Client Representation
Client representation for Canadian immigration refers to the process by which individuals or companies seek the assistance of authorized representatives, such as lawyers or immigration consultants, to help them with their Canadian immigration application or legal matters related to their status in Canada.
In Canada, individuals who provide immigration services for a fee must be authorized by the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC) or be licensed lawyers in good standing with a Canadian provincial or territorial law society. These authorized representatives can assist with a variety of immigration matters, including:
Express Entry applications:
Express Entry is the primary way that skilled workers apply to immigrate to Canada. An authorized representative can help applicants create a profile, submit an application, and navigate the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).
Family Sponsorship:
Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor their family members to come to Canada. An authorized representative can help sponsors prepare their application and ensure that they meet the eligibility requirements.
Study Permits:
International students who want to study in Canada may require a study permit. An authorized representative can help students prepare their application and ensure that they meet the eligibility requirements.
Work Permits:
Foreign workers who want to work in Canada may require a work permit. An authorized representative can help workers prepare their application and ensure that they meet the eligibility requirements.
Permanent Residency Applications:
Individuals who want to become permanent residents of Canada must meet certain eligibility criteria. An authorized representative can help applicants prepare their application and navigate the various immigration programs available.
It is important to note that while authorized representatives can assist with immigration matters, they cannot guarantee that an application will be successful. The final decision on an application is made by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Individuals who are interested in using the services of an authorized representative should ensure that the representative is authorized by the ICCRC or a Canadian law society. It is also important to do research on the representative’s experience and reputation before hiring them.
Authorized Immigration Consultant
FAQs
Only authorized representatives can represent a client in Canadian immigration matters. These include lawyers and paralegals who are members in good standing of a Canadian provincial or territorial law society, and immigration consultants who are members in good standing of the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC).
You can verify if your representative is authorized by checking with the relevant regulatory body. For lawyers and paralegals, you can check with the law society in the province or territory where they are authorized to practice. For immigration consultants, you can check with the ICCRC.
Yes, you can represent yourself in Canadian immigration matters. However, it is important to note that Canadian immigration law is complex and constantly changing, and an authorized representative can provide valuable guidance and assistance.
No, friends and family members are not authorized to represent you in Canadian immigration matters unless they are also authorized representatives.
Authorized representatives are required to provide a written contract that outlines the services to be provided and the fees to be charged. Fees can vary widely depending on the type of services provided and the complexity of the case. It is important to carefully review and understand the contract before agreeing to it.