Who can process your immigration application to Canada?

Moving to Canada is a life-changing experience, but the immigration process can be overwhelming. With complex procedures, extensive paperwork and ever-changing regulations, it’s natural to wonder: Should I handle my application on my own or should I seek professional help? Let’s break down your three main options when applying for immigration to Canada:

• Apply on your own

• Get help from an unpaid representative

• Hire a paid immigration professional

Applying for Canadian immigration on your own

Yes, you can apply for immigration to Canada on your own. You are not required to hire an immigration consultant or lawyer. If you choose to go the DIY route, your main resource will be Canada.ca (or Quebec.ca if you are immigrating to Québec). There, you will find

• Detailed information about immigration programs

• Official application forms

• Step-by-step instructions for submitting your file

However, be aware: navigating the process alone can be time-consuming and confusing. Immigration policies change frequently, and a small mistake can result in delays or even rejection. That’s why some people prefer to get help.

Use an unpaid representative

If you don’t want to go through the process alone, you can get help from an unpaid representative. This could be a family member, a friend or a volunteer organization. An unpaid representative can

• Explain immigration options and procedures

• Help you choose the right immigration program

• Help you fill out and submit your application

• Communicate with Canadian immigration officials on your behalf

This type of help can be useful, but there’s a risk: Is the information they provide up to date? Immigration policies change frequently, and someone who successfully immigrated to Canada three years ago may be giving outdated advice…

Hire a paid immigration professional

If you prefer expert advice, you can hire a licensed and paid immigration representative. These professionals are legally authorized to advise you and process your application. There are 3 types of licensed professionals that you can work with:

• Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs)— They must be registered with the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC).

• Immigration lawyers— They must be registered with their provincial or territorial law society.

• A notary public in Québec— They must be registered with Québec law society.

These professionals charge fees, but their expertise can help you avoid costly mistakes and speed up your application.

Beware of immigration scams!

Unfortunately, immigration scams are very common. Before hiring anyone, check their credentials:

• Search “Canada.ca + check if your representative is authorized”

• Visit the CICC website to verify immigration consultants

• Check the law society website for immigration lawyers

If anyone guarantees you a visa or asks for cash payments, be extremely cautious.

What do services paid immigration representatives offer?

Depending on your needs and budget, paid immigration representatives typically offer three types of services:

• Consultation— You receive personalized immigration advice and a strategy tailored to your case. After the consultation, you handle the rest of the process on your own.

• File Review— You complete your application yourself, but hire a professional to review it before submission. This ensures that your file is complete and free of errors.

• Full Application Management— The professional handles everything for you from strategy development to document preparation and submission. They communicate with immigration officials on your behalf.

If you want to learn more about the costs involved for each type of immigration service, check out my book: “Costs of Moving to Canada: The Ultimate Guide” (coming soon in librairies) (rendre le lien actif).

My role in your immigration journey

As an expert in international mobility, I can provide valuable insight into planning your move. However, on the topic of immigration, I want to be clear about what I do offer and what I do not offer:

• I can help you understand immigration costs and budgeting.

• I can guide you through the Canada.ca and Quebec.ca websites.

• I can recommend licensed professionals if you need one. I work with some of them on a regular basis.

BUT

• I am NOT an immigration consultant, lawyer or notary public.

• Therefore, I will NOT help you with your file.

So now I ask you: what choice will you make for your immigration process? Apply on your own, get help from an unpaid representative or hire a paid immigration professional?