Andrew Miller

As of April 2004, CIC and the Immigration and Refugee Board will conduct
business with representatives who charge fees for services **only** if they
are members in good standing of Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants
(CSIC) or a provincial or territorial law society:

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/press/03/0347-pre.html

In order to assist in the goal of consumer protection, the Society's Board
of Directors decided at its first meeting to restrict membership in the
Society of Immigration Consultants exclusively to Canadian citizens and
permanent residents:

http://www.csic-scci.ca/indexe.htm

So, as of April 2004 Canadian immigration authorities will not deal with
representatives who and are not members in good standing of Canadian Society
of Immigration Consultants (CSIC) or a provincial or territorial law
society.

Thus the serious warning - don't hire a representative who is not a Canadian
citizen or permanent resident based in Canada as such will not be able to
become members of CSIC and thus will not be able to provide you with proper
assistance as of April 2004. Canadian immigration will not deal with such
offshore representative.

--

../..

Andrew Miller
Immigration Consultant
Vancouver, British Columbia
email: [email protected]
(delete REMOVE from the above address before sending email)
________________________________

Webcrawler

This is a great ruling.
A very positive step forward.

"Andrew Miller" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:1Oyob.11416$EY3.4025@edtnps84...
    > As of April 2004, CIC and the Immigration and Refugee Board will conduct
    > business with representatives who charge fees for services **only** if
they
    > are members in good standing of Canadian Society of Immigration
Consultants
    > (CSIC) or a provincial or territorial law society:
    > http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/press/03/0347-pre.html
    > In order to assist in the goal of consumer protection, the Society's Board
    > of Directors decided at its first meeting to restrict membership in the
    > Society of Immigration Consultants exclusively to Canadian citizens and
    > permanent residents:
    > http://www.csic-scci.ca/indexe.htm
    > So, as of April 2004 Canadian immigration authorities will not deal with
    > representatives who and are not members in good standing of Canadian
Society
    > of Immigration Consultants (CSIC) or a provincial or territorial law
    > society.
    > Thus the serious warning - don't hire a representative who is not a
Canadian
    > citizen or permanent resident based in Canada as such will not be able to
    > become members of CSIC and thus will not be able to provide you with
proper
    > assistance as of April 2004. Canadian immigration will not deal with such
    > offshore representative.
    > --
    > ../..
    > Andrew Miller
    > Immigration Consultant
    > Vancouver, British Columbia
    > email: [email protected]
    > (delete REMOVE from the above address before sending email)
    > ________________________________

Walter Chan

Indeed.

"WebCrawler" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
    > This is a great ruling.
    > A very positive step forward.
    > "Andrew Miller" <[email protected]> wrote in message
    > news:1Oyob.11416$EY3.4025@edtnps84...
    > > As of April 2004, CIC and the Immigration and Refugee Board will conduct
    > > business with representatives who charge fees for services **only** if
    > they
    > > are members in good standing of Canadian Society of Immigration
    > Consultants
    > > (CSIC) or a provincial or territorial law society:
    > >
    > > http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/press/03/0347-pre.html
    > >
    > > In order to assist in the goal of consumer protection, the Society's
Board
    > > of Directors decided at its first meeting to restrict membership in the
    > > Society of Immigration Consultants exclusively to Canadian citizens and
    > > permanent residents:
    > >
    > > http://www.csic-scci.ca/indexe.htm
    > >
    > > So, as of April 2004 Canadian immigration authorities will not deal with
    > > representatives who and are not members in good standing of Canadian
    > Society
    > > of Immigration Consultants (CSIC) or a provincial or territorial law
    > > society.
    > >
    > > Thus the serious warning - don't hire a representative who is not a
    > Canadian
    > > citizen or permanent resident based in Canada as such will not be able
to
    > > become members of CSIC and thus will not be able to provide you with
    > proper
    > > assistance as of April 2004. Canadian immigration will not deal with
such
    > > offshore representative.
    > >
    > > --
    > >
    > > ../..
    > >
    > > Andrew Miller
    > > Immigration Consultant
    > > Vancouver, British Columbia
    > > email: [email protected]
    > > (delete REMOVE from the above address before sending email)
    > > ________________________________
    > >
    > >
    > >

Bill Stephen

Dear Mr Andrew,
Yes this is an indeed a positive step.But the thing is new ruling
mainly deals to tighten the screw on existing
representatives/lawyers/consultants who are Canadian citizens or
permanent residents of Canada BUT it is totally silent on immigration
consultants who are neither citizen nor resident of Canada.
This is the place where immigration authorities are totally silent.In
fact they dont want to touch them at all because they are totally out
of their jurisdition or have no control on them.

In fact immigration authorities indirectly has given them some sort of
recognition by stating (check the cic site on representatives)
Where to go for help if things go wrong?

"If your representative's place of business is abroad ?

If your representative is not a Canadian citizen or a permanent
resident of Canada, you should present your complaint to the
appropriate authorities overseas. The Canadian government cannot get
involved in the dispute.

