How to Ensure Your Immigration Representative is Authorized and Avoid Scams

Choosing a professional immigration representative is a critical decision for newcomers navigating Canada’s immigration system. However, with the rise of immigration scams and fraudulent consultants, it’s essential to confirm that the person you hire is legally authorized to represent you.

Immigration Fraud and the Importance of Verification
Despite strict rules and penalties, many newcomers to Canada fall victim to scams involving unauthorized immigration representatives. As part of its fraud prevention efforts, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) dedicates the entire month of March each year to raise awareness about such fraud.

To protect yourself, it’s crucial to verify the credentials of any paid immigration representative before hiring them. This article outlines the role of an immigration representative, the types of legal representatives, and how to confirm that your consultant, lawyer, or notary is authorized to act on your behalf.

What is an Immigration Representative?
An immigration representative is anyone who assists you with the processes involved in your immigration case. Their services may include:

• Providing expert advice on immigration strategies and next steps
• Completing forms and applications on your behalf
• Communicating with IRCC and other authorities
• Representing you in official hearings or proceedings

If you hire a representative, whether paid or unpaid, you are required to declare their involvement on your immigration application using the appropriate form.

Who Can Legally Represent You in Canada?
While any individual, such as a friend or family member, can serve as an unpaid representative, paid representatives must be legally authorized to provide immigration services. These representatives are bound by strict regulations and must be registered with the relevant regulatory body.

Only the following professionals can charge fees for their services:

• Lawyers and Paralegals: Licensed by provincial or territorial law societies
• Citizenship and Immigration Consultants: Authorized by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC)
• Notaries: Authorized by the Chambre des notaries du Québec

It is essential to check that any paid representative you engage is registered with their respective regulatory body. Failing to use an authorized representative can result in your application being refused.

How to Verify the Credentials of Your Immigration Representative
The verification process varies depending on the type of representative you are working with. Here’s a guide to checking the credentials of immigration lawyers, consultants, and notaries:

1. Verifying Immigration Lawyers and Paralegals
Immigration lawyers and paralegals must be registered with a provincial or territorial law society. To verify your representative’s credentials:

• Visit the IRCC webpage, which lists all Canadian law societies.
• Select the relevant law society for your representative’s location.
• Search for the representative’s details using their name, law society registration number, or city of operation.

Each law society website may differ in terms of the information provided, but key areas to check include:

• Practicing status (the representative should be listed as a “practicing lawyer” or “paralegal”)
• Disciplinary history
• Current restrictions or citations

If you’re unable to find the information online, contacting the law society directly is another option for confirming their registration.

2. Verifying Citizenship and Immigration Consultants
If your representative is a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) or Regulated International Student Immigration Advisor (RISIA), they must be registered with the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC).

To verify a consultant’s credentials:

• Visit the CICC’s directory page.
• Enter the consultant’s name or registration details to confirm their active status and entitlement to practice.
• A valid RCIC or RISIA should have a profile listing their name, college ID, company, and license type.

A consultant with an “active” status is legally authorized to provide paid immigration advice and services. Make sure their license status is current and valid.

3. Verifying Notaries
In Quebec, notaries are licensed by the Chambre des notaries du Québec. To verify if a notary is authorized:

• Visit the Chambre des notaries du Québec directory.
• Input the notary’s name or registration information to check their standing.

It’s important to note that the title of “notary” is specific to Quebec and does not apply to other provinces in Canada.

Declaring Your Use of a Representative
If you are using a paid or unpaid immigration representative, you must inform IRCC by filling out the “Use of a Representative” form. This form is available on the IRCC website and should be submitted with your application or after submission if you hire a representative later on.

To cancel the use of a representative, you can also update your status using this form and submit it through IRCC’s web portal.

The Benefits of Working with a Qualified Immigration Representative
While hiring a representative does not guarantee faster processing or a more favorable outcome for your application, there are several advantages to seeking professional assistance. A qualified representative can:

• Help you avoid costly mistakes and errors on your forms
• Ensure your application is complete, organized, and adheres to all guidelines
• Save you time by handling the paperwork, communication, and tracking deadlines

An experienced immigration representative brings expertise to the often complicated and confusing immigration process, potentially improving your chances of success and reducing stress.

Avoiding Immigration Scams: Protecting Your Application
The best way to avoid falling victim to fraud is by carefully checking the credentials of any paid representative before engaging their services. Only authorized professionals are legally allowed to provide immigration advice for a fee.

Remember, using a representative does not guarantee preferential treatment or expedited processing, but their professional assistance can make the process smoother and increase the likelihood of a successful outcome.

For a consultation about Immigration options, reach out to the CAD IMMIGRATION today!