Immigration Consultant

In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.

The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:

• 2006 NOC: Social Policy Researchers, Consultants and Program Officers (4164) 
• 2006 NOC-S: Social Policy Researchers, Consultants and Program Officers (E034) 
• 2011 NOC: Social policy researchers, consultants and program officers (4164) 

In Canada, the role of an immigration consultant is to advise and assist immigrants in navigating the immigration system, and ensuring that they comply or meet the legal requirements of the Canadian immigration system.

In general, immigration consultants:

• oversee all aspects of the visa and immigration process
• assist clients to obtain visas and other documentation required
• communicate with clients in person and in writing
• ensure all relevant immigration applications and documents are completed and submitted within the time limits
• ensure that all of the information provided by the client is accurate and up to date
• prepare all fee quotes and any information required by clients, colleagues or authorities
• may be required to train some human resources (HR) personnel in enhancing their understanding of immigration rules.

Some immigration consultants work for organizations that utilize foreign workers. Therefore knowledge and experience with the Temporary Foreign Worker Program or other Canadian immigration programs (for example, Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program) may also be required.

Immigration consultants usually work in an office environment. They typically work a standard weekday office hours. However, some immigration consultants may travel and overtime may be required occasionally.

Immigration consultants need the following characteristics:

• good interpersonal skills
• good communication skills, including interviewing, public speaking and writing skills
• organization and time management skills
• analytical and investigative skills
• common sense and good judgment.

Immigration consultants are self-employed or employed by established consulting firms. Those who are self-employed must market their services, and establish and maintain professional credibility.

Immigration consultants employed by consulting firms may become team leaders and, later, senior consultants. After gaining experience as an employee in a consulting firm, many immigration consultants set up their own firms. Even experienced and respected consultants who leave salaried positions to become consultants often must subcontract their services to established consultants to begin establishing their own client base.

Immigration consultants are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 4164: Social policy researchers, consultants and program officers. In Alberta, 76% of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:

• Public Administration (PDF)
• Professional, Scientific and Technical Services (PDF)
• Other Services (PDF)

The employment outlook in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

• trends and events affecting overall employment (especially in the industries listed above)
• location in Alberta
• employment turnover (work opportunities generated by people leaving existing positions)
• occupational growth (work opportunities resulting from the creation of new positions that never existed before)
• size of the occupation.

In Alberta, the E034: Social Policy Researchers, Consultants and Program Officers occupational group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 1.1% from 2016 to 2020. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 39 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.

Canadian Association of Professional Immigration Consultants website: www.capic.ca

Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council website: www.iccrc-crcic.ca

For more information on career planning, education and jobs call the Alberta Supports Contact Centre toll-free at 1-877-644-9992 or 780-644-9992 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Works Centre near you.