Reasons to Hire an Immigration Consultant
Canadian Immigration Consultant Fees
As we mentioned above, the fees charged by Canadian immigration consultants can vary quite a bit. In most cases, the total cost of using a consultant's services will fall somewhere between $500 and $5,000. However, there are some consultants who charge as much as $10,000 or more depending on the file type.
The majority of consultants will break down their fees into multiple payments, typically spread out over the course of your application process. This makes it easier for you to budget for their services. In some cases, consultants may also offer discounts if you pay their fees in full upfront.
What Factors Affect Consultant Fees?
There are a few factors that can affect the fees charged by immigration consultants, including:
- -The program you're applying for: Some programs (like the simple work permits or some types of temporary residence applications) are simpler than others and require less work from the consultant. As such, they typically come with lower price tags. More complex programs (like those involving family sponsorship, provincial nominations or applications where Permanent Residence is the end goals) can take months to complete and often require more time and resources from the consultant. These types of cases usually cost more to handle.
- -The complexity of your case: If your case is relatively straightforward (e.g., you have no criminal history and meet all the requirements for your chosen program), you can expect to pay less than someone with a more complex case (e.g., you have a criminal history or need help overcoming a specific obstacle like inadmissibility for health reasons or other complications).
- -The location of the consultant: Immigration consulting firms in larger cities tend to charge more than those based in smaller towns or rural areas. This is because overhead costs (e.g., rent, salaries) are usually higher in big cities.
- -The experience of the consultant: Generally speaking, newly minted consultants will charge less than those who have been in business for many years. However, it's important to remember that experience isn't everything—you should also make sure that any consultant you're considering is qualified and accredited by the CICC
How To Find An Affordable Consultant ?
Just because someone charges less doesn't necessarily mean they're the best person for the job—but it doesn't hurt to ask around and get quotes from a few different consultants before making your final decision. Here are a few tips to help you find an affordable consultant:
- Getting a personal referral is always a good idea.
- Check out online directories like Google Business, Yellow Pages and Yelp to find lists of local immigration consulting firms. Once you've compiled a list of potential candidates, reach out to each one and ask for a quote.
- When comparing quotes from different consultants, be sure to ask about payment plans and discounts that may be available. Some firms offer discounts for students or seniors, so it's worth asking about those options as well.
- Finally, don't forget to check out each firm's website and social media accounts—this is usually where you'll find customer reviews that can give you insights into what it's like to work with them.