Frequently Asked Questions

About Immigration Consultants

What is a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC)?

A Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) is an immigration professional authorized by the Canadian government to provide immigration advice and represent clients in immigration matters. RCICs are regulated by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC) and must meet strict education, experience, and ethical standards. Only RCICs, lawyers, and Quebec notaries can legally provide paid immigration services in Canada.

How do I know if someone is a legitimate immigration consultant?

Only Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs), lawyers, and Quebec notaries can legally provide paid immigration services in Canada. Always verify credentials by checking the CICC public register at www.college-ic.ca. Beware of "ghost consultants" who are not regulated—they are breaking the law and can seriously harm your case. All Fireweed Immigration consultants are registered RCICs with the CICC.

What are "ghost consultants"?

Ghost consultants are unlicensed, unregulated individuals who offer immigration services for payment but are not authorized to do so. They often charge low fees, make false promises, provide incorrect advice, and disappear when problems arise. Using a ghost consultant can result in application refusals, bans from Canada, and loss of money with no legal recourse. Always verify your consultant is a licensed RCIC, lawyer, or Quebec notary.

The Application Process

How long does Canadian immigration take?

Processing times vary significantly depending on the type of application, your country of origin, the complexity of your case, and current IRCC processing volumes. Times range from a few weeks (visitor visas from some countries) to several years (parent/grandparent sponsorship). We provide current processing time estimates during consultation and keep you updated throughout your application.

Can I work while my application is being processed?

It depends on the type of application and your current status. Some applications (like inland spousal sponsorship after Approval in Principle) allow you to apply for a work permit while waiting. Others do not provide work authorization during processing. We can explain your specific work authorization options during consultation.

What is IRCC?

IRCC stands for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. It is the government of the government of Canada responsible for immigration, refugee protection, and citizenship. IRCC processes all immigration applications and makes decisions on who can enter and remain in Canada.

Can I travel while my application is being processed?

It depends on your application type and current status. For some applications (like outland spousal sponsorship), you can travel freely. For others (like inland spousal sponsorship), leaving Canada may jeopardize your application. We provide clear guidance on travel during processing based on your specific situation.

Can you guarantee my application will be approved?

No. Immigration decisions are made by IRCC officers, and no immigration consultant or lawyer can guarantee approval. What we can guarantee is that we'll prepare the strongest possible application, ensure all requirements are met, provide honest advice about your chances, and advocate for you throughout the process.

Yes, you can always contact IRCC directly through their web form, phone line, or online account. However, as your representatives, we manage communication with IRCC on your behalf and can address most questions or concerns. If you do contact IRCC directly, please let us know so we're aware of any information they've provided.

Can I contact IRCC directly if I have questions about my application?

Can I check my application status?

Yes. If you've submitted an application to IRCC, you can always check your status online through your IRCC account, by calling IRCC, or through the IRCC web form. We also monitor your application and keep you informed of any updates or requests from IRCC.

Our Consultations

What happens during a consultation?

How much do your services cost?

Do I have to hire you after the consultation?

During your consultation, we'll discuss your immigration goals and circumstances, assess which immigration programs or services may be appropriate for your situation, explain the process and requirements, answer all your questions, and provide honest advice about your options. If you decide to hire us, we'll provide a fee quote and explain next steps.

Our fees vary depending on the type of application and complexity of your case. Initial consultations are $150 for 60 minutes. Full service fees are provided during your consultation after we've assessed your specific situation. We provide transparent fee quotes and written service agreements before beginning work.

No. The consultation is an opportunity for you to get expert advice and understand your options. You are under no obligation to hire us afterward. If you choose to proceed with our services, we'll enter into a written service agreement.

What should I bring to my consultation?

Bring any relevant documents related to your immigration situation, such as: passports, previous visas or permits, refusal letters, education credentials, employment letters, language test results, and any correspondence from IRCC. However, don't delay booking a consultation if you don't have all documents ready—we can assess your situation and advise on what you'll need.

How do virtual consultations work?

