Hi,

I have been looking at the immigration application process lately and it seems that a person can apply for that on his own too. The application process looks pretty simple.

Now when I look around, I see people getting hold of immigration consultants to apply on their behalf, i don't understand all that hype for the consultants, what is the need for a consultant's help, what extra edge would it give? why to pay those extra dollars man?

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Manny

"Experience is the name every one gives to their mistakes."

Hi
Well Some time back even i thought so. The point that anyperson who looses the immigration by 2 to 3 points. That is where a good agent is helpful.

I had applied June 2001. I had waited for almost 26 months now and finally i got my medicals.

The benefits i see after all this exercise are:

1. They help you present your case in a way which will help you get maximum points. In my case i would put myself in Network engineer but my agent helped me choose as system analyst which gives me more chances of passing.

2. Prepration of File. Other benefit is that these agents exactly know what pisses immigration staff. Ofcourse with effort one can make such a file but still i guess they know the latest paperwork required. They help you gather all the proofs which are required to support every word you say in the application. Mostly they are helpful in experience and the job profiles.Out of their experience they know what is considered authentic and what is not by the immigration dept. My agent did ask me few extra documents to support my application other than mentioned in the application form.

3. Interviews. I have found the biggest advantage at the interview. My agent helped me in a big way. My agent was aware about the danger areas during the interview due to his other clients who had recently appeared in the interview. This helps them understand the latest concerns by the immigration department. In my case my interviewer was new did not give me straight answer and instead he held up the decision. My agents followed up with them and questioned him the delay and based on my inputs my agents were finally able to convince the interviewer about his doubts and finally i got the positive decision{ for this i guess we need a senior agent who has a reputation in the department}

Above all i feel that they do work in routine and there are lesser chances of errors. And secondly we win those extra two or three points with there experience which i feel is worthit if they get through.

Ofcourse selection has to be reputed agent who is doing what an agent should do rather then only doing what we as an applicant can do... I would not have been able to get my case through alone. But then i guess to get through even if you get a benifit of one point i think it should not be left out as you have to wait for almost to three years and then flop by some small glitch which could be painful.

In our normal life experience also we find that something which we do once we do it better in the next shot. I guess agents have much more than one shot of experince.

cheers

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Manjeet Singh

I applied directly without an agent and got through without any glitch (I know many people who did likewise). I would recommend that one should apply directly if one can hope enough immigration points. The agent can only spice up the information, which in many cases isn't actually required or recommended. During the interview, the Immigration officer primarily tries to ascertain whether the information you have provided in your application form is correct or not. If you have been truthful in your application, the interview will be a breeze but if you have provided some information that appears a little murky to the officer, you might have a tough time.

I think the immigration officers go by the rulebook. If you think you will qualify according to the point system, you will. If not, no immigration agent can help you qualify. You might be able to gain one or two points by changing your profession (to something close to your real one), learning French, getting an additional qualification etc. You yourself can take such a decision and wouldn't need any agent to do it for you.

I have seen many well-qualified people applying through an agent, which to me is a total waste of money. There is a general belief among the aspiring immigrants that they don't stand a chance unless they apply through an agent. I think it is because of our Indian mentality, as we are conditioned to think that unless one greases someone else's palm, nothing will work. And they expect their agent to do the dirty work for them. But the reality is that an immigration agent in Canada can only advise you and cannot in any way influence the immigration authorities to make any decision favourable to you. Some of the agents promises help in finding a job while settling down in Canada, which in most cases will turn out to be false.

So my strong recommendation is this. If you think you stand a fair chance and if you are able to understand and follow the instructions provided at http://www.cic.gc.ca" rel="nofollow">LINK, do apply directly. The money you gain that way will help you a great deal during your settling down period in Canada. However, if you aren’t sure of yourself, you may try your luck with an agent and hope that they might be able to work some magic for you.

Cheers