This is the place where something was expected.

There is nothing to cheer about in the current ruling .Everything is
for lawyers,consultants who is a Canadian citizen.Yes screws will be
tighten on these canadian based, unfortunately lot of complains are
there against them in this forum also.
Still it seems that overseas based consultant can work hassle free
with no checks if something goes wrong or complains against them.These
you will find in abundance Delhi,India and Beijing, China .
They will still continue to work.

Bill




"Andrew Miller" <[email protected]> wrote in message news:<1Oyob.11416$EY3.4025@edtnps84>...
    > As of April 2004, CIC and the Immigration and Refugee Board will conduct
    > business with representatives who charge fees for services **only** if they
    > are members in good standing of Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants
    > (CSIC) or a provincial or territorial law society:
    >
    > http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/press/03/0347-pre.html
    >
    > In order to assist in the goal of consumer protection, the Society's Board
    > of Directors decided at its first meeting to restrict membership in the
    > Society of Immigration Consultants exclusively to Canadian citizens and
    > permanent residents:
    >
    > http://www.csic-scci.ca/indexe.htm
    >
    > So, as of April 2004 Canadian immigration authorities will not deal with
    > representatives who and are not members in good standing of Canadian Society
    > of Immigration Consultants (CSIC) or a provincial or territorial law
    > society.
    >
    > Thus the serious warning - don't hire a representative who is not a Canadian
    > citizen or permanent resident based in Canada as such will not be able to
    > become members of CSIC and thus will not be able to provide you with proper
    > assistance as of April 2004. Canadian immigration will not deal with such
    > offshore representative.
    >
    > --
    >
    > ../..
    >
    > Andrew Miller
    > Immigration Consultant
    > Vancouver, British Columbia
    > email: [email protected]
    > (delete REMOVE from the above address before sending email)
    > ________________________________

Andrew Miller

What you are referring to on the CIC website applies only to current lack of
regulations and will no longer apply as of April 2004. CIC has made it
absolutely clear that it will not deal with representatives who are not
members of CSIC or provincial or territorial law society as of April 2004 -
read here:

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/press/03/0347-pre.html

The second paragraph from the bottom:

---------------------------------------------------------------------------
As of April 2004, the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations will be
amended. Thereafter, CIC and the Immigration and Refugee Board will conduct
business with representatives who charge fees for services only if they are
members in good standing of CSIC or a provincial or territorial law society.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Only Canadian citizens and permanent residents can become members of CSIC -
thus all those offshore consultants you are talking about will not be able
to represent anyone when dealing with CIC. Of course they can sell their
other consulting services, but they will not be able to file anyone's
application with CIC nor to represent any case with CIC, period. So, what's
the use of them as of April 2004?

All who consider hiring foreign based consultant now should re-think their
needs and consequences of new rules - it seems that foreign consultants who
file applications before April 2004 may have no access to anything after
that date as CIC will not deal with them, thus leaving their clients without
representation or forcing them to hire a new representative who can legally
represent them starting April 2004.

So Bill, what those consultants in Beijing, New Delhi and other places
outside Canada will be offering to clients if they won't be able to
represent them with CIC? Many will probably lie to their clients for a while
and try to "work around" the system, but on the long run it won't work.

--

../..

Andrew Miller
Immigration Consultant
Vancouver, British Columbia
email: [email protected]
(delete REMOVE from the above address before sending email)
________________________________



"bill stephen" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
    > Dear Mr Andrew,
    > Yes this is an indeed a positive step.But the thing is new ruling
    > mainly deals to tighten the screw on existing
    > representatives/lawyers/consultants who are Canadian citizens or
    > permanent residents of Canada BUT it is totally silent on immigration
    > consultants who are neither citizen nor resident of Canada.
    > This is the place where immigration authorities are totally silent.In
    > fact they dont want to touch them at all because they are totally out
    > of their jurisdition or have no control on them.
    > In fact immigration authorities indirectly has given them some sort of
    > recognition by stating (check the cic site on representatives)
    > Where to go for help if things go wrong?
    > "If your representative's place of business is abroad ?
    > If your representative is not a Canadian citizen or a permanent
    > resident of Canada, you should present your complaint to the
    > appropriate authorities overseas. The Canadian government cannot get
    > involved in the dispute.
    > This is the place where something was expected.
    > There is nothing to cheer about in the current ruling .Everything is
    > for lawyers,consultants who is a Canadian citizen.Yes screws will be
    > tighten on these canadian based, unfortunately lot of complains are
    > there against them in this forum also.
    > Still it seems that overseas based consultant can work hassle free
    > with no checks if something goes wrong or complains against them.These
    > you will find in abundance Delhi,India and Beijing, China .
    > They will still continue to work.
    > Bill
    > "Andrew Miller" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:<1Oyob.11416$EY3.4025@edtnps84>...
    > > As of April 2004, CIC and the Immigration and Refugee Board will conduct
    > > business with representatives who charge fees for services **only** if
they
    > > are members in good standing of Canadian Society of Immigration
Consultants
    > > (CSIC) or a provincial or territorial law society:
    > >
    > > http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/press/03/0347-pre.html
    > >
    > > In order to assist in the goal of consumer protection, the Society's
Board
    > > of Directors decided at its first meeting to restrict membership in the
    > > Society of Immigration Consultants exclusively to Canadian citizens and
    > > permanent residents:
    > >
    > > http://www.csic-scci.ca/indexe.htm
    > >
    > > So, as of April 2004 Canadian immigration authorities will not deal with
    > > representatives who and are not members in good standing of Canadian
Society
    > > of Immigration Consultants (CSIC) or a provincial or territorial law
    > > society.
    > >
    > > Thus the serious warning - don't hire a representative who is not a
Canadian
    > > citizen or permanent resident based in Canada as such will not be able
to
    > > become members of CSIC and thus will not be able to provide you with
proper
    > > assistance as of April 2004. Canadian immigration will not deal with
such
    > > offshore representative.
    > >
    > > --
    > >
    > > ../..
    > >
    > > Andrew Miller
    > > Immigration Consultant
    > > Vancouver, British Columbia
    > > email: [email protected]
    > > (delete REMOVE from the above address before sending email)
    > > ________________________________

