What Are the Usual Charges for Canadian Immigration Consultants?

Immigrating to Canada is sought by many worldwide and there is a huge influx of immigrants each year. 

However, Canada does have a lot of regulations and paperwork involved in the process. The process can be time-consuming, frustrating, and complex. 

Many types of different processes and different methods of immigrating to Canada can exist, from student visas to family member immigration policies. 

Individuals can be concerned about the fees for an Immigration Consultant in Toronto, as well and if they are legitimate and we will try and answer these questions. 

Why hire a Canadian Immigration Consultant? 

The process of immigration can be difficult and confusing with a mass of initial fees, differing fee schedules, and then processing fees added on. 

A good Canadian Immigration Consultant can effectively save time, money, and stress and will put each applicant in a better position for approval. 

Approximation of Canadian Immigration Fees by the Government 

Fees vary depending on the type of immigration and some applications may have additional processing fees so this is only a general breakdown and should be discussed with a Canadian Immigration Consultant

Investors, entrepreneurs, and self-employment applicants can pay the following:

$1575 for the applicant, any marital partner or significant other, an additional $825, and for a child under the age of 22, who is non-working, $225. 

Immigration fees for economic reasons are higher and have special circumstances:

The main applicant fee will be about $2075, $1325 for a spouse or partner, and the usual $225 for a child under 22 who is not employed. This type of immigration varies by entry status, such as Federal workers, or by provinces or territories sometimes. 

Sponsorship of a family for immigration

This applies to those that are already permanent residents and want to bring their families over to Canada: 

This is a bit different with each family member having a fee of $490, except for children under 22 when it drops to $150. There can be extra fees applied for the permanent resident who must pay $1050. The type of relationship can determine the fees also. 

Permanent residency fees

These are so variable and the fee can be refundable if not approved. It is on the applicants to determine and prove the need for relocation and the relationship to the individual who is already residing in Canada. 

Fees can be adjusted according to the timeframe in which the government takes to decide. 

Seeking citizenship fees 

These are applied as the final step, and citizenship is eminent.

18 years or older is $630, under 18 years, is $100, even if adopted, citizenship certificates are $75 per individual, and resuming citizenship applications if not completed yet or in the process are $530. 

These are exactly what they state, “processing fees” by the Canadian government. 

Working and/or studying fees in Canada

These can be called temporary residency fees but include a Visa. The Visa processing fees are cheaper. It is a straight $100 per individual and all members should apply at once to save money if applying to study. 

A work Visa can be more expensive, with about $155 per person, $465 per 3 members, and $500 for 5 members so it is wise to apply for as many as possible simultaneously. 

Restoring a lapsed work Visa is $200 per person and restoring a student Visa is $350. 

Additional fees-Biometric 

These are statistical fees tacked on for the time the government spends processing any additional paperwork. One individual pays $85, families of 5 pay $170, and 3 members non-related pay $255. 

Hiring a Canadian Immigration Consultant saves money ultimately

With all the fees above, it is easy to see that a Canadian Immigration Consultant, with a straight fee schedule can easily save money for any client. Plus the chances of getting approved do improve dramatically. 

Canadian Immigration Consultants know all facets of the immigration process, from Express Entry to Permanent Residency requirements. 

How much do Canadian Immigration Consultants charge? 

Here is a brief rundown on what to expect in the way of costs as each case and each consultant do vary. Consultants can be attorneys or even notary publics and attorney consultants generally charge per hour. 

Applicants can assume that they will pay $100 to $300 per hour, for an immigration attorney who is practicing as a Canadian Immigration Consultant, while a notary or a person who is simply certified as a Canadian Immigration Consultant, will bring the price down to a mere $50 to $200 per hour. 

There are also flat-fee rate consultants

Those whose services run about $1000 to $2000 and sometimes higher if there are extenuating circumstances such as a criminal record, or other problems. 

Some consultants can offer virtual remote consultations and that also can bring down the price. If many steps are needed in immigration to Canada, such as combining a work Visa with a temporary and then permanent application, of course, the prices will increase. 

How does one know if a Canadian Immigration Consultant is legitimate? 

Canada is very strict about its immigration policies and regulates the Canadian Immigration Consultant business. Not just any individuals can start assisting others in the immigration process. 

Certifications are needed and must be kept in “good standing” each year of practice. A close eye is kept on Canadian Immigration Consultants by the Canadian Government and anyone seeking to use a consultant should indeed check for licensing and the requirements put on the consultants by the government. 

Provincial laws must also be followed and anyone seeking immigration to Canada should check each Canadian Immigration Consultant’s background thoroughly. 

Conclusion on Canadian Immigration Consultants

Whether choosing an attorney who is versed in Canadian Immigration, a notary, or just a sole proprietorship or firm that specializes in Canadian Immigration, anyone seeking immigration to Canada has many options both in choice of consultant and pricing. 

However, a thorough investigation into any consultant and of course, feeling comfortable with a consultant is extremely important. Putting money aside for issues that might crop up unexpectedly or delays in paperwork is a good idea. 

Canada offers much to individuals such as beautiful living and of course, healthcare and other amenities. But nothing is worse than being denied a Visa or residency due to shabby paperwork so the choice of a Canadian Immigration Consultant is crucial.