FAQ
No. Using one will not draw special attention to your application.
However, the essential competencies for an Registered Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) to practice in the field of immigration law i.e. foundation knowledge of Canadian immigration laws, legal research and informatics, critical thinking, problem solving, evidence-based practice, cultural competence, business leadership, management, communication, counseling, and advocacy are just a few of the advantages you gain when you choose GFK Immigration Consulting Inc to represent you in immigration and citizenship matters.
In addition, an RCIC led company like GFK Immigration, must abide by the code of professional conduct administered by The College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC) established to maintain strong ethical and professional standards by which all licensed consultants must abide.
Signing and executing an Initial Consultation Agreement (ICA) is your first step. GFK Immigration has put together a process to gather pertinent data that the consultant will use to determine the best immigration program for your situation. This advice will be specifically tailored to you as everyone is unique.
If it is determined that you are eligible for any of the programs that Canada offers and you move forward with a Service/Retainer Agreement, GFK Immigration fill out and submit your immigration or citizenship application, communicate with the Government of Canada on your behalf
A Registered Immigration Consultant (RCIC) and an immigration lawyer who have equal experience and background in the specific area of immigration that you need should serve you equally well.
Lawyers are licensed by their provincial law societies and the Canadian Bar association while Registered Immigration Consultants are managed by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants.
The College was created by an act of the Canadian Parliament: The College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants Act (Canada) (“the College Act”). The College Act was passed by Parliament in June 2019. (https://www.college-ic.ca/about-the-college)
The College Act gives the College investigation and enforcement powers like other professional regulatory bodies (for example, provincial law societies, accounting regulators and professional colleges in the healthcare sector).
However, certain categories of failed applications can only be appealed in Federal Court, and only a lawyer may represent you. For Federal Court Appeals, it is best to hire a lawyer who is an immigration specialist and who has handled your type of appeal before. That may mean switching from the lawyer (or consultant) who submitted your first application.
Immigration Consultants work in immigration matters all day long, and no other area, much like lawyers that are immigration specialists. Many lawyers have little or no experience working in immigration law.
Whoever you decide on, ask lots of questions, and choose someone you feel comfortable with.
The actual time it takes to process an application varies according to several factors, such as:
- The type of application being submitted and the volume of those applications being processed at a given time and place/country;
- How well and how quickly applicants respond to requests from IRCC to provide additional information (including medical examinations);
- How easily IRCC can verify the information provided;
- The complexity of an application; and
- IRCC departmental priorities, capacity, and resources.
- Book your biometric appointment as soon as you can to avoid processing delays.
- Properly fill out, sign and date the application form(S)
- Respond to requests for information quickly
- Pay the right fee using the correct method of payment