Introduction: What is a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant, and Why Should You Seek One?
Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC)
Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants are experts in the field of Canadian immigration. They work as a liaison between the client and Canadian authorities. They are members in good standing of the CICC (College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants) and are authorized to provide immigration services. The RCIC will be able to help you with any questions or concerns that you have about the process of visiting or becoming a permanent resident of Canada. These services range from assisting with obtaining a study permit, work permit, or family sponsorship, to assisting with the application for permanent residence. It is important to know that the work done by an immigration consultant is regulated and governed by law.
What are Ghost Consultant or Non-RCIC’s?
Ghost consultants are those who act as trained immigration advisors and promise to assist foreigners seeking to relocate to Canada. They lack the necessary training and education, and they are unfamiliar with immigration legislation. The primary distinction is that an RCIC, unlike a ghost consultant, can represent you on immigration applications.
Canada Gazette is the official newspaper of Canada which published an article in May 2021 stating the following about unlicensed/ghost consultants.
“”While members of the ICCRC are authorized to provide advice and representation, some unlicensed fraudulent actors illegally provide such services. These unauthorized (or “ghost”) consultants are unlicensed and usually not declared on IRCC application forms.” (Canada Gazette, Part I, Volume 155, Number 20: Code of Professional Conduct for College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants Licensees)
What is the CICC (College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants)?
The College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants is a federal agency of Canada overseeing Regulated Canadian Immigration and citizenship consultants in order to safeguard customers. Before hiring a consultant, always check to see if he or she is a member of the CICC.
How to Verify If Your Consultant Is a Member of CICC?
Go to the following URL and fill in any field. For example, you might provide the consultant’s first and last name. You’ll find their name, registration ID, and whether or not they’re a member in good standing.
For instance, you can go the above link and type in our company name MAK CANADIAN IMMIGRATION SERVICES. You will see the Regulated Canadian immigration consultants associated with our company who are authorized to provide immigration services as shown in the screenshot below from the CICC’s online database of authorized immigration advisors.
What is the difference between an RCIC and Non-RCIC?
Non-RCIC’s are usually referred to as “ghost consultants” by the government of Canada. The following chart can help you understand the difference better.
Contact Mr. Usman Khalil who is a IRCC licensed Immigration Advisor and Chartered Professional Accountant who can simplify your journey to Canada. Visit www.makimmigration.ca or email Mr. Usman at [email protected]