Immigration Consultant
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RCIC insignia
Immigration consultant is a short name for Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant(RCIC) , designated professional title for a majority group of active Canadian immigration law practitioners. RCICs are regulated by a government backed regulator – the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC), through congress legislation November 2021. CICC’s mandate is to protect public interest. There are strict qualification standards, standards of practice and continuing education requirements for licensees.
RCIC license has 3 levels. RCIC (Level 1) can not practice independently. RCIC (Level 2) can render service independently but with restrictions. RCIC (Level 3) has a new designation as “RCIC-IRB“. RCIC (Level 3) or RCIC-IRB, is the only licensee who can practice Canadian immigration law with no restrictions.

Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant – IRB
RCIC-IRB is an upgraded Level 3 RCIC license, top qualification regulated by CICC, which allows the licensee to practice without restriction. RCIC-IRB can represent clients at the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB). Started July 2023, cases to be heard Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) requires RCIC-IRB license. For example, admissibility hearing, detention review, residency obligation appeal, removal order appeal, sponsorship appeal, refugee claim, refugee appeal, etc.
NLAi was RCIC licensed in June 2014, and became one of the first companies RCIC-IRB licensed in July 2022. Public can verify the RCIC’s authenticity and license level through CICC official website “Find an Immigration Consultant“
Together with immigration lawyers or immigration attorney, RCICs are Authorized Representatives whom IRCC (Immigration Refugee and Citizenship Canada, CBSA (Canada Border Services Agency), ESDC (Employment and Social Development Canada) and provincial immigration authorities recognize and accept. Canada legislation demands only authorized representative can render fee advice/services to clients. In another word, only authorized representatives are allowed to deal with Canada government on behalf of applicants.
RCIC’s license requirement
CICC has very strict licensing requirement to become a RCIC. Besides lengthy academic programs to be taken, candidate need to get through very challenging real case test, background check, language test, compulsory professional education and continuous professional development every year. Each RCIC has insurance coverage in case of omission or misconduct. It is RCIC’s mandate to upkeep the highest professional standard and maintain the integrity of Canada immigration system. All efforts of CICC aims at provide competent and ethical immigration services to clients from the globe.
Why choose an immigration consultant ?
- RCICs know Canada’s immigration procedure and visa system well. Their jobs are to stay up to date with the latest policy changes. They have an abundance of experience, insight/knowledge about the system through daily practices. Compared to lawyer’s hourly rate, most RCICs offer better flexibility and value service.
- They’re authorized by a regulatory body. Gaining their license means that they’ve completed a thorough procedure to a high standard set by CICC. And on-going proficient advancement each year is required to keep on their license. This represents RCIC has to work hard to meet up with high professional standard and they are bind by a strict set of principles and code of conduct. It’s an assurance that they’re working to your greatest advantage.
- They can liaise with Immigration Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and your employer for your sake. If by chance you’ve ever attempted to ring a government department or embassy of some sort, you’ll know it can be a maddening, confusing experience. Working with a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant implies you don’t need to make these extensive telephone calls. They can likewise guarantee your application meets the qualifying criteria, giving you the best chance of success.
- They can personalize your immigration plan. Immigration Consultants are there to guide you effectively through the mind-boggling twists and turns of Canada’s visa system. They can work with you, understanding what your objectives and what your desired goals are. They can then set up an arrangement to help you accomplish those goals and expectations.
- They can offer an alternate point of view on your immigration options. RCIC’s are designed to offer you sound, legitimate feedback on what your alternatives are, as well as guidance on the procedure. You may even get data that you hadn’t considered that reimagines the course you thought you needed to take. You’re almost guaranteed to walk away with more than you’re initially bargained for.
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