Immigration Lawyer vs Consultant: Which Do You Need?
Choose a representative whose licence, experience and scope of practice fit your application. Here is how to compare an immigration lawyer with a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC).
Can both help with a Canadian immigration application?
A licensed RCIC and a lawyer in good standing with a Canadian law society can both provide paid immigration advice and representation within their professional scope. Federal Court proceedings require a different scope from preparing an application to IRCC.
Who you work with at RA Migration
RA Migration is an immigration consulting firm in Burlington, Ontario, led by Rami Khattouf, RCIC #R531957. We provide consultations in English and Arabic, online and from our Burlington office. RA Migration is an RCIC practice. If your matter requires Federal Court advice or representation, contact a licensed lawyer.
Check the representative's professional registration before paying. IRCC explains who is authorized to represent you.
Compare an immigration consultant and an immigration lawyer
| What to check | Regulated consultant (RCIC) | Immigration lawyer |
|---|---|---|
| Regulator | College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC). | A Canadian provincial or territorial law society. Ontario lawyers are regulated by the Law Society of Ontario. |
| Application help | Advice, preparation and representation within the consultant's licensed scope. | Immigration advice, preparation and representation within the lawyer's competence. |
| Immigration and Refugee Board matters | Check the licence class. RCIC-IRB (Class L3) authorizes practice before the IRB. | Check the lawyer's experience with the relevant IRB division and type of proceeding. |
| Federal Court judicial process | An immigration consultant cannot provide legal advice about, or represent you in, this judicial process. | A lawyer can advise and represent you. The Court also provides information for individuals representing themselves. |
| Cost and fit | Ask for a written scope, professional fee and exclusions for your case. | Ask for a written scope, professional fee and exclusions for your case. |
Verify licence classes through the CICC Public Register guidance. For court matters, read the Federal Court's explanation of who may represent you.
What do you need help with?
Start with your application, documents and deadlines. Then compare the representative's experience with that specific type of work.
Permanent residence
Express Entry eligibility, application preparation and a plan for your supporting documents.
Spousal sponsorship
Help organizing relationship evidence, sponsor information and the application package.
Work and study permits
Review the appropriate permit and your current status before deciding the next step.
Parents visiting Canada
Compare Super Visa requirements with the evidence you and your parents can provide.
Employer immigration
Coordinate employer and worker information for hiring and permanent residence planning.
Refusals and IRB matters
Identify the decision, your deadline and the representative's authorized scope. Federal Court matters need a lawyer.
Questions to ask before hiring a representative
- Who is the licensed professional responsible for my file, and where can I verify their registration?
- Have you handled this type of application or proceeding, including the issues in my case?
- Does the quoted fee cover advice, document review, submission and responses to government requests?
- Which government fees, translations and other expenses are separate?
- Who will communicate with me, and how will I receive updates and copies of submitted documents?
- What happens if my situation changes or the matter falls outside your scope?
Compare the proposed work, communication and exclusions alongside the price. A low quote may cover fewer steps. Neither a consultant nor a lawyer can guarantee an immigration decision. IRCC also makes clear that hiring a representative is optional and does not give an application special attention. See IRCC's advice on choosing a representative.
Common questions about immigration lawyers and consultants
RA Migration is an immigration consulting firm led by Rami Khattouf, RCIC #R531957. You can meet the responsible consultant on our team page and verify registration through the CICC Public Register.
Fees depend on the professional, the work included and your case. Compare written quotes for the same scope. RA Migration's initial consultation is 40 minutes for $99 CAD plus applicable tax. Application representation is quoted separately in writing. See our fees page.
The Federal Court states that an immigration consultant cannot represent you in its proceedings or provide legal advice regarding your Federal Court judicial process. Contact a licensed lawyer for that advice or representation. The Court also has resources for people representing themselves.
RA Migration provides online consultations to clients across Ontario, including Toronto, Mississauga, Hamilton and Oakville. In-person appointments are at our Burlington office, 4145 North Service Road, Suite 200. Advice is available in English and Arabic.