Welcome to The Immigration Desk, my new column where we talk about Canadian Immigration. Let’s embark on this journey together to Canada, the True North. Throughout the journey in this series, I will share highlights on Canadian immigration programs, practical advice, immigration news and policy updates – all to help educate the Vincentian public about everything and anything “Canadian Immigration.”
Today, let’s talk about who is a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC).
Who Am I?
My name is Michaela “Mikki” Ambrose. I am a practicing Barrister, Solicitor, Notary Public and Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC-IRB).
Outside of my legal practice at the Chambers of Baptiste C Co Law Firm Inc in Kingstown, St. Vincent, I chose to also become a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) as well. In doing so, I undertook a Postgraduate Diploma in Canadian citizenship and immigration law at the Ǫueen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, Canada. This addition to my professional portfolio was borne of the desire to help others who wish to visit, study, migrate and work in Canada. Immigration laws, regulations, policies and programs change often, and people can end up either struggling to find enough information or feeling overwhelmed by too much of it. Navigating immigration applications can be a daunting task and you may feel like a hamster on a wheel – spinning quickly yet going nowhere.
What is a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC)?
A Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) is a professional licensed by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC). They are authorized by the Canadian government to provide expert guidance on Canadian immigration and citizenship matters. In order to become an RCIC, a person has to pass examinations, acquire postgraduate qualifications, undertake Continuing Professional Development courses, purchase Errors C Omissions insurance and adhere to a strict Code of Professional Conduct. Only RCICs and Canadian immigration lawyers are legally allowed to charge fees for immigration advice or representation.
Benefits of using a licensed RCIC
- A licensed RCIC gives you accurate, professional, clear and regulated immigration advice. RCICs are trained experts who understand the complexities of Canadian immigration law and can assist you in navigating the process efficiently. This reduces errors and improves your chances of success;
- RCICs are required to keep abreast of changing regulations, policies and laws. Each year, an RCIC MUST undertake 16 hours of Continuing Professional Development courses;
- Every RCIC MUST purchase Errors and Omissions insurance (insurance that protects you if a mistake is made);
- Each client has access to a formal complaints process through the CICC;
- An RCIC understands that immigration applications are not a one-size-fits-all process. They can assess your individual background and help you find the best and most realistic immigration pathway for your individual goals;
- An RCIC can communicate with IRCC on your behalf and handle any issues that may arise during your application process. This can be helpful if you encounter any difficulties or if your application is delayed or denied;
- RCICs are regulated by their licensing body CICC and are held to high standards of professionalism, ethics and compliance.
How to verify if someone is licensed
In order to verify if someone is a licensed RCIC, you can check the CICC’s public registry using their name, business name or licensee number. Check that their status says “Active”. Verify if their contact information matches what they have provided you.
What’s next?
When you are ready to begin your application, the first step is often a consultation. These consultations are important in that they will allow your RCIC to gather further information about you and give you advice which is relevant to your specific circumstances.
I hope this column has helped enlighten you about the first stages of your immigration applications. Please join me again next time where we will discuss Temporary Resident Visas.
To book a consultation, please feel free to send me a whatsapp message at 437-556-1784 or send an email to [email protected] and let us start your immigration journey.
All consultations are held virtually so there is no need to disrupt your day or incur travel expenses to explore your options.
You can also find more information on our Instagram page: mna_immigration or on Facebook: MNA Immigration Consulting.
The True North awaits you! Until next time….
