What does an immigration representative do?

You can handle immigration applications yourself, or you can choose to use a representative.

But why would you choose to use a representative?

What exactly does an immigration representative do?

Consult with an experienced immigration representative

What a representative does

offer you immigration advice;
identify the most appropriate immigration program(s) for your objectives;
complete your forms and your application(s);
communicate with the government on your behalf; and
represent you in hearings.

Different representatives will provide varying levels of service depending on their business model and your particular needs.

Before entering into an agreement, ensure that you understand exactly what services the representative will be providing, and what your responsibilities will be.

Does using a representative give you an advantage?

If you were to submit the exact same application, once on your own, and once using a representative, the use of a representative would have no bearing on your chances of success.

Representatives do not have super powers, and cannot exert any special influence to sway the decision(s) of government officials.

But using a representative can certainly

help you pick the right program more quickly and easily;
make it easier for you to submit your application;
reduce the risk of mistakes on your application; and
help you deal with any unforeseen issues with your application.

Paid vs unpaid representatives

Paid representatives must be authorized by the government. Only appropriately licensed professionals can legally act as paid representatives.

Anyone can act as an unpaid representative.

You must declare on your application any use of a representative, paid or unpaid. Failing to do so can lead to your application being refused.

The value of advice

When many people think about immigration representatives, they think about the representatives filling out the forms and completing the application.

But the main value in a representative consists not in handling the mechanics of the application process, but in the personalized advice they provide you.

A reputable immigration representative can help you quickly and easily understand the best program for you and your chances of success for that program.

They can also help you take proactive steps to avoid any potential pitfalls that could lead to your application being returned or refused.

Consult with an experienced immigration representative