Citizenship and Immigration Canada
www.cic.gc.ca
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Immigration representatives: Frequently asked questions
- Do I need an immigration representative to help me apply?
- Will my case be processed more quickly if I hire a representative?
- What services will the authorized representative provide and what are the fees for these services?
- What could happen if I do not inform Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) that I paid a representative?
- If I apply through a provincial program, do the immigration representative regulations still apply?
- If I change my representative, do I have to notify Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC)?
- What should I do if Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) returns my application saying that my representative is not authorized to represent me?
- What should I do if my representative and I have a disagreement?
- Can I use the services of a non-authorized person to provide advice or assistance with my application before I submit it?
- Do I need to use an authorized immigration representative for my citizenship application?
Do I need an immigration representative to help me apply?
No. The Government of Canada treats everyone equally, whether they use a representative or not.
All the forms and information that you need to apply for a visa are available for free on this website. If you follow the instructions in the application guide, you can complete the application form and submit it on your own.
If you decide to seek assistance from an immigration representative, you should be careful who you ask for advice.
Will my case be processed more quickly if I hire a representative?
If you choose to hire a representative, your application will not be given special attention by the immigration officer. Your representative also cannot guarantee that your application will be approved.
What services will the authorized representative provide and what are the fees for these services?
Services and fees vary. You should discuss these with the representative and get an estimate in writing before you decide whether or not to hire that person.
Tips on choosing an immigration representative
What could happen if I do not inform Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) that I paid a representative?
It is against the law to give false or misleading information to the Government of Canada. If you choose not to disclose the name of your representative to CIC or the Canada Border Services Agency, your application may be returned or you may be refused entry to Canada.
Immigration representatives who advise you to provide false or misleading information are also breaking the law.
If I apply through a provincial program, do the immigration representative regulations still apply?
These regulations refer to the federal immigration application process. Each province has its own procedures for dealing with immigration representatives. Check with the province to which you applied to find out if there are any restrictions on immigration representatives for the provincial application process.
If I change my representative, do I have to notify Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC)?
Yes. You must notify CIC immediately if you change your representative. To notify CIC, complete a new Use of a Representative (IMM 5476) form and send it to the office processing your file. You can change your representative at any time. You may also decide to deal directly with the visa office or the in-Canada immigration office yourself.
What should I do if Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) returns my application saying that my representative is not authorized to represent me?
If you receive a letter from CIC stating that the status of your authorized representative cannot be verified – that they are a member of a provincial or territorial law society, the Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants or the Chambre des notaires du Québec – re-submit your application to that CIC office as soon as possible, with proof of your representative’s status (for example, a photocopy of their membership card).
If you find out that your representative is not authorized by one of the regulatory bodies, you may choose another representative or you may proceed to apply on your own.
What should I do if my representative and I have a disagreement?
If you have problems with your representative which cannot be resolved, you should file a complaint with the appropriate authorities as soon as possible.
Citizenship and Immigration Canada does not get involved in disputes between applicants and their representatives.
Can I use the services of non-authorized person to provide advice or assistance with my application before I submit it?
You are only required to use an authorized representative once the application has been submitted. However, be aware that non-authorized representatives or advisors are not regulated. This means that they may not have adequate knowledge or training. It also means you cannot seek help from the professional bodies (that is, the law societies, CSIC, etc.) if that person provides you with the wrong advice or behaves in an unprofessional way.
Once your application is submitted, CIC will only deal with a representative who is a member in good standing of a Canadian provincial or territorial law society, the Chambre des notaires du Québec, or the Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants.
Do I need to use an authorized immigration representative for my citizenship application?
There are currently no restrictions on who may represent you on your citizenship application.