How to find a representative and protect yourself from fraud in Canada

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How to Find a Representative and Avoid Being Deceived in Canada

The process of immigration in Canada is intricate and full of bureaucratic steps that is why most people turn to representatives for help. But the certainty is necessary: this person or agency you're dealing with must be authorized and legitimate. Immigration fraud is a significant problem, and it is equally essential to protect yourself against fraud when hiring a representative.

This blog describes the practical procedures to locate an accredited immigration representative in Canada as well as how not to fall prey to scammers.

 

Who Can Act for Me in Canada?

In Canada, you are allowed to hire representatives to help you with your applications under the Canadian Immigration law. They may either be paid or unpaid, but they have to meet the needs of representing you legally.

• Authorized Representatives

  Only a few professionals, authorized by the Canadian government, can represent you on immigration matters. Some of them include:

• Immigration Consultants :

  Members in good standing with the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC). The CICC is the regulatory body overseeing licensed immigration consultants.

• Lawyers :

  Members of a provincial or territorial law society in Canada. Immigration lawyers may be able to give you some legal advice and represent you at all stages of the process.

• Notaries :

  Quebec members of the Chambre des notaires du Québec are authorized representatives in that province.

• Paralegals :

  Since paralegals in Ontario are regulated by the Law Society of Ontario as licensed paralegals, they too can represent clients in immigration.

 

Unpaid Representatives:

Unpaid representatives, such as friends, family members, or community organizations, can assist you without charging a fee. However, they must still comply with the Canadian immigration laws and not provide representation for any form of compensation.

 

How to Find an Authorized Representative

One needs to seek an eligible and trustworthy representative not to become a victim of the fraudulent ones. Here's how you can find a credible immigration representative in Canada step by step:

Check Credentials

It's always best to verify if a particular immigration consultant, lawyer, or paralegal is registered before you hire one. Find out through the relevant regulatory body if a particular immigration consultant, lawyer, or paralegal is licensed:

• For Immigration Consultants: Anyone whose name appears on the online public register may check whether or not the individual is in good standing and licensed to practice.
• For Lawyers Use law society websites by province or territory where the lawyer is licensed. Your ability to confirm a lawyer's license and good standing status.
• For Paralegals in Ontario : Anyone may check by visiting the Law Society of Ontario.
• For Quebec Notaries: Check at the **Chambre des notaires du Québec**.

Seek Referrals and Reviews

Ask your friends, your families, or community groups who have already used similar immigration services to give recommendations on the representative. Also, evaluate the representative's reputation by making third-party online reviews, testimonials, and ratings.

 

Meet with the Representative

Before making any representative a settlement, take a consultation or meeting. You ask during this meeting for experience, kinds of cases they handle, and how much cost they incur. A good attorney will be transparent, knowledgeable, and ready with simple clear answers.

 

Request a Written Contract

A reliable representative should give you a clear written contract outlining the services they shall provide, total cost, and the pay deal in place. Be wary of representatives who refuse to sign a contract or insist on making large upfront payments without clear deals.

 

They Use Secure Communication Channels

Have your representative communicate with you through safe and officially approved channels. All communications must be straightforward, professional, and documented for your record. If a representative communicates with you in informal, unofficial channels such as social media without providing you with official contact information then be careful.

 

How to Protect Yourself from Immigration Fraud

Unfortuneately, fraud in immigration is growing on the list of complaints, and a lot of people get exploited by unauthorized agents or scammers. Here are a few procedures that are followed to keep you safe from immigration fraud in Canada:

Be Wary of Guarantees

No one can guarantee that your application will be approved. You must be wary if the representative makes such promises and claims to have inside information or has friends within the immigration department where decisions are being made.

 

Avoid Representatives Promoting False Representation

A representative who tells you to present the Employer with false documents or information ought to be avoided directly and instantly. This is illegal and may eventually land you with an application that is declined and also having cases in court brought against you.

 

Avoid Unsolicited Offers

Unsolicited emails, calls, or social media messages claiming to assist you in obtaining immigration usually target unsuspecting immigrants. Never respond to anyone who sends you an unsolicited email, calls, or message promising express services for a fee for immigration. It is you who must contact a reliable immigration representative directly.

 

Never Pay with Cash

On the fees, you should never pay them in cash or using other informal methods such as gift cards, money transfers. In case a representative appears claiming to be from a certain program, use a proper payment channel like bank transfer or check as a legitimate representative would have formal payment methods such as credit card payments. Always demand a receipt proof of payment.

 

Protect Your Personal Data

A citizen's personal documents, such as a passport, birth certificate, and other identification documents, shall be protected from illegal access. It can only be shared with one's authorized representative and refrain from disclosing sensitive information through unsecured channels like text messages or unsecured emails.

 

How to Report Immigration Fraud

If you think you are being actually fleeced by a cheating representative, you can report this situation right away. Here is how you can report immigration fraud in Canada:

Contact Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)

The  IRCC  has strict action against immigration fraud and urges complainants to report cases of unauthorized representatives and fraud cases. You can report your immigration fraud to the IRCC through:

• Filling out the  IRCC web form
• Call the IRCC Call Centre.

 

Report to the CICC

If you suspect that an immigration consultant is carrying on fraudulent or illegal activities, you may file a complaint directly with the **College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC)**. The CICC has a process for handling complaints regarding any kind of misconduct or violations on the part of immigration consultants

Report to Law Societies

You may wish to report the individual to their respective "law society" if it's a case of fraud or misconduct by a lawyer or paralegal. Each province has its own regulatory body that deals with professional complaints and disciplinary actions.

 

Contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC)

The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) is a central agency in Canada that gathers information on fraud, especially cases related to identity theft. If you suspect that you have been the target of an immigration scam, you can report it to the CAFC. In doing this, you are not only filing a complaint but also raising awareness about the immigration fraud schemes.