It’s no secret that Canada has a problem with ghost consultants. These are individuals who pose as immigration experts but don’t actually have the experience or qualifications to offer sound advice. As a result, they often prey on vulnerable people, charging them high fees for services that are either not necessary or could do more harm than good.

Fortunately, there are ways to spot a ghost consultant before you become their victim.

Table of contents

How can you spot a ghost consultant

If you’re looking to immigrate to Canada, it’s important to work with a qualified and experienced consultant. Unfortunately, there are many unauthorized consultants out there who prey on unsuspecting immigrants.

Ghost consultants pose as immigration experts, but often prey on vulnerable people and charge them high fees for services that are not necessary or could do more harm than good.

So how can you spot a ghost consultant before it’s too late?

Here are some tips:

Check a consultant's credentials

Check the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC) website to see if the consultant is registered with the council. Only licensed immigration consultants who are registered are allowed to provide immigration advice. Immigration lawyers who are registered under a law society can also provide immigration services in Canada.

Unrealistic promises

Beware of consultants who make unrealistic promises or guarantee results. Legitimate consultants will be upfront about the fact that there is no guarantee that your application will be approved.

References

Get quotes from several different consultants before making a decision. Don’t be afraid to ask for references.

Fees

Make sure you understand what services the consultant is offering and what the fees entail. Don’t hesitate to ask questions until you’re confident you understand everything.

Referrals

Ask for referrals from friends or family who have recently immigrated to Canada. They’ll be able to recommend a reputable consultant.

male being interviewed

What are some of the dangers of working with ghost consultants

Working with ghost consultants can be very dangerous. They may charge you for services that aren't necessary, or they may give you bad advice that can ruin your chances of getting a visa or becoming a permanent resident. They may make you believe everything is in order until you are at a Canadian airport and the Canada Border Services Agency tell you otherwise.

They may also steal your money, or even worse, give you fake documents that could get you arrested or deported.

What should you do if you've been scammed by a ghost consultant

If you think you may have been scammed by a ghost consultant, the first thing you should do is contact the Canadian Immigration authorities. They will be able to help you report the fraud and take steps to protect yourself from further scams.

You should also contact your local police department and file a report. Finally, if you have paid any money to the ghost consultant, try to get a refund through your credit card company or bank.

Canadian Immigration Consultant Canmore

Importance of working with qualified Canadian immigration consultants

There are many benefits to working with qualified Canadian immigration consultants. First and foremost, they have a wealth of experience and knowledge to draw upon when it comes to the Canadian immigration process. They can provide expert advice on everything from filling out the necessary paperwork to preparing for interviews with Canadian officials.

In addition, they can offer valuable insights into the cultural norms and expectations of life in Canada. This can be invaluable for newcomers who want to make sure that they are able to successfully integrate into their new homes. Qualified immigration consultants can also provide important support during what can be a stressful and overwhelming process. Their services can provide peace of mind and help to ensure that everything goes smoothly.

In short, working with qualified Canadian immigration consultants offers a number of advantages and can make the whole process much less daunting.

Conclusion

If you’re looking to immigrate to Canada, it’s important to work with a qualified and experienced licensed immigration consultant or immigration lawyer who understands Canadian immigration law and the immigration process.

Unfortunately, there are many unlicensed consultants out there who prey on unsuspecting immigrants. Follow the tips in this article to spot a ghost consultant before it’s too late, and always do your research before hiring anyone to help you with your immigration application.

We hope you enjoyed this article on how to spot a ghost consultant. If you have had problems or are concerned about a ghost consultant get in touch with Wild Mountain Immigration.

Nicola Wightman is a qualified Canadian immigration consultant under the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC) which is there to regulate immigration consultants and to ensure the Canadian immigration consulting profession has high standards across the board.

If you are planning on moving to Canada, check out our moving to Canada guide and our how to move to Canada post.

check status