Will the Immigration Agents be of any help?

[decent1984]

Hi,

lurking in this forum, I have learned so much about the process. Now what would be
the difference of going to an Immigration consultant/agent? I've heard of friends
who ended up paying quite a lot but they did manage to immigrate. So the question
is does it help? what do these so called Consultant do to help?

 

[CanadaWeCome]

Hi,

lurking in this forum, I have learned so much about the process. Now what would be
the difference of going to an Immigration consultant/agent? I've heard of friends
who ended up paying quite a lot but they did manage to immigrate. So the question
is does it help? what do these so called Consultant do to help?

None, whatsoever.

Yes, you'll probably manage to immigrate eventually only a little lighter, that's the reason they are still in business i guess.

 

[legalfalcon]

Hi,

lurking in this forum, I have learned so much about the process. Now what would be
the difference of going to an Immigration consultant/agent? I've heard of friends
who ended up paying quite a lot but they did manage to immigrate. So the question
is does it help? what do these so called Consultant do to help?

It all depends on your case, availability of time, and the reputation of the consultants you engage. Some cases have a few issues which can be with medical, past criminal record, and other such complexities. If you don't have any, there is no need to go the consultant way. Another reason why people engage a consultant or a lawyer is when they don't have time to do the paperwork. Unless you are a CEO or a top notch professional making tons of money, it will be worth engaging a consultant instead of putting your own time in which is worth a lot more.

Other than these reasons, I don't see why anyone would engage a consultant.

Hope this helps!

 

[decent1984]

Thanks @legalfalcon and @canadawecome

Thats so true. I will make sure to follow this forum.

 

[zoey2015]

I would like to know the answer too....

I'm currently consulting with a few agents. Considering they charge quite a lot 5-6k as least, I figure probably I should do it on my own.

However, my bf trust in their expertise and he believes they charge a fortune for a reason.

I'd like to save my 5-6k from here and spend them somewhere else. Any suggestions? I would appreciat it.

 

[legalfalcon]

I would like to know the answer too....

I'm currently consulting with a few agents. Considering they charge quite a lot 5-6k as least, I figure probably I should do it on my own.

However, my bf trust in their expertise and he believes they charge a fortune for a reason.

I'd like to save my 5-6k from here and spend them somewhere else. Any suggestions? I would appreciat it.

Its is true that professionals do what they do because they specialize in it. However, most of the consultants are just rip off. If you plan on using a consultant make sure that his credentials are good and he is registered. This will help: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/representative/rep-who.asp

Now there is a difference in consultants, lawyers and authorized representatives and a lot of people get it mixed up.

If you are hiring the services of a consultant make sure he has a good reputation. There is no prerequisite qualification to become a consultant. Anyone with experience and some even without experience claim themselves to be consultant. You have to be very careful when dealing with this group.

When it comes to authorized representatives they are usually registered with CIC and have some training behind them. This video is very helpful <http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/representative/index.asp>

Finally, immigration lawyers are my top choice. Maybe because I myself am a lawyer, but there is definitely an advantage to go with lawyers when you do decide to engage professional services for immigration. Lawyers are trained professionals and are licensed to practice. They have seen cases over the years and are aware of the latest developments in the law. Even if there is a issue with your application during the process, a lawyer knows where to approach and how to rectify it. Even in cases of denial lawyers can represent you before the administrative forum. But, you do have to make sure that you go to a seasoned lawyer.

In the closing, always engage a person whom you are comfortable with. If you cannot get hold of him now, you will never be able to track him when you need him. So availability, timely communications and the way a person runs hi practice are all important parameters to consider before signing the dotted line.

 

[CanadaWeCome]

I would like to know the answer too....

I'm currently consulting with a few agents. Considering they charge quite a lot 5-6k as least, I figure probably I should do it on my own.

However, my bf trust in their expertise and he believes they charge a fortune for a reason.

I'd like to save my 5-6k from here and spend them somewhere else. Any suggestions? I would appreciat it.

Definitely can't suggest change your bf, but apart from what is already mentioned by @legalfalcon about complicated cases due to medical/criminality, there is no merit in going the consultants way. Whatever their value add may be can't be beyond suggesting what you have to do and arrange (documents i mean). At the end of the day YOU'LL have to prepare or arrange/get all the documentation ready.

In the bargain if you are ok to feel a little lighter on your pocket...You own that decision of yours.

 

[AnnaBG]

Unless you are a really complicated case in terms of immigration I dont see a point in spending that much money on consultation.
I have found a lot of useful information in this forum as well as the local forum where only people from my country write into.
Consultation costs you more than the whole immigration process. Do you really have such an unsolvable issue?
This is of course an individual decision. Just keep in mind that consultation does not garantee you success and visa, it only gives you directions and advice how to narrow the risks of being rejected. But so does this forum here

 

[Aragorn165]

Absolutely none- this forum alone should be more than enough to perform those exact same functions that an immigration agent will, and it will do all of those for free.

 

[One_Topsy]

Unless you are a really complicated case in terms of immigration I dont see a point in spending that much money on consultation.
I have found a lot of useful information in this forum as well as the local forum where only people from my country write into.
Consultation costs you more than the whole immigration process. Do you really have such an unsolvable issue?
This is of course an individual decision. Just keep in mind that consultation does not garantee you success and visa, it only gives you directions and advice how to narrow the risks of being rejected. But so does this forum here

+1

 

[Stanlee]

Hi,

lurking in this forum, I have learned so much about the process. Now what would be
the difference of going to an Immigration consultant/agent? I've heard of friends
who ended up paying quite a lot but they did manage to immigrate. So the question
is does it help? what do these so called Consultant do to help?

I have experience hiring an agent/consultant as well as doing things on my own. As far as representatives are concerned, they will only guide you as to what all documents are required, what all needs to be included in the EE profile (they may also assist in filling up the same as well) and guide you as to what your NOC code could be etc. You will still have to arrange all the documents on your own. In the end, you will realize that you have paid them to tell you all the information which is readily available on the net, forums like this and OINP website. If you have time to read through posts on this forum, OINP website, blogs etc, you are good to go on your own. On the other hand if you are very busy and cannot spare time and you don't mind paying a hefty fee to the consultant/representative, then you can go for it.

But, believe me, it is not very difficult, who will know better about you, than YOU yourself. So, take the leap of faith, be prepared with all the documents and information before creating the Express Entry profile and double check before you submit it. After all, minor modifications to the profile can be done till you submit your application provided there is no drastic change in the score. What matters is, there should be documentary evidence to support your claim for points when the application is submitted.

A few people on the forum have reported that their representative had submitted the wrong information/missed out on some information. So, I would leave the decision to you. If I were you, I would have done it myself.

 

[CanadaWeCome]

Few people on the forum have reported that their representative had submitted the wrong information/missed out on some information. So, I would leave the decision to you. If I were you, I would have done it myself.

Just to be clear you meant "A few people..." because i got a little confused as it meant exactly the opposite of what you wanted to say...
Sorry to point out, but just wanted clarify a typo probably...

 

[Stanlee]

Just to be clear you meant "A few people..." because i got a little confused as it meant exactly the opposite of what you wanted to say...
Sorry to point out, but just wanted clarify a typo probably...

Corrected it , thanks!