Going it alone? 1 Join in our chats, both online and in various cities to gather info from others 2 Post a message - there's a lot of info floating around for free 3 Use our links page to reach websites that will help you prepare your application 4 Join The Canada List and start making friends with others going through the same process |
The Canada List and The Canada Coffee Club are owned and managed by Penny Nelson All content copyright P Nelson. |
Some points to consider either way We used a consultant, which turned into something of a mess in the end, although it started off real well. The big plus was that our application was nigh on perfect - if there is anything missing or incomplete in your application, they will send it back, or make numerous enquiries, all of which can cause huge delays in an already lengthy process... and we don't want that! Also, our consultants did arrange our police clearance certificates and unabridged birth certificates and they will get us an updated police clearance certificate if we need it - both are a real pain to do yourself, although not impossible. If you decide to use a consultant, ask around and find out which are professional and efficient. Even so, be aware that you will have to get or arrange almost all your documentation yourself. My advice is also to pick someone who only requires final payment once you actually have the visa in your grubby mitts - I'm sure this makes them chase your app a little harder. Also, make sure your consultant./attorney is recognised by the CHC office where you are lodging. Once we'd decided to lodge in Buffalo, we were notified by CHC Buffalo that they did not recognise our consultants, because they were not Canadian citizens or recognised immigration agents. Now, I'm not sure of all the detail here, but effectively it meant I handled everything myself from that time on. I prefer this, because I feel as if I have more control in a situation where, as we all know, we have none. On the other hand, many people are going it alone to save money. This is fine if you are happy to make the time and effort and it's not impossible. Problems arise when you need advice on tricky items like the affidavit around SA military service, but these could be sorted out in a once-off consultation. But, if your application is complicated in any way, I would consider using a reputable, recognised attorney or consultant - after all this is an investment in your future! |
Some points to consider either way We used a consultant, which turned into something of a mess in the end, although it started off real well. The big plus was that our application was nigh on perfect - if there is anything missing or incomplete in your application, they will send it back, or make numerous enquiries, all of which can cause huge delays in an already lengthy process... and we don't want that! Also, our consultants did arrange our police clearance certificates and unabridged birth certificates and they will get us an updated police clearance certificate if we need it - both are a real pain to do yourself, although not impossible. If you decide to use a consultant, ask around and find out which are professional and efficient. Even so, be aware that you will have to get or arrange almost all your documentation yourself. My advice is also to pick someone who only requires final payment once you actually have the visa in your grubby mitts - I'm sure this makes them chase your app a little harder. Also, make sure your consultant./attorney is recognised by the CHC office where you are lodging. Once we'd decided to lodge in Buffalo, we were notified by CHC Buffalo that they did not recognise our consultants, because they were not Canadian citizens or recognised immigration agents. Now, I'm not sure of all the detail here, but effectively it meant I handled everything myself from that time on. I prefer this, because I feel as if I have more control in a situation where, as we all know, we have none. On the other hand, many people are going it alone to save money. This is fine if you are happy to make the time and effort and it's not impossible. Problems arise when you need advice on tricky items like the affidavit around SA military service, but these could be sorted out in a once-off consultation. But, if your application is complicated in any way, I would consider using a reputable, recognised attorney or consultant - after all this is an investment in your future! |
Page last updated: 30 June, 2001
Should I use an emigration consultant or not? |
The Canada List and The Canada Coffee Club are owned and managed by Penny Nelson All content copyright P Nelson. |
Going it alone? 1 Join in our chats, both online and in various cities to gather info from others 2 Post a message - there's a lot of info floating around for free 3 Use our links page to reach websites that will help you prepare your application 4 Join The Canada List and start making friends with others going through the same process |
