If you’re applying for Canadian immigration, you might be looking for an Immigration Consultant. Canadian immigration is a long and complicated process. For people who’re applying to Canada for the first time, it can be a difficult and lengthy ordeal.

To make sure you’re successful, it’s important to have someone to guide you through the process. However, not all immigration consultants can be deemed right to help you through. Here are some questions you need to ask your Canadian immigration consultant before you hire them to make sure they have the experience and are legit.

Question 1: Are You Registered With ICCRC?

Every country takes steps to protect its immigration applicants against unregistered agents. Make sure your Canadian immigration agent is registered with the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (IRRCR). You can verify your consultant using the ICCRC website.

Ask your agent about his ICCRC number and verify it before you hire them.

Some of the companies might be working in collaboration with registered agents. This collaboration should be evident on the ICCRC website as well. Every year thousands of people fall prey to fake immigration consultants. Be vigilant when you hire your consultant.

Question 2: Will I be able to Speak to the Registered Agent?

If you’re paying for the services of the registered agent, you should be able to speak to them. Although they might not be available all the time, and you might have other agents working on your application and help you out, you should still be able to speak with your registered agent. If your attending agent is making excuses, it can be something fishy. Make sure you’re able to speak to your registered agent or don’t hire them.

Question 3: What is Your Experience Handling Immigration Cases Like Mine?

You should know that the agent or the firm handling your application is experienced in handling cases like yours. There could be several limitations. You might have health issues, lack of adequate finances, prior rejection, etc. Whatever the case, make sure your agent knows how to work around it. They should know how to deal with such cases and should have dealt with similar cases with success in the past. Don’t be so quick to hire a consultant. Don’t hire them unless you’re sure they’re right for you.

Question 4: Which Immigration Program will be Right for Me?

There are more than 60 immigration programs that one can apply for to immigrate to Canada. Ask your immigration consultant which one will work the best for you and what experience does he have in handling applications for this program.

Ask them why they think a particular program will be the best for you and make sure the reasons they provide are valid. Also, ask them about the chances of success of your application. Make sure they aren’t just confident but also realistic about your success rate.

Question 5: What are Your Service Charges?

Find out their service charges before you hire them. It’s important to know how much you will have to pay for a certain service before you use it. A good agency will provide you with the entire break up and explain each and everything in detail.

Question 6: Who Will be Representing Me?

It’s important to know who will be handling your case or representing you. Immigration is tough, especially if you have a complicated case. Make sure the agent or the consultant representing you has the expertise and skills to handle cases like yourself. You don’t want to be paying a fee for a registered agent and have a newbie with no prior experience handle your application.

Don’t be shy to ask who would be taking the lead on your application. You can even ask about their credentials and experience with cases like yourself to ensure you have a good representation.

Question 7: How Frequently will You be Contacting Me for My Application?

Ask your immigration consultants how often they’ll be contacting you and how they will be updating you about the status of your application. Make sure they have all your contact information to be able to contact you. Most Canadian immigration applications take around twelve months or more to process, so there might not be much to inform you about the application on a routine basis. However, your agent should be able to respond to you promptly to whatever concerns you have. They should be available for you when you need their help or guidance.

About the Author

The author is a Canadian Immigration Lawyer associated with Nanda and Associate Lawyers Professional Corporation. He spends most of his time handling complicated immigration cases for his clients and is well-versed in Canadian immigration laws and application processes. He aims to help his clients establish a life in the country so that they can live, work, and study in Canada.

To hire an immigration consultant, contact Nanda and Associate Lawyers Professional Corporation.