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) 
• 2016 NOC: Social policy researchers, consultants and program officers (4164) 

In Canada, the role of an immigration consultant is to advise immigrants and help them navigate the immigration system. They ensure applicants meet the legal requirements of Canada’s immigration laws.

In general, immigration consultants oversee all aspects of the visa and immigration process. They:

• Help clients obtain visas and other documentation
• Communicate with clients in person and in writing
• Ensure clients complete applications and submit them on time
• Ensure the client provides accurate and up-to-date information
• Prepare all fee quotes and any information required by clients, colleagues, or authorities
• Represent clients at tribunals and before administrative bodies, including Canadian visa offices abroad
• Advise clients of their legal rights and all matters related to immigration and citizenship law
• Research legal precedents and gather evidence regarding applicants’ claims about their home countries
• Help applicants manage relationships with lawyers
• Apply for appeals if applications are denied

Immigration consultants may need to help human resources personnel understand immigration rules.

Those who work for post-secondary schools as advisors offer guidance to international students. Their duties can include helping students apply for work permits or permanent residence.

Immigration consultants most often work in an office setting during standard weekday hours. Some travel and must work overtime on occasion.

Immigration consultants need:

• Interpersonal skills, including patience, assertiveness, and compassion
• Communication skills, including interviewing, public speaking, and writing
• Organization and time-management skills
• Analytical and investigative skills
• Problem-solving and critical-thinking skills
• Flexibility and attention to detail
• Goal orientation and persistence
• Appreciation of different cultures
• High ethical standards
• Common sense and good judgment

Immigration consultants are often involved in lengthy processes. This carries a lot of responsibility. They should have an interest in locating and interviewing witnesses and applicants. They should be at ease representing clients before agencies. They should enjoy drafting briefs, pleadings, and other documents, and being socially engaged.

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

Immigration consultants employed by consulting firms may become team leaders and senior consultants. With experience in a consulting firm, many immigration consultants set up their own firms. Even experienced practitioners who leave salaried positions to become consultants must often subcontract their services to established consultants before building 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 (pdf) 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

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

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.

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 Supports Centre near you.