Need some extra help? Immigration Questions Answered…
Below is a list of the most common immigration questions we get asked. Please have a look through, and if your query is not answered, send us an email or pick up the phone and call us toll free at: +1 (888) 508 – 5308 or 604-722-8930
Do I really need an Immigration Expert’s advice?
A consultant’s advice can be the difference between success and failure. Canada’s Immigration policy and legislation is undergoing significant change and having up to date advice is crucial when determining your eligibility.
The consequences of even a small mistake in your application can cause you significant delays at best and at worst can render you inadmissible.
Why retain CIP’s professional representation? Will it make a difference?
Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) states that you can apply yourself. Many people do but up to 1/3 of applicants are returned, refused or terminated as a result of a small mistake or missing document. See latest CIC refusal statistics
Your application is the first step in your move to Canada and getting it wrong can cause you unnecessary stress and delays. Having a team of experts working for you can improve your chances of success and provide peace of mind allowing you to focus on starting your new life in Canada.
Our highly trained, licensed immigration consultants know the system and have helped hundreds of individuals and their families successfully immigrate to Canada, minimizing processing times and providing value-added services through our New Immigrant Network.
Why should I spend money on the CIP consultation? When others will talk to me for free
When an expert is not charging you for their time, you have to ask yourself why?
Do they have the right credentials? Are they an experienced consultant who is a member in good standing with ICCRC?
Expertise is knowledge gathered through education and experience. We charge for our consultations based on the preparation and time involved and the high quality of the service we provide.
Why is it important I choose an Canadian Immigration consultant?
Immigration consultants in Canada fall under the jurisdiction of the ICCRC regulatory body and have better access to resources and Government decision-making agencies.
Why wouldn’t I go for the cheapest representation out there? Aren’t all services the same?
Not all immigration services are delivered to the same standards. You should compare company’s offerings to see if there are differences. Your application to Canada is not an area where you want to cut corners.
By choosing CIP’s representation services, you ensure a qualified, experienced professional is working for you to a high standard. Our fixed-price representation is less expensive compared to many lawyers who bill by the hour.
Going for the cheapest option often means you pay in a different way, either through poor customer service or by errors or omissions which at best can cause you significant delays and at worst can render you inadmissible.
Can I pay in installments?
Yes. Our fixed-rate professional services are payable in easy installments at stages of your application, giving you flexibility and control over your budget and ensuring that you get what you pay for.
How to choose between a consultant and a lawyer?
Both designations are recognized by the Government of Canada to give advice and represent clients for a fee.
Immigration consultants can only practice immigration law while some lawyers are generalist and have diverse practice fields. This can mean that an immigration consultant is better versed in the field of immigration law and policy because this is their only field of practice. When choosing representation, make sure your representative is qualified and experienced in the field.
The key difference between a lawyer and a consultant is that a lawyer can represent you for judicial review at the Federal Court. A judicial review is the last resort and is a time-consuming and costly process.
Consultants and lawyer are recognized to represent clients at the Immigration Appeal Board and Immigration Refugee Board.
Lawyers can often charge by the hour, whereas a consultant will normally charge a fixed rate meaning that there will be no surprise invoices.
Do you only complete the forms or do you do more?
We do much more besides form-filling. Once we have identified the best route for you, we assist with obtaining language exams, medical exams, drafting letters, and all necessary objectives to fulfill a complete application. We will keep you informed of the progress of your application, prepare you for an immigration interview if necessary and take reasonable measures to ensure your application is granted.
We ensure a complete and decision-ready application that is free of errors or omissions which can cause you significant delays in your journey to Canada.
We also provide access to our New Immigrant Network so you can get the information you need to establish yourself in Canada.
How long will the application process take?
This question is dependent on the type of application. In most cases, applications for sponsorship take around 11 months. For permanent residency, it can take anywhere from nine-12 months. Citizenship and Immigration Canada say that processing times will be six months or less under Express Entry.
Is an application processed faster with the help from an Immigration Consultant?
No. An application is never processed faster regardless if you have representation from a consultant, lawyer or doing it alone. Though, the help of an Immigration Consultant can avoid errors or omissions which can cause significant delays.
What if my application is refused? Will I be refunded my CIC processing fees?
In most cases, if your application is refused you can send a new application if there have been material changes to your circumstances or if the right of appeal is applicable you can appeal at the Immigration Appeal Division.
Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) does not issue processing fee refunds if your application is rejected.
The potential of losing your application processing fees can be enough for some to consider professional representation in the first place.
Do you offer an application review service?
We do not offer a review service because experience has taught us it often takes more time to fix an application than it would have done to complete the application from the beginning.
Preparing and submitting a decision-ready application is about much more than simply completing the forms. It is about the quality of the supporting documentation, what is in your references letters, proper disclosures and providing the information that CIC want to see that is sometimes not even on the checklist.
