Why Use a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant?
Once you have made the decision to enter Canada as a student, worker or permanent resident you are faced with choices and hurdles. Canada has a number of options available to potential immigrants, and navigating the information can be overwhelming. There are no requirements to retain an Authorized Representative for any Canadian immigration applications; however, an Authorized Representative could save you time and money.
If you choose to hire an Authorized Representative to assist you with the Canadian immigration process, he or she must be one of the following:
- Lawyer or paralegal who is a member in good standing of a Canadian provincial or territorial law society;
- Notary who is a member in good standing of the Chambre des notaires du Québec; or
- Citizenship or immigration consultant who are members in good standing of the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council.
Choosing who to use as an Authorized Representative is a big decision. Your first step is to ensure the person you wish to retain meets one of the above criteria. Secondly, do some research to be sure your potential Representative is knowledgeable about the area of immigration that applies to your specific case. Because there are numerous paths in Canadian immigration combined with constantly changing law and regulations, it is important that you are represented by someone who keeps their knowledge current.
Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) must constantly upgrade their knowledge to remain in good standing with the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC). The ICCRC is a regulatory body put in place to protect consumers. Moving to a new country is a big decision, make sure you give yourself the best start and do some research first. You can verify a lawyer through the respective law society website and an RCIC through the ICCRC website.
Who can be an Authorized Representative?
Tips for Choosing a Representative
Meet Melanie
Melanie was born abroad to a Canadian father and British mother and has deep Canadian roots that trace back many generations. Because she didn’t arrive in Canada until she was almost a teenager, Melanie understands what it is like to be a foreigner in Canada. There are cultural differences that everyone new to Canada must navigate, and Melanie understands that.
Melanie is a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (R513701). Melanie worked as a litigation legal assistant for over ten years when she began working as an assistant in Labour and Employment law at a Calgary law firm. As she was exposed more and more to immigration matters, Melanie discovered a passion for Immigration and went back to school to become a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC).
Melanie is a member in good standing of the Canadian Association of Professional Immigration Consultants (CAPIC). When not helping clients navigate the Canadian Immigration process, Melanie can be found gardening or reading.