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 ISSO provides information and support for 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. You can check if someone is authorized by visiting the Government of Canada law society directory.

An Authorized Representative will always ask you to sign an IMM 5476 Use of Representative form, found on the IRCC site, 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.

Still have questions? Connect with us through the ISSO’s Contact Us page!