World Immigration News

What does an immigration representative do?

Release Date: 2024-12-09
Media: CIC News
Summary: When applying for immigration, you have the option to handle the process yourself or to use a representative. An immigration representative can offer valuable services, such as providing advice on immigration matters, helping you choose the most suitable program for your goals, completing your forms and applications, communicating with the government on your behalf, and representing you in hearings. However, the level of service varies depending on the representative's business model and your specific needs.

Before hiring a representative, it’s important to understand what services they will provide and what your responsibilities will be. While using a representative does not give you an advantage in terms of the outcome of your application, as the chances of success are the same regardless of who submits the application, it can help you navigate the process more efficiently. A representative can assist in selecting the right program, reduce the likelihood of errors, and help resolve any issues that might arise during the process.

There are two types of representatives: paid and unpaid. Paid representatives must be authorized by the government and are licensed professionals, while anyone can act as an unpaid representative. It’s crucial to declare any representative you use, whether paid or unpaid, on your application, as failure to do so could result in your application being refused.

The main benefit of hiring a representative lies not in them filling out forms, but in the personalized advice they provide. A reputable immigration representative can help you understand which immigration program is best suited to your situation and guide you in taking proactive steps to avoid potential issues that might lead to delays or refusals.
Tags: CANADA