The process of immigrating to Canada can be daunting, and there are a lot of steps involved. Because of this, many people seek help as they navigate the system and strive to ensure that they have the best possible chance at success.
But with so many options out there, it can be hard to know who to trust. This is where using a regulated Canadian immigration consultant (RCIC) can give you peace of mind.
This article will outline some of the benefits of using an RCIC, as well as tips for finding a qualified professional.
What is a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant?
A regulated Canadian immigration consultant is a professional who is authorized by the government to help people with their immigration applications. This includes providing advice, assistance with forms and documents, and representing clients during interviews or hearings.
However, there are strict rules that RCICs must follow, and they are held to a high standard of ethics and professionalism. They must also keep up to date with changes to Canadian immigration law.
It’s important to note that RCICs are not required to have a law degree. While some do, it is not a requirement for certification. Also, you are not required to use the services of an RCIC. However, there are many benefits to using one, and it may increase your chances of success.
Here’s how an RCIC can help you.
Create a personalized immigration strategy
A good RCIC will get to know you and your unique circumstances. They will then be able to create a personalized immigration strategy that is tailored to your individual needs and goals. They’ll determine the most appropriate visa stream for you and advise you on the best way to meet the eligibility requirements.
As there are 45 different immigration streams and more than 30 immigration programs are managed by the Canadian government, it can be difficult to know where to start. An RCIC will have a wealth of experience and knowledge to draw on and will be able to provide you with expert guidance.
RCICs often complete paperwork for you
While you are not required to have an RCIC complete your paperwork for you, many people choose to use this service. This is because RCICs are familiar with the process and know what is required.
They can also ensure that your application is complete and accurate before it is submitted. This can save you a lot of time and hassle, and it can increase your chances of having your application accepted.
According to the reports, application submissions are commonly rejected because they contain errors. These errors can be costly and cause delays in the processing of your application.
Manage official communication
Another benefit of using an RCIC is that they can manage all official communication with the Canadian government on your behalf. This includes requesting additional information or documents, as well as responding to requests from immigration officials.
An immigration application can be complex, and there is often a lot of back-and-forth between the applicant and the government. This can be very stressful, especially if you don’t have a lot of experience dealing with government bureaucracy.
By using an RCIC, you can avoid this stress and be confident that your application is being handled by a professional.
Represent you during interviews
If you are required to attend an interview as part of your application process, your RCIC will often work with you to prepare. This means that they will be with you during the interview, and they will be able to answer any questions that you may have.
Having an RCIC present during your interview can be very beneficial, as they will be able to provide you with support and guidance. They can also help prepare you for the interview and ensure that you are ready for anything and everything.
Provide post-arrival support
Once you have arrived in Canada, your RCIC can provide you with post-arrival support. This includes helping you settle into your new life and providing you with information on things like finding a job, opening a bank account, and enrolling in school.
This support can be very valuable, especially if you are new to Canada and are not familiar with the process of settling into a new country.
Tips for using an RCIC
Ensure credibility
The first step in selecting an RCIC is to ensure that the RCIC you are working with is credible. All RCICs must be accredited by the ICCRC, which is the national regulatory body for immigration consultants in Canada.
You can check the ICCRC website to confirm that your RCIC is accredited.
Here is the step-by-step process for checking an RCIC’s credentials:
- Visit the ICCRC website and click on the “Find an immigration professional” tab.
- Enter the name, RCIC number, and company name of the RCIC you are checking.
- Click on the “Search” button.
- You will see the results of the search, which will include the RCIC’s status (active or non-active), address, and consultant identification number (CIN).
An active consultant is someone who is currently in good standing with the ICCRC. A non-active consultant is someone who is not currently in good standing with the ICCRC. This could be because they have been disciplined by the ICCRC, or their registration has lapsed.
Pick the right RCIC for you
There are many different RCICs to choose from, so it is important to pick the one that is right for you. Here are a few things you need to consider when choosing an RCIC:
- Fees and Services Offered: Fees for RCIC services can vary, so it is important to ask about this upfront. Make sure to ask what services are included in their fee. For example, will they help you with your application from start to finish or only certain parts of it?
Once you have an idea of the fees involved, you can start to compare the services offered. When looking at different RCICs, make sure to read their website and get a sense of their process and what they can do for you.
Each consultant has their own way of working, so their process must align with your needs and expectations.
- Availability: When you are ready to start your Canadian immigration journey, you want an RCIC who will be available when you need them. Ask about their availability in terms of responding to questions and concerns as well as their overall schedule.
Find out if they usually work during business hours or if they are available on evenings and weekends. This is especially important if you live in a different time zone than your consultant.
- Experience: Another thing to consider is how long they have been in business. An experienced consultant will likely have seen everything before and will be able to provide sound advice based on their past experience.
On the other hand, a newer consultant may be more eager and willing to go above and beyond to ensure your satisfaction. The best way to decide is by reading reviews from past clients.
- Privacy Policies: When looking for an RCIC, make sure that they have privacy policies in place to protect your information. You should feel confident that your personal information will be kept confidential and only used for the purposes of your application.
In addition, find out if the RCIC has any policies in place regarding refunding fees in the event that your application is not successful.
Whether you use an RCIC or not, Express Entry can help you navigate Canadian immigration!
Whether you choose to work with a regulated Canadian immigration consultant or not is ultimately up to you, but we hope that this article has helped shed some light on the process and what to look for when choosing someone to help you navigate it.
If you’re still unsure of where to turn, our team at Express Entry PR can offer you advice and support throughout the entire immigration process – without costing you an arm and a leg.
Contact us today for more information or visit our website to get started on your journey to Canada!