are not necessarily Immigration law. At the same time, the activity of the official immigration Representative (Consultants) is wholly focused on Canadian immigration affairs. Lawyers usually spend their time prosecuting and in hearings and are often removed from daily immigration application preparation and production. For Immigration matters, many sizeable Canadian law firms regularly have senior staff who are the RCICs, not lawyers.
  • Written Contract or Engagement Letter: Unlike the CICC (Former ICCRC), which obliges the RCICs to have a written Initial and Retainer Agreement with their clients, which must follow the minimum requirement of CICC, the Law Society recommends that lawyers enter into retainer agreements.
  • Professional Ethics: If you believe there has been misconduct by a licensed Canadian Immigration Consultant, you could file a complaint against them by completing the Complaint Form on the CICC website. Instead, most Law Societies don’t intervene with the misconduct of their licensee lawyers. You may file a complaint at the court level and pay on your budget to hire another lawyer to defend your behalf.
  • The Complaint History: Unlike the CICC, which makes available the disciplinary actions and the current-proceedings information in detail to the public on their website, such information is not known by Law Societies for lawyers to the public. However, if a complaint results in discipline against a licensee, the information about a licensee’s discipline history is available on the Lawyer Directory online as a Suspended Administratively status. You may also want to check the lists of Revocations, Suspensions, Restrictions, Current Proceedings, and Past Decisions of Canadian Immigration Consultant: https://college-ic.ca/protecting-the-public/find-an-immigration-consultant
  • Federal Court Services: When it comes to practicing immigration law, lawyers and Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (The RCICs) can offer the most similar services. However, lawyers can represent a client in federal court for complicated cases. At the same time, a consultant can only proceed up to the appeal tribunal level when there is an issue with an application. Keep in mind that while consultants cannot go to the federal court, not all lawyers are interested in handling these types of cases either, so if you decide to select a lawyer, make sure your lawyer has many similar cases granted at Federal court by checking his name here: www.canlii.org

5-Who is better, the RCICs or lawyers?

The easy answer is: You should hire an expert with a high-quality service depending on what you need to have achieved. The Canadian Immigration process includes many circumstances, and most Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant or Lawyers practice in specific areas of Canadian immigration law. No one representative can capably handle every situation that you might encounter with the Canadian authorities. The most important thing you can do is to hire an expert in the exact type of situation that you are facing.

However, this all depends on each case and individual. We highly recommend doing your due diligence to research and hire an expert who suits your circumstances. It is also crucial to understand that no one (The RCICs or the lawyers) can guarantee your application to immigrate to Canada will be successful. “Guaranteed results” should be reported to the appropriate authority (Law Society or CICC ). If someone makes a statement to you of this nature, it’s in your best interest to find a different professional for your case.

6-How a Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) can assist his client?

  • Facilitate Immigration Complexity process: When it comes to Canadian Immigration, there are numerous policies, regulations, visa application forms, and supporting documents. So, identifying the right immigration pathway, the application process, and how to apply becomes complex. These days, the rules and regulations make qualifying for a Canadian Temporary or Permanent Visa increasingly challenging. Now more than ever, it is essential to have the guidance of an experienced Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant familiar with immigration regulations and processes and their complexity. If you want to decrease your risk of visa refusal, you could reconsider hiring a competent and experienced RCIC who can handle your application accurately from start to finish.
  • Up to date In Immigration Laws and Regulations: The CICC has established various regulations to ensure RCIC is well trained and prepared for all related immigration laws, regulations, and policies. Each member must complete routine continuous training courses involving the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations, Public Policies, and Case laws. Typically, RCICs are educated to find the best option for their clients to get their immigration applications favourably approved.
  • Client’s Interest Protection by CICC: Meantime, all RCICs are expected to follow high moral, legal, ethical, and professional criteria when rendering immigration consulting services. If a breach of the code of conduct is discovered, the CICC will interfere and ensure the client’s interests are protected. The CICC also monitors the operation of each consulting firm under the management of each member. Whenever a conflict of interest between a client and a Canadian Immigration Consultant, the client can directly contact the CICC for support.
  • Mandatory Liability Insurance: Plus, every RCIC, as a condition of membership, shall enroll in the CICC’s professional liability insurance (errors and omissions) program. Enrolment in the CICC group plan, which is on an individual member basis to pay damages resulting from any error, omission, or negligent act while performing duties like that of an RCIC, is mandatory. As key features of this compulsory insurance, it should have $1,000,000 in liability coverage.
  •  

