+1(514) 937-9445 or Toll-free (Canada & US) +1 (888) 947-9445
Client Portal

Help

N

Narcissusblue

Newbie
Sep 24, 2012
3
0
Hi guys!

I seriously need some advices from you. Recently I've met with an immigration consultant in Vancouver. He charges $2500. I guess this is a reasonable price? I'm not sure if I should just go with this consultant. Do you have any experience to share? How did you find your consultants? Any recommendations?

Also, I'm wondering is it my right to request a reference letter from my employer? If my company refuses to provide the letter, what can I do?

Many thanks!!
 
Narcissusblue said:
Hi guys!

I seriously need some advices from you. Recently I've met with an immigration consultant in Vancouver. He charges $2500. I guess this is a reasonable price? I'm not sure if I should just go with this consultant. Do you have any experience to share? How did you find your consultants? Any recommendations?

Also, I'm wondering is it my right to request a reference letter from my employer? If my company refuses to provide the letter, what can I do?

Many thanks!!
Click to expand...

I collected my documents and applied myself. unless you have a very difficult case, you don't need a consultant. it's actually very straight forward when it comes to what CIC is looking for. just follow their guides and checklists and you should be ok! and if you have questions, feel free to put it on forums here and someone can give you advice from their own experience.
 
Narcissusblue said:
Hi guys!

I seriously need some advices from you. Recently I've met with an immigration consultant in Vancouver. He charges $2500. I guess this is a reasonable price? I'm not sure if I should just go with this consultant. Do you have any experience to share? How did you find your consultants? Any recommendations?

Also, I'm wondering is it my right to request a reference letter from my employer? If my company refuses to provide the letter, what can I do?

Many thanks!!
Click to expand...

~2000-3000$ sounds about right, that's what lawyer would charge for handling the case. However, as previously stated here, unless you have a difficult case which will require multiple submissions/affidavits you can handle it by yourself. Employer is not obliged to give you any letter except confirmation of employment, however it is better to request a more detailed letter, specifying your duties and future intentions of employment in addition to the standard (which include period of work, your title and compensation)
 
Hi ,
my case was not any typical so . i am paying $1200 to immigration consultant.
more than that to me sounds expensive.

Akaur
Narcissusblue said:
Hi guys!

I seriously need some advices from you. Recently I've met with an immigration consultant in Vancouver. He charges $2500. I guess this is a reasonable price? I'm not sure if I should just go with this consultant. Do you have any experience to share? How did you find your consultants? Any recommendations?

Also, I'm wondering is it my right to request a reference letter from my employer? If my company refuses to provide the letter, what can I do?

Many thanks!!
Click to expand...
 
You can request an employment letter from your employer - the best approach is to give them a copy the CEC document checklist that lists the information that should be included in the letter.

I would not use the term "reference letter" because it can be confusing for employers... many of them understand it to mean some kind of recommendation(usually for jobs) and will be hesistant to give you one for legal(liability) reasons. For that reason, it is better to give them the checklist so they can see for themselves what should be provided.

If the employer won't give you an employment letter, you can submit an explanation why and include paystubs, job offer letter(s)/contract(s), job advertisement(if you still have it), etc and then write your main duties yourself. After that you can only hope it's sufficient, otherwise you may be rejected.


Narcissusblue said:
Hi guys!

I seriously need some advices from you. Recently I've met with an immigration consultant in Vancouver. He charges $2500. I guess this is a reasonable price? I'm not sure if I should just go with this consultant. Do you have any experience to share? How did you find your consultants? Any recommendations?

Also, I'm wondering is it my right to request a reference letter from my employer? If my company refuses to provide the letter, what can I do?

Many thanks!!
Click to expand...
 
$2500 sounds right to me. Before I applied to CIC, I've also asked an immigrant consultant in Calgary, the company said would charge $4000 to... basically babysit my documents?
There is no way I'm going to pay that much :P
I ended up just applying myself since I didn't really need their help, my case was just straight forward.
If you run into any problems, just come back to this forum to search for answers
 
I paid $2000 with Campbell Cohen (canadavisa.com). I think the consultant/lawyer is worth the money. I've been in Canada a long time and spent a lot of money here. The last $2,000 to make sure I get my immigration is well worth it. They don't just baby sit your papers, assessing your situation to see if you are eligible, knowing all the laws, knowing which paper work increases your chances of getting approved, and I also think the government gets the message not to mess around with you as lawyers know the laws inside and out and no matter the amount of people on this forum, none are immigration lawyers. When you use a lawyer, all communication with the government goes through them. Just my two cents.
 
As a consultant myself, I would say that $2500 for a CEC application is a bit higher than normal, but not entirely too expensive.

Like everyone else has been stating, it is not necessary to retain a consultant or lawyer. However, most people use our services when:

1) They don't have time or energy to undertake the process themselves
2) Have a complex case, usually involving previous rejections, unique family or medical situation and criminal issues.

CEC applications are fairly straightforward. If you speak English and are educated, you should be able to fill out the forms yourself and save $2500. That's a month's rent in Vancouver!!:)
 
Is that the going rate for rent in Vancouver! God bless Ontario.
 
Guys,

Now, I need a Lawyers or registered immigration consultant, the question is who is best Lawyers in Toronto/Mississauga area ? what is the different between Immigration Lawyers and registered immigration consultant. Thanks
 
Thanks guys for all your helpful information!!


Johnny31 said:
I collected my documents and applied myself. unless you have a very difficult case, you don't need a consultant. it's actually very straight forward when it comes to what CIC is looking for. just follow their guides and checklists and you should be ok! and if you have questions, feel free to put it on forums here and someone can give you advice from their own experience.
Click to expand...


The reason why I feel insecure to DIY my application is that my salary doesn't match my job title. The previous several consultants I've met with were all negative about my case. They didn't give my any useful suggestions or solutions other than just ask me to find a better paid job =.=! They asked me to refer to the standard average salary in BC which I think is unrealistic and unattainable for me at this moment. Look at the reality - so many people are either losing jobs or being underpaid.... However, this consultant I mentioned earlier was confident about my case. He explained that what matters more is my job duty. He will find the equivalent position under NOC to explain my job tile, joy duty and my salary. He will also write the reference letter for me to get signed by the company's responsible person.

What do you guys think? Does the salary really matter that much? How did you determine your NOC code when you were preparing your application?

Thanks in advance!!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.