Many people may be unsure if they require assistance from an Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) agent or a Canadian lawyer when navigating the Canadian immigration procedure. Despite the fact that both experts may help with
immigration-related problems, there are some significant distinctions between them. The Canadian government has granted a license to IRCC representatives, also known as Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs), to offer immigration advice and representation. They are qualified and permitted to support a range of immigration petitions, including citizenship, permanent residency, work permits, and study permits. Yet, they are not authorized to offer legal counsel on topics other than immigration. On the other hand, Canadian attorneys are qualified to offer legal counsel on a variety of matters, including immigration, as they are admitted by their respective province or territorial law society. They are qualified to represent clients in court cases or hearings because they have a larger range of knowledge. Although lawyers can help with immigration applications, their services are frequently more expensive than those provided by IRCC staff. Accountability is another significant distinction between IRCC representatives and Canadian attorneys. The Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC), which oversees IRCC representatives, has strong standards for professional conduct. They are required to uphold ethical standards and may be subject to discipline if they do not. Moreover, lawyers are subject to disciplinary action for unethical behavior by their provincial or territorial law society. But there might be more controls in place for lawyers, including malpractice insurance. In conclusion, Canadian lawyers and IRCC agents can help with concerns relating to immigration. Yet, the decision between the two is based on the unique requirements and circumstances of the person. An IRCC representative may be adequate for people who only need help with immigration-related concerns, while Canadian lawyers may be helpful for those who need legal counsel on a variety of topics. In the end, it’s critical to conduct due diligence and select a respectable expert who is qualified and accountable to offer the required services.