7-Helpful Tips to select an RCIC

  • Verify your Immigration Representative’s (Consultant) status on CICC’s online public registry. Check disciplinary notices in CICC’s Complaints and Professional Conduct section.
  • Compare different RCIC fees and services, work and activities they will do and handle
  • Get directly in touch with the RCIC Canada handling your application.
  • The RCIC Canada will provide you with a detailed contract & if anything in the agreement is not transparent or fair, ask for more explanation in writing.
  • During the process, you should know your primary contact, the staff, agents, and an RCIC working on your file, and their roles and responsibilities.
  • If you decide to pay for a service, understand what you will receive for your money before you accept or sign the contract.
  • Do not pay for services from an immigration Representative until: A- You have verified that your consultant is licensed with the CICC. B-You have communicated with the consultant using the contact information listed on CICC Public Register. C- You have signed a Retainer Agreement or service agreement.

8-Helpful Links

FAQs: Immigration Consultant Canada (RCIC)

Do I need a Canadian Immigration Consultant?

Regardless of whether a person uses a representative, the Canadian government treats everyone equally. On this website, you can access for free all the documents and information required to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), a visa, and/or to immigrate to Canada.

Is it worth hiring a RCIC Canada?

Hiring a qualified Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant can help you submit your application promptly and accurately. They will assist you in filling out the necessary information at each stage of the procedure to prevent future problems.

What does an immigration representative do?

Immigration consultants, lawyers, and other representatives offer guidance and assistance to applicants for immigration, typically in exchange for payment. To assist you with your immigration application, you do not need to engage an immigration representative. You must make a choice.

Can I apply for Canada PR without an agent?

You are not required to retain a consultant or attorney to represent you in your application for Canadian immigration. Without a professional’s help, it is feasible to submit an application for permanent residence, get a work or study permit, or travel to Canada briefly.

Who can be an immigration representative?
  • Citizenship or immigration consultants (Paid representative).
  • Canadian lawyers. (Paid representative).
  • Notaire du Quebec (Paid representative).
  • Friends (unpaid representative).
  • Family members (unpaid representative), or
  • Other third parties.
How do I choose a representative in Canada?
  1. Ascertain their legitimacy. This indicates that they are authorized to practise and offer to advise.
  2. Enquire about the qualification and experience of the representative.
  3. Go over the services they’ll offer and the cost.
  4. Get a written contract and carefully read it before signing.
What is the use of a representative form Canada?

If you wish to designate a representative (immigration or citizenship consultant, lawyer, friend, family member, etc.) to assist you with advice, consultation, or guidance at any point during the application process for immigration or citizenship or in an immigration or citizenship proceeding, you must fill out this form.

Can I call IRCC on behalf of someone else?

Yes, if you have already completed and signed a Use of a Representative form and they have been appointed as a representative in their application. Unless you can’t call the Client Support Centre on their behalf.

Can someone submit my visa application on my behalf?

You can apply for someone else’s visa. For instance, if your child cannot apply for themselves, you can help a distant cousin who does not have access to a computer. You must have the applicant’s consent, or if the applicant is under 18, written consent from their parent or legal guardian.

What is the difference between an immigration lawyer and an agent?

It can be challenging for the general public to distinguish between these professions so that they can hire the one that best suits their immigration needs. In this article, there are the topmost factors that differentiate these professions.

What should I ask my Canadian immigration consultant?
  • Which immigration programme is best for me, and why?
  • How likely am I to succeed in this programme?
  • Do you specialize in immigration law for families and visas?
  • How long have you been working in the immigration law field?
  • How long does our contract or retainer last?
How do I add a representative to my immigration or citizenship file?

A Use of a Representative form should be filled out and signed by your representative. Note: This form should not be used to apply for a passport. Check the accuracy of the information on the form if your representative filled it out on your behalf.

 

What is an authorized representative form?

The use representation form must be signed by your representative and submitted with your application. Even if your representative is not paid, you must still turn in this form. By submitting the update usage of the representative form, you can add, modify, or eliminate a representative at any time.

Should I take an RCIC or Canadian lawyer to my immigration interview?

During the application and interview processes for a TR or PR, your RCIC or Canadian lawyer is a crucial resource. They can assist you by Making sure you have the necessary papers and practicing hypothetical interview questions.

Is it worth hiring an RCIC?

Hiring a qualified immigration consultant will allow you to complete the application without making mistakes. They will assist you in filling out the necessary information at each stage of the process so that you won’t encounter any problems later.

 

Are immigration consultants reliable?

Members of CICC include RCIC (Regulated Canadian immigration consultants); if you want to go through a quick, secure visa process, this is the ideal option. These specialists will guarantee that your application processing is error-free, lowering the likelihood of rejection and speeding up the procedure.

