Regulator Cautions the Public: Only Use Immigration Representatives
Authorized by the Canadian Government

TORONTO , Jan. 20 /CNW/ - In light of the Government of Canada's decision to expedite immigration applications from Haitians with family in Canada on compassionate grounds, the Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants (CSIC) is cautioning those who might decide to hire a paid immigration representative to only hire one that is authorized by the Canadian Government.

The Government of Canada will not deal with non-authorized representatives who charge a fee for their service.

The Canadian Immigration and Refugee Protection Act Regulations states that those who, for a fee, advise, represent or consult clients on matters before the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, an officer or the Immigration and Refugee Board need to be members of the Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants, a lawyer who is a member of a provincial or territorial bar, or the Chambre des notaires du Québec.

"CSIC and its members are very sympathetic to the victims of the Haitian earthquake. The Society's mandate is to protect the public. We are cautioning the public to exercise due diligence when making the decision to use an immigration representative," said John Ryan CSIC Chair and Acting CEO. "If you are paying for immigration advice, representation or consultation, only authorized representatives have the ability to appear before the Government of Canada on your behalf."

CSIC members are equipped with the latest information on immigration law, procedures and practices. They hold errors and omissions insurance and are held accountable to high professional standards.

"Remember there is no requirement that you hire someone to represent you, hiring a Lawyer or Consultant, while advisable will not result in faster processing of your application or special treatment by the Government of Canada ," said Ryan

Find out more about immigration onsultants/representatives: www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/representative/index.asp

The Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants is the professional regulatory body for immigration consultants in Canada . Established in 2004 it currently has more than 1600 members. CSIC's mandate is to protect consumers of immigration consulting services. Consequently, it is responsible for ensuring the education, competency testing and the discipline of its members. CSIC also requires its members to carry errors and omissions insurance and to contribute to a compensation fund.

For further information: Nancy Tibbo, [phone], Toll Free: 1-866-308-CSIC (2252), [email protected]