The Canadian immigration laws regulate that, only licensed Immigration Consultants can legally offer you immigration advice in exchange for a fee or other consideration. They are either RCICs, lawyers registered in one of Canada’s 13 Law Societies, or notaires registered with the Chambre des notaires du Québec.
Tip #1
A person who holds a diploma from an immigration practitioner’s program is not a licensed Immigration Consultant yet. They must be registered with ICCRC in order to offer Canadian immigration services in exchange for a fee.
Tip #2
Beware if you are not asked to sign a retainer agreement.
Tip #3
Be mindful if you are asked to sign a retainer agreement with a company, an agent or someone else instead of the licensed Immigration Consultant.
Tip #4
Beware if you are not asked to sign a Use of a Representative Form (IMM5476) or if the person you hired for immigration services signs it declaring they are a friend or family member when they are not.
Tip #5
Be wary if the person you hired for immigration services does not give you a copy of forms you both have signed.
Tip #6
Beware if you are charged fees for various services, while the immigration service is included for free.
Tip #7
Be careful if a travel agent, an educational agent or a recruiter offers you immigration services.
Tip #8
Beware if you are given guarantees on processing time regarding an immigration application.
Tip #9
Be alert if you are guaranteed a job and immigration at the same time. Example: ‘For $10,000 we will find you a job and get your immigration papers.’
Tip #10
No one can guarantee an application approval.
Tip #11
Beware if the person you are considering hiring for immigration services mentions that they know someone in the Immigration Department that can help with your immigration application.
Tip #12
Always check to make sure your Immigration Consultant is in good standing on ICCRC’s online public register.
Tip #13
Make sure your Immigration Consultant has Error and Omissions insurance.
Tip #14
Beware if the person you are considering hiring for immigration services demonstrates an apparent lack of knowledge when you ask specific questions about immigration or ICCRC’s Code of Professional Ethics.
Tip #15
Beware if you are encouraged to lie on your immigration application.
Tip #16
Be cautious if you are asked for CASH payment.
