Meeting with an Immigration Consultant
How to prepare, what to ask, documents to bring, and how to evaluate the right consultant for you.
Last verified: 2026-04-03
Context and Setup
You are considering applying for permanent residence, a work permit, a study permit, or facing an immigration issue. You have booked an initial consultation with an immigration consultant or lawyer (typically 30 to 90 minutes). You want to make the most of this consultation by being prepared, asking the right questions, and understanding whether this consultant is the right fit for you.
Not all immigration consultants are equal. In Canada, immigration consultants must be either licensed attorneys or certified by the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC). It is crucial to verify credentials and understand the consultant's experience with your specific situation.
The Conversation
Consultant
Good morning. Tell me about your situation and why you are seeking immigration advice.
You
I am currently on a work permit with [Employer]. I have [X years] of experience in [field]. I am interested in applying for permanent residence, but I'm not sure which pathway is available to me.
Provide a concise overview, then hand over your documents. Immigration consultants typically charge by the hour ($300-$800 per hour for lawyers, $150-$500 for ICCRC consultants). Be efficient with their time.
Consultant
Let me review your documents. (Reviews passport, work permit, employment letters, education credentials.) Based on your profile, you may be eligible for the Express Entry system under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) or possibly the Skilled Worker pathway, depending on your language test scores and work experience.
You
What are the main differences between CEC and Skilled Worker? Which one is stronger for my case?
A good consultant will explain the pros and cons of each pathway and be honest about which is most realistic for your profile. Be wary of consultants who guarantee outcomes.
Consultant
CEC requires at least 1 year of skilled Canadian work experience, which you have. It has faster processing times. Skilled Worker has a larger pool but more competition. For you, CEC is the clear choice.
You
What is your fee structure? Do you charge hourly or a flat fee? What is included in the fee?
Understand the cost structure upfront. Some consultants charge per hour, others charge a flat fee for preparing and submitting an application. Know what services are included and what costs extra (e.g., document translation, RCMP background check).
Consultant
I charge a flat fee of $2,500 to prepare and submit your Express Entry profile and application. This does not include translation, medical exam, or police background check fees, which are separate.
You
What should I do between now and the next appointment? Are there deadlines I should know about?
The consultant should provide clear action items: obtain language test results (IELTS or CELPIP), request Credential Evaluation Service (CES) assessment of your foreign credentials, or arrange medical exam. They should also advise on deadlines and what documents you need to gather.
What to Bring to Your Consultation
- Valid passport (with all pages, including visas and permits).
- Current work permit, study permit, or visitor visa (if applicable).
- Birth certificate or identity document from your home country.
- Marriage certificate or divorce decree (if applicable).
- Certificates of education (high school, bachelor's, master's degrees).
- Professional licenses or certifications.
- Employment letters from all employers (last 10 years).
- Proof of language test results (IELTS, CELPIP, TEF, etc.) if available.
- Any correspondence from immigration authorities (acceptance letters, refusal letters, etc.).
- Medical records or documentation of any health issues relevant to admissibility.
- Records of any criminal history or civil disputes.
- List of family members (names, dates of birth, relationships).
Critical Questions to Ask
- 1Are you a licensed lawyer or ICCRC-certified consultant? (Ask to see their credentials.)
- 2How many cases like mine have you handled? What was the success rate?
- 3What is the most realistic pathway for me, and why?
- 4What are the main risks or obstacles in my case?
- 5How long will the process take from start to decision?
- 6What is your complete fee, and what does it include? Are there additional costs?
- 7If my application is refused, what is the appeal process, and do you cover that?
- 8How will we communicate? How often? Will you update me on my application status?
- 9What documents do I need to gather before the next meeting?
- 10If my circumstances change (e.g., job loss, relationship breakdown), how does that affect my application?
Red Flags to Watch For
Guaranteed success
No consultant can guarantee approval. Anyone promising a guaranteed outcome is likely dishonest.
Pressure to pay upfront
While some upfront payment is normal, be suspicious of requests to pay the entire fee before work is started.
Unwillingness to answer questions
Good consultants welcome questions and are transparent about fees, timelines, and processes.
Vague fee structure
You should receive a clear written estimate of fees and services. Avoid consultants with unclear or hidden costs.
Requesting you lie or misrepresent facts
This is illegal and can result in permanent barring from Canada. Any consultant suggesting this is breaking the law.
No credentials or reluctance to provide them
Verify that your consultant is a lawyer or ICCRC member. You can check ICCRC status at iccrc-crcic.ca.
Pressure to decide immediately
Take time to think and compare consultants. You can also consult with more than one before deciding.
Key Statutes and References
When Should You Consult an Immigration Professional?
This platform is designed to help individuals understand their immigration rights, gather documentation, and navigate processes independently. Many routine applications and renewals can be handled without professional assistance.
The most effective time to engage an immigration lawyer or licensed RCIC is when facing a refusal, removal order, or complex application. A professional can review your complete file and provide strategic advice before you file an appeal or respond to enforcement action.
By gathering documentation and understanding the relevant statutes first, consultations become focused strategic reviews rather than costly fact-gathering sessions.
Read our full guide: Working with an Immigration Professional →
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Cite This Page
MyImmigrantRights.ca. "Meeting with an Immigration Consultant." Accessed April 3, 2026. https://myimmigrantrights.ca/scenarios/meeting-immigration-consultant
Written by the MyImmigrantRights.ca team, based on comprehensive research of Canadian immigration law, IRPA, the Citizenship Act, and IRCC policy guidance.