Using Representatives and Consultants

You don’t need to hire an immigration representative for your application. Using one will not guarantee approval, and it is your choice to do so.

For Employers: Declare any hired representative in your AIP endorsement application(s). If you do not declare your representative, your application may be denied, and you may lose your status as a designated employer.

For Candidates: Indicate any hired representative using the applicable form.

The Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism can contact you directly, even if you use a representative.

Key Points:

• You don’t need a representative to apply for permanent or temporary residence, or for your citizenship to Canada.
• Employers designated through the AIP get support from the federal government’s department of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and the provincial government’s department of Jobs, Immigration and Growth.
• Representatives don’t have special connections with government officials and can’t guarantee success.
• Only authorized officers with OIM and IRCC can make decisions on your endorsement and permanent residence application, respectively.
• Only certain professionals can charge a fee for immigration advice: lawyers, immigration consultants, and notaries in good standing.
• Check credentials before paying any fees. In particular, beware of internet scams. Use official websites for accurate information.
• Never use false documents or make false statements, even if your representative tells you to do so. This is illegal and will result in refusal of your application.
• All forms you must fill out under the AIP are free.
• IRCC Processing fees are the same worldwide, and are based on official exchange rates.
• Offices officially tasked with processing visa applications by the Canadian government will never ask you to deposit money into personal accounts or use private transfer companies.

If you suspect that you or anyone else may require additional information about immigration consultants, please contact IRCC or OIM for questions.

You can visit IRCC’s web pages on Immigration Representatives here.

You can contact OIM at pnp@gov.nl.ca or at aip@gov.nl.ca.

If you feel you have been treated unfairly by your representative, you can reach out to OIM and file a complaint through IRCC’s website