Canada leads the way globally as a preferred immigration destination. Every year, hundreds of thousands of hopeful people apply to immigrate to Canada. However, understanding Canada’s many immigration programs can be confusing. Many people rely on consultants for help to immigrate to Canada. However, it’s important to understand how to select an immigration consultant. Discover what to know and how to avoid immigration fraud.
1. Apply Directly to Immigrate to Canada
The primary way for skilled immigrants to live permanently in Canada is through the Canadian Government’s Express Entry program. There are three immigration programs under Express Entry, and each has different requirements.
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You can visit the Government of Canada site to see if you are eligible for Express Entry. It takes about 10 – 15 minutes to find out if you are eligible and answer questions about your:
- Nationality
- Age
- Language ability
- Family members
- Education
- Work experience
- Details on any job offer (if applicable).
What Happens After You Complete the Eligibility Questions?
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After you respond to the questions, you will:
- Be advised if you meet the eligibility requirements to immigrate to Canada
- Receive a personal reference code
- Be provided with the next steps you need to follow.
When you complete the steps, you will receive a confirmation that your profile is complete.
The Canadian government determines how many Express Entry applicants will be admitted to Canada each month.
2. Apply with an Immigration Consultant
You can also hire an Immigration Consultant to help you apply to immigrate to Canada. An experienced consultant knows about the many streams and programs available for people looking to immigrate to Canada. With more than 100 Canadian immigration programs, they can help you select the right program.
What to Know if You Hire Someone to Help You Immigrate to Canada
The Government of Canada has important tips if you decide to hire a representative to help you with your immigration process:
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To Find a Paid or Unpaid Representative:
- Ask people you trust to recommend someone. Be sure to get advice from several people before you choose.
- Ask questions. Be careful of someone who won’t answer your questions.
If You Hire a Paid Representative:
Immigration consultants must be licensed by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants. Review these helpful tips to ensure you select a qualified representative.
- Find out if the representative is authorized.
- This means they have a license to practice and give advice.
- If you choose a paid representative who’s not authorized, the Canadian government may return your application or refuse it.
- If you give a representative money or compensate them in any other way in exchange for their services, they’re considered paid and must be authorized.
2. Ask the representative about their training and experience.
3. Find out how long they have been in business and ask for references.
4. Discuss the services they provide and their fee.
5. Get a written contract and read it carefully before you sign it. Ensure the contract lists all the services they will give you and clearly states the fee you discussed.
Also, if you use a representative who works in Canada, you can contact the Better Business Bureau (BBB). The BBB can tell you if they have received complaints about a citizenship or immigration consultant, lawyer, or other representative.
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Tips to Protect Yourself from Fraud When Immigrating to Canada
If you plan to immigrate to Canada, it’s vital to avoid fradulent activity. Immigration fraud can have devastating consequence from delays to deportation. Here are some tips to avoid the risks:
- Be careful of anything that sounds too good to be true. The Canadian government advises that using a paid representative will not draw special attention to your application or guarantee they will approve it.
- Beware of representatives who encourage you to give false information in your application. Providing false information is against the law, and you could be denied entry into Canada or deported after you arrive.
- Don’t leave original documents or photos with your representative.
- Don’t sign blank application forms.
- Read any forms or documents carefully before you sign them. If you don’t understand them ask someone to translate.
- Get copies of any documents your representative makes for you.
- Get a signed receipt for any services that you pay the representative for.
- Make sure your representative updates you often about your application.
- Protect your money and remember that the Canadian government will never:
- Call you and ask you to deposit money into a personal bank account
- Ask you to transfer money through a private money transfer company.
- Only ask for processing fees in Canadian dollars and the fees are the same around the world.
Learn more about how to protect yourself from fraud.
If you’re having problems with your representative, see:
Source: Government of Canada
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