If you’ve decided that you want to become an immigration consultant, there are a few things you should know before you get started. Before you can start helping people, you must become a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant and pass a background check. You must also be independent enough to make decisions on your own. Finally, you must understand that you cannot guarantee placement. However, there are several benefits to becoming an immigration consultant.
Become a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant
As a regulated Canadian immigration consultant, you need a graduate degree in immigration and pass the Entry-to-Practice Exam administered by the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council. In addition, a regulated consultant will work for your best interests. As a result, you will have more confidence in the process.
Pass a background check
One of the first steps in becoming an immigration consultant is to pass a background check. The government will transmit the information electronically to the Secretary of State. Once your application has been approved, the IRCC will send you an e-mail containing the background check results. You’ll need to submit all necessary documents and wait for the background check. The process can take anywhere from 2 to 4 months.
Be able to make decisions on your own
A graduate degree in law or business administration is not necessarily necessary for becoming an immigration consultant. A few courses are enough to qualify you for this career. Taking courses related to immigration is a great way to learn about your field and inspire professionalism. The most important thing to remember is that you should not be a paralegal or consultant – the role of an immigration consultant is to represent you and guide you through the process.
Can’t guarantee placement
Immigration consultants in Canada are regulated by the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council. There are also plans for a college of immigration consultants to be created by the current government. Check the website for a seal of approval before entrusting your money to a consultant. Fake websites will copy legitimate registration information, so be cautious of those offering false assurance. Immigration forums are useful for determining whether an immigration consultant is legit.
