Similar to a paralegal or legal assistant, an immigration consultant can work with your lawyer or represent you in immigration proceedings. Immigration consultants are not lawyers and cannot give legal advice. However, they can help you by offering guidance on how to navigate the complex world of Canadian immigration using their expertise garnered through years of experience dealing with these matters. Here are some examples of the type of assistance your consultant might provide:
Advise you on which visa is most appropriate for your situation:
Whether you are looking to work, study, visit family or immigrate permanently, your consultant can advise on which visa is most appropriate for your situation. She might also be able to refer you to a lawyer who can assist you with preparing the required forms. Your immigration consultant may require a retainer fee before providing any of these services.
Prepare forms and supporting documents:
Your immigration consultant will be familiar with the required forms, which she can explain in detail. She can also provide guidance on what supporting documents you should submit.
Liaise between you and the Canadian visa office
Once your documents are prepared, your immigration consultant can liaise between you and the Canadian visa office until your application is finalized.
Assist you in obtaining special permits or permissions for working in Canada:
If you want to work temporarily or permanently in Canada, your immigration consultant might be able to help by arranging a Labour Market Opinion (LMO), a document that confirms whether a worker is needed for a job and if their salary meets the prevailing wage of that job within that geographic location in Canada. Once the LMO is approved, your consultant can help you apply for a work permit.
Arrange job placement:
In some cases, an immigration representative might have contacts with Canadian employers who are willing to take on foreign employees and can place them in positions before they come to Canada.
Assist applicants in obtaining medical coverage:
If you’re planning to study or work temporarily or permanently in Canada, your consultant can assist you in applying for medical coverage that satisfies the requirements of the visa office and provides the necessary medical insurance while you reside in Canada. There may be a fee for this service.
Help prepare for an interview with Canadian officials:
Your immigration lawyer or consultant can help you prepare for an upcoming interview with Canadian immigration officials.
Assist you in obtaining affidavits or letters of support:
Your immigration lawyer or consultant can help you obtain the necessary letters of support from friends and family members who will cover your financial needs while you reside in Canada, as well as those who will vouch for your character and claim that they know of no reason why you would not comply with the conditions laid out by immigration officials upon entry into Canada. Your immigration consultant may require a retainer fee before providing any of these services.
In conclusion, an immigration consultant can help you to understand your Canadian immigration options and determine which application process is most suitable for your personal circumstances.