To avoid scam it’s important you know if the immigration agent or consultant you are working with is a licensed consultant. In this article I will be telling you how you can confirm if the agent you are working with is fake or not.
Someone asked me yesterday how He can confirm the legitimacy of an immigration consultant He is talking with, according to him He got the Man’s contact details online and He wants to be sure He’s not fake. I told him how He will confirm if He’s legit or not and what I told him is what I’m going to share with you in this article.
Immigration and citizenship representatives can offer valuable assistance, but it’s important to choose authorized professionals. These individuals can:
- Explain and advise on your immigration options: They can assess your eligibility for different programs and recommend the best fit for your goals.
- Guide you through program selection: They can help you navigate the various immigration programs based on your situation and aspirations.
- Prepare and submit your application: They can assist with completing forms, gathering documents, and ensuring your application meets all requirements.
- Communicate with the government: They can handle communication with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) on your behalf, keeping you informed throughout the process.
- Represent you in hearings: If needed, they can represent you in immigration hearings and advocate for your case.
Only licensed representatives can charge fees for these services. These include lawyers, paralegals, and immigration consultants who are members of their respective regulatory bodies.
Beware of fake Consultants who may make false promises and charge illegal fees. Always verify a representative’s license before engaging their services.
By choosing a licensed professional, you gain peace of mind and valuable expertise throughout your immigration journey.
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Types of Representatives, Agents or Consultants
There are 2 types of representatives who can assist you. Remember, only authorized representatives can legally charge for immigration services.
- Authorized Representatives (Paid)
- Unpaid Representatives (Free)
1. Authorized Representatives:
In Canadian immigration,authorized representatives are:
- Canadian Law firms
- CICC consultants or firms (Registered/Licensed Canadian Immigration Consultants)
- Paralegals, or
- Lawyers/Notaries in Quebec.
These individuals are regulated by governing bodies like the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC) or the Law Society of your province. They can offer comprehensive guidance, including:
- Choosing the right immigration program: They assess your unique circumstances and suggest the best fit for your goals.
- Completing and submitting your application: They ensure accuracy and completeness, maximizing your chances of success.
- Representing you throughout the process: They communicate with the government on your behalf, address inquiries, and advocate for your case.
Authorized representatives charge fees for their services. Always get a clear written agreement outlining the scope of work and payment terms.
2. Unpaid Representatives
- Friends and family: While they can offer moral support and share their experiences, they may not have the expertise or legal authorization to guide your application.
- Community organizations: Some non-profit organizations offer free or low-cost immigration support services. These can be a helpful resource for initial guidance but cannot provide legal advice or representation.
How to Choose the Right Representative
- Seek recommendations: Ask trusted individuals for referrals and read online reviews.
- Verify credentials: Ensure the representative is licensed and regulated by the appropriate body.
- Compare services and fees: Research different options and consider your individual needs and budget.
- If your representative operates in Canada, consider contacting the Better Business Bureau for any relevant complaints or feedback.
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How can I check if the immigration Representative is legit?
- Law Firm
- If your representative is a law firm licensed in Ontario, verify their license on the Law Society of Ontario website: https://lso.ca/public-resources/finding-a-lawyer-or-paralegal/lawyer-and-paralegal-directory
- For law firms licensed in other provinces, search for the relevant Law Society website and verify their license there.
- Immigration Consultant
- If your representative claims to be a consultant, they MUST be a licensed and regulated CICC (College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants) member
- Ask them for their RCIC number or license number, then verify it on the CICC website: https://college-ic.ca/protecting-the-public/find-an-immigration-consultant
How to Verify Immigration Consultant Details (Step by Step Guide)
Verify a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC), to confirm the status of an RCIC, follow these steps:
- Visit the ICCRC website: https://college-ic.ca/protecting-the-public/find-an-immigration-consultant
- Choose your language: Select “English” or “French” in the top right corner.
- Enter search information, you can search with either the Consultant Last Name, First Name, RCIC registration number (if known) or the immigration consultancy (Company Name).
- Click “Search”: Once you’ve entered your search criteria, click “Search” to see the results.
- Review the results: The search results will display a list of matching RCICs. Find the relevant consultant and look for the “Status” section.
- Check the RCIC status: The “Status” section will indicate whether the RCIC is “Active,” “Inactive,” or “Under Investigation.” An “Active” status signifies that the consultant is licensed and authorized to provide immigration services in Canada.
Represent Yourself
Meanwhile, I will like to let you know that using a representative is not a must, you can actually represent your self, fill visa forms and submit them by your self. Also note that hiring a representative won’t guarantee special attention or approval. You can get free forms and instructions here for visa, permit, or citizenship applications. Following the guidelines enables you to complete and submit the forms yourself.
Benefits of Representing Yourself
Let me list some benefits you get while representing yourself:
- You save money by handling the application yourself, using the free resources available in the link provided above.
- You have complete control over the application process and communication with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
- Completing the application yourself can deepen your understanding of your immigration path and requirements.
Are you considering representing yourself? Below are few things you need to know.
- You’ll need to dedicate time to research regulations, understand forms, and carefully follow instructions.
- If your case involves unique circumstances or you require legal advice, navigating the process yourself might be challenging.
- If you’re unfamiliar with legal procedures or administrative tasks, the process might feel daunting.
I think I have covered alot in this article, do you have questions please leave a comment below. I will reply questions as soon as possible.