Consulting Services

[tetay26]

I arrived in Canada 2 months ago with "worker" visa and was issued a work permit upon arrival (valid til March 2016). The employer did not employ me though, he said I look for other options because 1.) they do not need a "food server" any longer. 2.)Restaurant was sold and has new management.

I got in touch with a consulting agency, in short, I was promised to get a job as Technician (I am certified Automotive Service Technician too). I was so thankful for that. Then the agent is said that there will be fees (3K dollars). We asked what's it for because I am already in Canada and I have a valid visa and work permit. I was told, regardless of I retain their service or not, I get the job (LMO in process). The fee is for when I decide to retain the Consultancy's services because I am in a "grey" area on my current status - no ROE and unemployed plus I am changing from food and beverage to Automotive Technician. I was told that I am a "special case" and had been staying "illegally" in Canada that it's most advisable to retain them as my immigration consultant.

Any feedback. Am I really at risk of not getting a work permit with my current situation that I really need a Consultant?

 

[scylla]

The consultant you are dealing with is a scam artist. Don't give him any money.

Your status in Canada is legal because you have a valid work permit. You are not "illegal" and you are not a "special case". Again, they are trying to scam you. It is actually illegal to charge you money for finding a job.

Either get a new consultant or work without one. If you want to work, you will have to find a new employer who can obtain an approved LMO, once you have the new job offer and new LMO, you will need to apply for a new work permit. Once you have a new work permit, you can start working.

 

[tetay26]

Thanks for the reply scylla. The consultant actually mentioned that "regardless whether I retain their services or not, I am getting the job" and also stated that "there was no fee for finding me a job". They are aware though they added at the end of our conversation that it's a huge risk because I don't have an ROE.

 

[scylla]

If there is no fee for finding you a job - then what is the $3K for?

 

[tetay26]

The fee is if I retain them because I would be needing there assistance in getting my "status" back? :-[

 

[scylla]

But you're not out of status - and you're not in Canada illegally. Your work permit is valid until March 2016 and your status is also valid until March 2016. There is no "grey" area. You are here legally. Any good consultant would say that to you.

I would ask them to explain why you are out of status and why you are in Canada illegally. It doesn't sound like they know what they are taking about and they don't seem to be familiar with immigration law. Or they know the law and are lying to you to get your business.

 

[tetay26]

She was trying to tell me that I am not currently employed and that makes my status illegal? She mentioned that I do not have ROE. Can I get that from the initial employer? Do I need the ROE even though the initial employer did not employ me from day one?

 

[scylla]

Again, your status is LEGAL. The fact you are currently not employed does not make you illegal. Anyone who is telling you this either has no idea what they are doing or is lying to you to get your money.

It doesn't matter that you don't have ROE.

 

[PMM]

Hi

Again, your status is LEGAL. The fact you are currently not employed does not make you illegal. Anyone who is telling you this either has no idea what they are doing or is lying to you to get your money.

It doesn't matter that you don't have ROE.

Plus he couldn't get a ROE, because he never worked for the employer. I wonder if the employer paid for his airfare as required.