Agent cost me $2,300, but to be honest, the application process seemed like a paperwork nightmare. I wouldn't have used an agent if my friend hadn’t recommended them, but at that price—especially with unlimited consulting in person and over WhatsApp—it was hard to pass up.
ChatGPT had mentioned that since my relationship with my partner is over eight years, we could qualify for common-law after living together for a year. However, it was reassuring to have confirmation from a consultant and their help in organizing everything. Without them, I feel like it would have taken me much longer to gather and organize the required documents, increasing the risk of my application being returned.
Compared to my study and post-graduate work permit applications, this was much more complicated—even with the restoration of status I had to submit when my study permit expired just before I could get my official transcript for my PGWP. This PR application required a lot more family, education, and travel history details, so having professional guidance really streamlined the process.
As for the delay, I called to check, and they said the AOR was sent later on Thursday, then Friday passed, followed by the weekend. When I asked on Monday, they sent it over. Thankfully, the biometrics fee was included in the application, so now it's just a matter of waiting for the biometrics instruction letter before I can submit them.
That’s the con of having it done by an agency, expect not to have an update on time. Total fee is $1290 including the biometric, excluding the agent fee.
