Step 1: World 2 Canada will conduct a pre-assessment of which category will be most suitable for you to submit an immigration application to Canada.
Step 2: Once your assessment is complete, you should receive a letter outlining the documents and forms that need to be completed.
Step 3: You will work with a partner organization to prepare your application. For example, if you are applying as a student, you will be referred to an Education Agent that will help you select the correct program and match you with a school. There is generally no cost to you for the services of the Education Agent.
Step 4: Once you have been matched, and the necessary pre-approvals have been received from the Canadian government you file matched with the lawyer who will process your application, review or prepare your immigration plan and give you a written outline of your cost of immigrating including government filing fees.
Step 5: Once you have retained the lawyer, he/she will complete your application and assist you with submitting the necessary completed forms and government fees.
Step 6: After gaining admission and arriving in Canada, you may keep in touch with your Education Agent and Lawyer to assist you with additional school choices, work permits, extensions or application for permanent residence in Canada, and family reunification plans.
Do’s and Don’ts
DO NOT pay UP-FRONT FEES to agents to process your application. There are many companies who will ask you for up-front fees to conduct an assessment of your eligibility. This is a sign that these companies are illegitimate and are preying upon your desire to immigrate. For example, do not pay anyone to get you admission into a school. This is a free service that we will provide for you.
DO NOT use UNLICENSED AGENTS/CONSULTANTS to help with your immigration process. Make sure that a lawyer who is licensed with a Law Society in Canada handles your application. Do not be swayed by a persons purported degrees or designations. The most important information is that they are licensed to practice law with the Law Society in their jurisdiction so you may be represented at all levels within the Canadian legal system. To confirm a lawyer’s license, you can log onto the website of the Law Society in the province where they purport to practice law and check their qualifications. A lawyer will charge you for the legal immigration services and will advise you of their fee in advance. Lawyers fees are paid to their trust account and held until you are sent the bill and the service is complete. Note: a non-lawyer will often charge you more money than a lawyer because they are not accountable to a governing body like the Law Society. To check if your representative is a lawyer visit: The Law Society of Upper Canada
DO NOT use the services of anyone who cannot give you COMPREHENSIVE LEGAL ADVICE. For example, many consultants are not equipped to advise you on family renunciation issues and unsuspecting immigrants are often placed in immigration categories that separate them from their families without prior explanation and planning. This brings a great deal of stress on the immigration process and many immigrants end up returning home prematurely. Take your time and work with your lawyer to have the best outcomes for you and your loved ones.
DO NOT pay excessive fees for information. Sometimes immigration conferences are held, the fee for the conference should not exceed a few hundred US dollars. The fee should just be to cover the cost of the conference (registration), but not for immigration services. These conferences are a good way to learn about the immigration process and to meet education agents, employers and lawyers that will ease your transition to Canada.
DO NOT believe anyone who guarantees your successful immigration application. The truth is your chances of succeeding depend on your qualifications and how well you prepare your application. Hiring a qualified expert will give you the best chance of success.
DO draft an IMMIGRATION PLAN for yourself outlining your goals. Discuss this plan with your lawyer to make sure that issues like how to see your spouse and children are addressed before you immigrate. Have your lawyer explain the visa process if you are not travelling with family members and will require family members to visit you in your new country. In addition, if you will require a job to supplement your income, make sure you discuss the prospects of obtaining a work permit with your lawyer. Minimize the stress of being separated from your loved ones by planning how you will see them or not, while you are abroad.
DO always obtain a WRITTEN outline or ESTIMATE OF ALL FEES and cost up front from your lawyer. For example, if you are studying, you need an estimate of room and board, tuition, travel, and all legal and government filing fees. Make sure that fees are wired to an account that states XYZ, in trust. The “in trust” ensures that your work will be completed before the monies are transferred to the lawyer’s personal account as regulated by the Law Society.