Virtual consultations are conducted via secure video conferencing (such as Zoom or Microsoft Teams). You'll receive a meeting link before your scheduled consultation. All you need is a computer, tablet, or smartphone with internet connection, camera, and microphone. Virtual consultations are just as effective as in-person meetings and allow us to serve clients wherever they are.

How do I book a consultation?

You can book a consultation by contacting us directly through this website or emailing us at info@fireweedimmigration.ca. We offer virtual consultations via video call for clients across Canada and beyond.

Our Service Agreements

What happens after I hire you?

After you hire us, we'll enter into a written service agreement outlining the scope of work, fees, and an approximate timeline. We'll provide you with a detailed checklist of documents we need, guide you through gathering everything required, prepare your application thoroughly, submit it to IRCC, and keep you informed throughout processing. We're available to answer questions and provide support at every stage.

Can you expedite my application?

We cannot make IRCC process applications faster, as processing times are set by the government. However, we ensure your application is complete and accurate to avoid delays caused by missing information or errors. For certain applications, urgent processing may be available through IRCC if you meet specific criteria—we can advise if this is an option for your case.

Can you help me find a job in Canada?

No. We are immigration consultants, not employment recruiters. We can help you obtain work permits once you have a job offer, but we do not provide job search or recruitment services. If you're looking for work, we can point you to legitimate job search resources.

What if I change my mind after hiring you?

As per CICC regulations, you have the right to terminate our services at any time. If you choose to discontinue services, we'll provide you with all your documents and a summary of work completed. Refunds (if any) depend on the stage of work and are outlined in your service agreement.

Do you offer payment plans?

Payment arrangements depend on the service and are discussed during consultation. We provide clear fee structures and payment terms in our written service agreements. We can arrange payment plans on a case-by-case basis.

What's included in your service fees?

Our service fees cover professional consultation, case assessment, application preparation, document review and organization, submission to IRCC, application tracking, responding to IRCC requests, and ongoing communication and support throughout your case. Government fees (application fees paid directly to IRCC) are separate from our service fees. If there are additional services required, such as translation and interpretation services, these will also be invoiced separately; however in almost all circumstances this will be agreed upon in advance and outlined in the service agreement.

Refusals & Complex Situations

What if my situation is complicated?

Complex cases are exactly when professional representation is most valuable. Whether you have previous refusals, criminal inadmissibility, gaps in documentation, out-of-status situations, or other complications, we can help with navigating difficult circumstances.

Can you help with urgent situations?

We can assist with urgent immigration matters including imminent removal orders, immigration detention, and time-sensitive applications. However, we cannot guarantee immediate availability for emergencies. If you have an urgent situation, contact us during office hours or leave a detailed voicemail explaining the urgency, and we'll respond as quickly as possible.

What if I have a criminal record?

A criminal record may make you inadmissible to Canada, but it doesn't automatically disqualify you. Depending on the offense, timing, and completion of sentence, options may include: criminal rehabilitation, deemed rehabilitation (automatic after a certain time period), Temporary Resident Permits, or record suspension (pardon) in Canada. We can assess your situation and advise on eligibility and options.

What if I need to appeal an immigration decision?

For certain immigration decisions (such as spousal sponsorship refusals or refugee claim refusals), you have the right to appeal to the Immigration Appeal Division (IAD) or Refugee Appeal Division (RAD). We can represent you in these appeals. For judicial reviews (Federal Court), we refer clients to qualified immigration lawyers, as RCICs cannot represent clients in Federal Court.

Can you help me if I've been refused before?

Yes. We regularly assist clients who have had previous refusals. We review your refusal letter, identify the reasons for refusal, assess whether those concerns can be addressed, and help you prepare a stronger application or explore alternative options. Previous refusals don't automatically disqualify you from future applications if we can address the officer's concerns.

What happens if my application is refused?

If your application is refused, we review the refusal letter carefully to understand the reasons. Depending on the type of application and refusal reasons, options may include: reapplying with stronger documentation, appealing the decision (for certain applications), requesting judicial review (through a lawyer), or exploring alternative immigration pathways. We assess your situation and advise on the best path forward.

Contact Our Licensed Immigration Consultants

Question not answered? Get in touch for your immigration questions today.