August 18, 2025
Immigration to Canada is a life-changing journey. It involves complex laws, evolving regulations, and detailed documentation — and any mistakes can cause delays, refusals, or even jeopardize your future plans. That’s why it’s crucial to work with a licensed immigration professional who is actively authorized to practice as a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC).
Unfortunately, many people unknowingly trust unlicensed or unauthorized individuals, which can lead to serious legal and financial consequences. Here’s what you need to know to protect yourself and ensure your application is in safe hands.
1. Only Work with an Actively Licensed RCIC
RCICs are regulated by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC), which means they must meet strict professional standards, follow an enforceable Code of Professional Conduct, and remain in good standing to practice.
Hiring a licensed RCIC ensures:
- Your representative is legally authorized to give immigration advice and represent you before Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
- You are working with someone who keeps up-to-date with policy changes and program requirements.
- You have a formal accountability mechanism in case of misconduct.
You can (and should) verify an RCIC’s active status directly through the CICC’s official public registry.
2. A Retainer Agreement Is Not Optional. Its Protection
For every immigration service you hire a consultant for — whether it’s a visitor visa, work permit, study permit, PR application, or citizenship — you must sign a written retainer agreement.
This agreement:
- Clearly outlines the scope of work your consultant will do for you.
- Details fees, timelines, and responsibilities.
- Protects both you and your consultant in case of disputes or misunderstandings.
If a consultant does not provide a signed retainer for each service, that’s a red flag. Legitimate professionals will never start work without it.
3. In Nova Scotia. Never Ask an Immigration Consultant for a Job
It’s important to understand that immigration consultants are not job placement agencies.
In Nova Scotia, anyone helping you find a job must be a licensed recruiter under the province’s Foreign Worker Recruitment and Immigration Services Act. An RCIC without a recruiter’s license cannot lawfully connect you to an employer or arrange employment.
If you need help with a job search, work only with:
- Licensed recruiters registered in Nova Scotia, or
- Employers hiring directly.
Asking an immigration consultant for a job or agreeing to pay them for one could put both you and the consultant at legal risk.
4. Protect Your Future. Choose Wisely
Immigration is too important to risk on guesswork or unauthorized advice. By working with an actively licensed RCIC, signing a clear retainer agreement for each service, and respecting Nova Scotia’s recruitment laws, you’re taking the safest and most professional route to achieving your Canadian goals.
If you want to confirm that you are working with a qualified and authorized immigration professional, GreenDot Immigration Services is here to help. Our RCIC is in good standing with the CICC and committed to ethical, transparent, and client-focused representation.
📞 Contact us today at +1(902)332 0368 to discuss your immigration needs and take the next step with confidence.
