Who are Ghost Consultants?
Ghost Consultants are those who provide immigration assistance to people without any experience or qualifications. They can never represent any client and provide legal advice. Plenty of people have lost money to such ghost consultants.
Numerous consultancy firms try to show that they have a licensed Canadian consultant and using the name, attracts a lot of people. However, they don’t have a licensed professional (lawyer or consultant) to file the application. Therefore, speaking with your lawyer/ consultant directly rather than the consultancy firm becomes essential.
How to prevent yourself from Ghost Consultant?
An immigration consultant never guarantees a result. Rather they just offer you services and help you in making a knowledgeable immigration decision.
- Check that the Consultant is registered with the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC)
- Speak with someone who has already worked with a Registered consultant. It helps in taking the right decision (References)
- Ensure that your consultant signs a retainer with you stating that he/she will be providing you the services & both parties sign the document. Always have a copy for your own records.
How to know if you are dealing with a Ghost Consultant?
The College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC) licenses and regulates Canadian immigration and citizenship consultants in the public interest. Only licensed personnel can advise you and represent you as an Immigration Consultant.
What is the next step if you think you are being scammed?
If you think you are being scammed, you should immediately contact Canadian Immigration authorities.