Should I hire a lawyer or consultant for my immigration application?

Many Carleton students are able to prepare their own study and work permit applications. IRCC’s online system is easy to use, and the GO-ISSO provides information and support for the most common student immigration applications.

If you pay someone to do an immigration application for you, make sure they are an Authorized Representative under Canadian law: a lawyer, paralegal, Quebec notary, or Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant. These professionals are members of regulatory bodies that work to protect consumers against fraud and unethical practices. Directories for checking whether someone is authorized are listed at the IRCC website.

An Authorized Representative will always ask you to sign an IMM 5476 Use of Representative form to include with your application. Using an unauthorized or undeclared representative is illegal and may lead to a refusal of your application.

Applications prepared by Authorized Representatives don’t get faster processing times or other preferential treatment from IRCC.

Learn more about Authorized Representatives from the IRCC’s website.