Hi Everyone!
Immigrating to Canada is exciting, but it can also be stressful. With so many rules and processes to follow, it’s no surprise that some people look for help. Unfortunately, not everyone out there is trustworthy.
Immigration scams are on the rise, and people have lost thousands of dollars to fake consultants who make big promises but never deliver, and have jeopardized their immigration journey.
In this blog, we’ll go over how to protect yourself from scams and I will share some tips you can use when choosing your authorized paid representative.
You Don’t Have to Use a Consultant
First things first – hiring an immigration consultant is completely optional.
You can apply for your visa, work permit, or permanent residency on your own by following the instructions on the official Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.
If you feel comfortable doing that, you don’t need to pay anyone!
That being said, if you do decide to get help, it’s important to choose the right person to represent you.
Types of Immigration Representatives
There are two types of representatives you can use:
- Unpaid Representatives – These are people like your family members, friends, or community groups who help you for free. They don’t need to be registered or have special qualifications, but you do need to disclose that you have used their help.
- Paid Representatives – These are professionals who charge a fee to help with your application. Only certain people are legally allowed to be paid for immigration services in Canada.
Who Is Allowed to Charge for Immigration Services?
If someone is charging you for immigration advice or representation, they must be one of the following:
- A lawyer or paralegal who is a member of a Canadian law society.
- A notary who is part of the Chambre des notaires du Québec.
- A Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant who is a member of the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC).
You can check if your consultant is authorized by looking them up on the CICC website (https://register.college-ic.ca/Public-Register-EN/RCIC_Search.aspx) or verifying a lawyer through the appropriate law society.
How to Avoid Immigration Scams
If you decide to hire someone to help with your immigration process, keep these tips in mind to avoid getting scammed:
✅ Check Their Credentials
Before paying anyone, verify that they are licensed and in good standing with their regulatory body.
❌ Beware of “Guaranteed” Results
No one can promise you a visa, work permit, or permanent residency. If someone guarantees success, it’s a red flag.
✅ Sign a Service Agreement
Make sure you get a written contract that clearly states what services they will provide and how much it will cost.
Keep a copy for yourself. Take the time to understand your rights and obligations.
✅ Get a Copy of Your Application
A trustworthy consultant will always give you a copy of everything they submit on your behalf. If they refuse, be cautious.
✅ Sign a Representative Form
If someone is helping you with your application, you should fill out the Use of Representative Form (IMM 5476) to officially notify IRCC.
✅ Report Suspicious Activity
If you think you’ve been scammed or see someone offering illegal immigration services, report them to their licensing body.
Stay Safe and Informed
Immigrating to Canada is a big step, and you deserve to go through the process without being tricked or taken advantage of. Whether you decide to work with a consultant or do it on your own, staying informed is your best defense against scams.
If you ever feel unsure about something, take your time, ask questions, and verify everything before you hand over your money or personal information.
Need more info? Check my YouTube video on this topic: