You may complete many immigration and citizenship applications yourself. Using a representative does not give an application special treatment or guarantee approval.
Who may charge
Paid immigration or citizenship representatives must be authorized. Depending on the service, this can include a lawyer or paralegal in good standing with the relevant Canadian law society, a Quebec notary, or a licensed immigration and citizenship consultant.
Check the professional’s status in the official public register yourself. A business card, social-media profile or office near a government building is not proof.
Before signing
Get a written service agreement showing:
- the person responsible for the work
- the exact application or service
- fees, taxes and additional costs
- refund and cancellation terms
- how documents and messages will be shared
- what happens if the representative stops practising
Do not sign blank forms. Read the final application and keep a complete copy. You remain responsible for information submitted in your name.
Keep control of accounts
Use your own email address where possible and keep access to application records. Do not share banking passwords or one-time security codes. Ask how the representative will receive official correspondence and how quickly it will be sent to you.
Red flags
Be cautious of guaranteed outcomes, secret programs, fake job offers, pressure to lie, payment only in cash or cryptocurrency, or advice to hide a previous refusal. False documents or information can have serious consequences even when someone else prepared them.
Free and lower-cost options
Settlement organizations can provide general information and referrals. Legal clinics and legal-aid plans may help with certain immigration or refugee matters. For a deadline, refusal, removal issue or allegation of misrepresentation, identify qualified help promptly.