What is an authorized representative for immigration?

You may receive information on immigration policies from authorized representatives, who may also assist you in creating and submitting your application and liaising with the government on your behalf. If necessary, some agents can also represent you in court.

Do I need an RCIC or Canadian lawyer for a visa?

Although it isn’t technically necessary, hiring a Canadian or RCIC lawyer will be quite advantageous for you.

How to tell if an RCIC Canada is genuine or not?
  • The registration ID from CICC or the Canadian society.
  • No official business emails.
  • Payment demands are made using a messaging app.
  • phoney website
  • Deals that seem too good to be true.
Is a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant required for Canada immigration?

You can apply for permanent residence in Canada without a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant, but you must handle all the difficulties independently. You shouldn’t apply for a Canada PR visa alone for several additional reasons. The possibility of visa refusal or rejection exists.

Can a friend be a representative?

An unpaid representative is appointed to speak and act on behalf of another person. They could be a family member, a friend, or a third party if they won’t get paid or compensated by you in any way. The paid representative should be authorized.

Who can be your representative?
  • Citizenship or immigration consultants
  • Lawyers
  • Friends
  • Family members or
  • Other third parties
Who is considered a representative?

There are two types of immigration representatives:

  • Authorized paid representatives.
  • Unpaid representatives or third parties
Can anyone give immigration advice?

Anyone can give you immigration advice, but if you want to pay a representative or compensate them in any way in exchange for their services, IRCC considers that paid, and they must be authorized representatives.

 

What are the responsibilities of an authorized representative?

The main responsibility of an authorized representative is to help people who want to temporarily or permanently immigrate to Canada (Canada PR) (visit, work, and study). They help with the paperwork and legal requirements for immigrating to Canada. This includes drafting both written and spoken submissions, helping clients apply for visas, and standing in for clients before government officials.

Can I apply for Canada PR without a consultant?

You can apply for permanent residence in Canada without a consultant, but you must handle all the difficulties independently. In addition, there are several other reasons you shouldn’t apply for a PR visa without seeing a consultant: Visa refusal is a possibility.

Can I get free immigration advice?

While it is typically necessary to pay for immigration advice, certain RCICs or Canadian lawyers offer this service gratis in accordance with their business policies.

Can my mom be an authorized representative?

Any person or organization designated by law to act on behalf of any kid is referred to as a parent or authorized representative. A minor’s parent, guardian, conservator, or public placement agency are examples of such a person or organization, although they are not the only ones.

Why do we need an RCIC?

Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant assist in the process by amending the Visa application as necessary. A consultant keeps you informed and helps you make additional adjustments as needed to ensure the success of your application.

Should you consider hiring an immigration lawyer or RCIC?

You should pick a specialist with a high-quality service depending on what you need to do. Many different situations might arise during the Canadian immigration procedure, and the majority of RCICs or lawyers specialize in particular aspects of Canadian immigration law. No representative can resolve every issue you might have with Canadian immigration officials. Hiring a specialist for the particular issue you are facing is the most crucial thing you can do.

 

Should you get an RCIC for immigration?

An RCIC can not only help you deal with any issues that come up, but they can also foresee and stop problems before they even start. A provincial government or Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada may reject an application if it is not complete.

Who cannot be a representative?

Any individual who charges a fee but is not authorized. If you use an unauthorized representative in Canada or abroad, IRCC may return or refuse your application.

How Can We Help You?

At ARNIKA, we believe that practical advice is achievable, innovative, and open – someone who listens to you and helps identify potential goals and the best strategy for achieving your immigration goals because all of our cases are handled directly by a qualified and experienced Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (Mohammad Reza Eslami, RCIC # 710241). 

At ARNIKA, we help you to find the most tailored strategy to achieve your immigration goals. From filing the immigration forms to guiding you through supporting documents, we take care of it all. We can assist you entirely or partially based on our different packages. We can advise you professionally regarding the required personalized supporting documents to increase the chance of your approval and, finally, submit your application to IRCC on your behalf as an authorized representative. If you want to discover how the RCIC can help you, the first step is to complete the Assessment Form (To detail your personal, educational, and employment information) available on the site.

2 Responses
  1. Avatar of Tex Hooper

    I like what you said about checking CICC complaints. My wife needs an immigration lawyer for her friend Clara. Hopefully, she can properly get into the U.S.

    1. Avatar of Admin

      Thanks for your comment. At Arnika Visa, we are only specialized in Canadian Immigration law. We are not familiar with the US immigration law and the regulation involved to see whether they also should be regulated or not. You are always welcome to inquiry about Canadian Immigration law at Arnika Visa. Thanks again.

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