IMMIGRATION LAWYER VS. IMMIGRATION CONSULTANT
Immigration law
16 Dec
Although both
immigration lawyers and immigration consultants are authorized to provide
immigration services and represent clients throughout the immigration process,
they differ in their educational backgrounds and the regulatory bodies that
govern their practices.
To truly grasp
the distinction, we need to dive into the detailed definitions of both a Lawyer
and a Consultant - because apparently, clarity doesn’t come with a job title
alone…
Every province
and territory in Canada have a law society. Lawyers who are active members of
these law societies can represent clients in immigration matters. Lawyers
typically study fewer than three immigration-related subjects in law school.
However, they receive extensive legal training, pass the Bar exam, and
gain experience working under the supervision of another lawyer before
providing legal services.
Immigration
lawyers have much more legal training and education
than consultants. To become a lawyer, they must:
Complete a
three-year law degree after earning an undergraduate degree.
>> They also need to pass the bar exam to be legally registered.
>> Many lawyers also gain practical experience through internships during or after their studies.
>> Law programs
usually require an undergraduate degree before entering law school, resulting
in lawyers having multiple years of higher education.
>> Although
immigration consultants can legally represent you, only lawyers have the
authority to advocate for you in federal court if necessary.
Unlike
consultants, Immigration
lawyers are regulated by provincial law societies, not the CICC. They’re registered under the bar and their province. No seven-digit
CICC number needed. So, if someone
insists your immigration lawyer must have a CICC number, it’s probably a sign
to raise an eyebrow (or both) and watch out for potential fraud.
Another group of
licensed representatives is Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs).
An RCIC is a member of the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC).
In other words, RCICs specialize in the immigration process, while lawyers focus more on legal matters like litigation. Of course, some lawyers also specialize in immigration law and focus on the immigration process.
Immigration consultants
are:
>> Regulated by the
College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC).
>> Certified consultants are given a
seven-digit CICC number to show they are qualified.
>> RCICs receive training mainly focused on
immigration law and procedures, but they don't study other areas of law
It's also worth noting that RCICs are
divided into two main groups:
>> RCIC:
They provide various visa, immigration, and citizenship services.
>> RCIC-IRB: In addition to all the services of an RCIC, they represent clients
at the Immigration and Refugee Board for refugee and immigration hearings.
In conclusion,
while both immigration lawyers and RCICs play important roles in the
immigration process, their training and areas of expertise differ. Lawyers,
especially those specializing in immigration, handle a broader range of legal
matters, including litigation, while RCICs focus on the procedural aspects of
immigration and citizenship services.
At RRM Law,
we offer comprehensive immigration services, combining the expertise of
experienced immigration lawyers with in-depth knowledge of the immigration
process. Whether you need assistance with visa applications, legal
representation in court, or navigating complex immigration hearings, our team
is here to provide expert guidance and support every step of the way.