Canada being an important immigration destination, the focus has shifted to the role of immigration consultancies and representatives towards facilitating the smooth progress of their client’s immigration process. Citizenship and Immigration Canada clearly defines who can represent his application with the department as an authorized representative. Amongst them are Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCIC), who need to be members in good standing registered with the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants.

Immigration Consultants who are either not a lawyer or notary or an RCIC cannot and are not allowed to represent you with any Canadian government agency or immigration department. A consultant or agent not meeting the requirements of either of the 3 qualifying categories simply cannot act as an authorized representative and is just acting as a documentation guide. And, if you wish to hire such a representative, then you might as well file directly, as such agents do not have any right to follow- up on your behalf.

Canada Government certified Immigration consultant is your assurance of quality and is equipped with the latest information on immigration law, procedures, and practices, and they go about their business according to a strict, enforceable Code of Conduct of the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants.

To become a certified consultant, one must pass a rigorous application process, which requires evidence of good character, and tests knowledge and language skills. For added security and client protection, the certified consultants are fully insured for errors and omissions, and they can be subject to complaints that are all duly investigated by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants. The Council’s mandate is to protect the consumers of immigration consulting services and also ensure the competent and professional conduct of its members. Thus, you can formally complain to the ICCRC for any misdeed or professional misconduct of a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC). 

The Government of Canada and the related Canada Immigration office will not deal with non-authorized representatives who are paid a consulting fee for their service. This key benefit and value addition come your way when you deal with an authorized immigration representative or with a company that offers you the services of such an authorized representative. Much more importantly, such a representative has adequate knowledge of immigration laws to deal effectively with immigration agencies on your behalf and can represent you effectively in addressing Canada Immigration Office queries, refusals, and rebuttals.