News & Life
Every year, people pay thousands of dollars to someone who had no right to represent them. Here is how to check in five minutes.
Who may be paid
In Canada, only three categories of people may be paid to advise or represent someone before IRCC: lawyers and paralegals who are members of a Canadian law society, notaries who are members of the Chambre des notaires du Québec, and consultants in good standing with the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants.
Anyone else who bills you for advice is acting outside the legal framework. IRCC can return or refuse an application linked to an unauthorized representative.
The warning signs
- A guarantee of results or timelines
- A refusal to give a verifiable membership number
- Cash payment with no receipt and no written contract
- Being asked to sign blank forms
- Someone accessing your IRCC account in your place
Verify in five minutes
Search the name in the registry of the relevant law society or of the College. A legitimate professional will give you their number without hesitating.