A million dollar question always and a valid one at that. We asked it too, when we were thinking of migrating to Canada. The responses were informative, mixed, and at times plain confusing. After a lot of discussions and research we finally decided to apply on our own.
So yes, it is most definitely possible to complete the entire immigration process on your own, without assistance from any immigration consultant. Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), which is the federal body that regulates and manages all aspects of immigration, leaves that choice up to you should you want to apply on your own or through an immigration consultant. A lot of people apply on their own while many others like to get help from a professional.
There are pros and cons for both options and we’ll share our thoughts on both.
Benefits of applying on your own
- Saving $$ – Needless to say, you will spend a lot less if you apply on your own because a consultant will usually charge a pretty hefty fee for their services.
- Manageability – You will have full access to your profile on IRCC’s website and you can check any update on your own.
- Attention to Detail – You may be able to catch mistakes faster about your details in an application form because you know your information backwards and forwards whereas a consultant may not be able to catch errors that you submit with them. For example, you are much less likely to put your date of birth wrong than anyone else.
Benefits of applying through a consultant
- Time Saving: If you don’t have much time to spare to read through the entire process, hiring a consultant will be a better option because they would know the steps and will guide you on what you need to do and how. Let’s give them their due credit, they are professionals after all.
- Expertise: If your case is complicated for some reason, then it is better to seek professional advice. Many people may have difficulty with producing proof of finances, marital status or other such issues and not all answers are provided on the IRCC website. So it is best to consult with an expert who would know from their experience with other cases.
- Updated Information: Consultants handle multiple cases at the same time and they may be able to share the latest experiences of their other clients which could help you make your decisions or even control your anxieties in case of delays or other such problems.
In the end, the choice rests with you. If you feel that you are up to the task and don’t mind reading up and researching, then go ahead and apply on your own. On the other hand, if you live a busy life or think you don’t have a straightforward case, then hiring a good consultant can make your life easier.
Related Topics
Process of PR application
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