Caregiver/Nany agency wants additional $2500 to turn over job letter

[joeturnercc]

Not sure this is the right place for this.  However, since the CIC call centre only takes calls from within Canada, I'm having a very difficult time finding information.

The situation: my sister in law (currently in Hong Kong) applied to an caregiver agency and paid $1250 fee.  The agency received the job letter and now they want and additional $2500+ to turn it over and process the visa.  On top of that, factoring in $1200 for airfare, I figure the amount is equal to about six months or more of her wages.

Can she get a copy of the letter from the CIC?  Is there anywhere to complain about this?  Can she transfer her case to another agency or better yet, an immigration attorney? 

I've got a tentative appointment for a phone consultation with an attorney.  Any advice or comments would be appreciated.

Thanks. 

[paulie]

The agency is asking quite a lot of money.  What are the terms of your contract or agreement with the agency?   I think you should first at least ask the agency if you could have a look at the  job letter (I'm guessing this is the LMO-Labour Market Opinion) plus the employment contract with your sis-in-law's future employer,  before you pay anything.

Also I would suggest to check on the cic website under the caregiver program as far as required documents and processing time.  As we all know CIC does not give any preferential treatment to applications prepared by the applicant  or thru a representative....thus, you need to know all the information before your part with you hard earned money. 

The agency's role is to find you an employer , guide you with the preparation of the documents, submission of the application and to provide support to your sister-in-law in case their is a problem with her future employer.  I think the $3,250 fee is a little expensive...why don't you shop around first?

Hope this helps....and good luck!!!

[BCguy]

If that agency is located in BC,Please contact me by PM,I work for the goverment of BC and that is illegal,We are currently prosecuting 3 such agencies,It is illegal under BC and Alberta law to charge you for finding you a job and We work with the Philippine Overseas Labour office to crack down on such illegal activities

[joeturnercc]

The agency is in North York, Ontario.  I have a telephone consultation with an attorney located in Toronto to figure out what to do. 

Thanks.  I'll post the details on a followup reply.