Question:
I will much appreciate it if anyone could tell me the address or
telephone number of the association of Canadian immigration
consultants.
Is there any requirement for a person to become an immigration
consultant?
Answer:
There is no professional requirement to become an OPIC Member, no
university education is needed, there are no licensing examinations, there
is no affiliation with any law society in Canada, and the group is not a
"Professional Corporation" in the sense of professions such as dentists,
doctors, or lawyers.
The association is based on the laissez-faire principle inherent in the
law of contract.The minimum standards of qualification are that they pay
their dues.
There are no controls on the comportment of their members. There is no
professional association in the sense that the law governs the activities
of their members. The 'code of conduct' has never been enforced.
Any individual may be an "immigration consultant" by calling himself or
herself an "immigration consultant".
The association is useful because it distributes information to its
members, and represents the interests of its members in its dealings with
various government departments.
Knowing the above, if you do intend to enter the realm of the immigration
consulting business, the OPIC contact is Paul Billings. He is personable,
knowledgeable, and may provide you with additional useful information
regarding your future plans.
am in contact with a consultant here in US; and they are about to
take my case; but seems they are US citizens. Does one have to be a Canadian
to be a consultant ?
Really wonna make sure about this before going any further.
I am sure that Mr Singer is an excellent Canadian lawyer. However, I have
to query this point. I have been dealing with Canadian immigration in the
UK for some years and have never experienced any problems with
the High Commission dealing with me and my client's cases!
