Quebec is one such concerned province in Canada that has recently rolled out a few regulations to the immigration consultants. This concern is for the potential immigrants who want to migrate to Canada. In an effort to discourage the unlawful immigration consultancy practices that have been cheating on many prospective immigrants, the provincial government of Quebec has recently announced what are the guidelines that from now onwards immigration consultants in Quebec should stick to.

As per the recent regulations proposed by the Quebec government, immigration consultants must clear a test and they have to register with the Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants. Besides, they should have a clean background in this practice and fair knowledge of French language and should be residents of Quebec.

With this implementation, a public database will also help people identify which immigration consultants are accredited by the provincial government and those who are not recognized. The new guidelines for the consultants clearly indicate that the Quebec government will no more accept illegal immigration consultancy services that would deter prospective migrants from entering Canada. The government made it clear that all services will have to obey the guidelines, else they will have to stop their practices.

In appreciation of the guidelines, the Canadian federal government showed its keenness of implementing similar actions. However, the government is yet to reveal when it’s going to make this happen in the future!

The steps taken by the government of Quebec are undoubtedly commendable. Since, cases of cheating people by false or dishonest immigration consultants are common in many places. Hope, other countries and places would also take such steps in the near future and let lawful consultants provide services!

Many a times, Immigration Representatives are confused or interchanged with immigration consultants. For those with the above thinking, it is for them to know that there is a difference between the two. An Immigration Representative is authorized to represent an applicant by the Canadian High Commission.

However, it is not mandatory to hire the services of a representative. It is totally on the applicant since it doesn’t give any added advantage or additional points with a representative. However, he would be able to guide you better. These services would definitely help you in taking the right steps. You can avail their services to act on your behalf and present your case.

While selecting an Immigration Representative, you have to be very particular on whom to select. It is important to know that there are two types of Immigration Representatives. These are –

• Paid Representatives – These include established lawyers who are in good books with the Canadian Provincial or the Territorial Law Society. This category also involves Immigration consultants who are registered with the Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants and the Notaries who are the members of Chambre des notaires du Québec as well.
• Unpaid Representatives – These representatives do not charge any fee for their consultation. These include your own friends and family or someone from the non – governmental or a religious group or organization.

In both the cases, the Government of Canada does not comply with unauthorized representatives presenting cases on behalf of the applicants.

In case of representatives, there have been many instances where in the applicants have been duped for money. So, it is always better to do a background check of the consultancy. This could be done by interacting with other clients and being informed in prior.

All in all, a well planned step would ensure a good of your money!