Andrew Miller

P.S.

And yes Bill, you are correct - as of April 2004 rules and punishment for
breaking them will be in place for Canadian representatives. There is no
need to "tighten the screws" for foreign base consultants as their ability
to represent anyone will be gone as of April 2004. This ruling really
eliminates them from the business - some crooks will most likely try to
remain in business by lying to their clients, but not for long.

--

../..

Andrew Miller
Immigration Consultant
Vancouver, British Columbia
email: [email protected]
(delete REMOVE from the above address before sending email)
________________________________


"Andrew Miller" <[email protected]> wrote in message
newszIob.100108$EO3.43225@clgrps13...
    > What you are referring to on the CIC website applies only to current lack
of
    > regulations and will no longer apply as of April 2004. CIC has made it
    > absolutely clear that it will not deal with representatives who are not
    > members of CSIC or provincial or territorial law society as of April
2004 -
    > read here:
    > http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/press/03/0347-pre.html
    > The second paragraph from the bottom:
    > --------------------------------------------------------------------------
-
    > As of April 2004, the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations will
be
    > amended. Thereafter, CIC and the Immigration and Refugee Board will
conduct
    > business with representatives who charge fees for services only if they
are
    > members in good standing of CSIC or a provincial or territorial law
society.
    > --------------------------------------------------------------------------
-
    > Only Canadian citizens and permanent residents can become members of
CSIC -
    > thus all those offshore consultants you are talking about will not be able
    > to represent anyone when dealing with CIC. Of course they can sell their
    > other consulting services, but they will not be able to file anyone's
    > application with CIC nor to represent any case with CIC, period. So,
what's
    > the use of them as of April 2004?
    > All who consider hiring foreign based consultant now should re-think their
    > needs and consequences of new rules - it seems that foreign consultants
who
    > file applications before April 2004 may have no access to anything after
    > that date as CIC will not deal with them, thus leaving their clients
without
    > representation or forcing them to hire a new representative who can
legally
    > represent them starting April 2004.
    > So Bill, what those consultants in Beijing, New Delhi and other places
    > outside Canada will be offering to clients if they won't be able to
    > represent them with CIC? Many will probably lie to their clients for a
while
    > and try to "work around" the system, but on the long run it won't work.
    > --
    > ../..
    > Andrew Miller
    > Immigration Consultant
    > Vancouver, British Columbia
    > email: [email protected]
    > (delete REMOVE from the above address before sending email)
    > ________________________________
    > "bill stephen" <[email protected]> wrote in message
    > news:[email protected]...
    > > Dear Mr Andrew,
    > > Yes this is an indeed a positive step.But the thing is new ruling
    > > mainly deals to tighten the screw on existing
    > > representatives/lawyers/consultants who are Canadian citizens or
    > > permanent residents of Canada BUT it is totally silent on immigration
    > > consultants who are neither citizen nor resident of Canada.
    > > This is the place where immigration authorities are totally silent.In
    > > fact they dont want to touch them at all because they are totally out
    > > of their jurisdition or have no control on them.
    > >
    > > In fact immigration authorities indirectly has given them some sort of
    > > recognition by stating (check the cic site on representatives)
    > > Where to go for help if things go wrong?
    > >
    > > "If your representative's place of business is abroad ?
    > >
    > > If your representative is not a Canadian citizen or a permanent
    > > resident of Canada, you should present your complaint to the
    > > appropriate authorities overseas. The Canadian government cannot get
    > > involved in the dispute.
    > >
    > > This is the place where something was expected.
    > >
    > > There is nothing to cheer about in the current ruling .Everything is
    > > for lawyers,consultants who is a Canadian citizen.Yes screws will be
    > > tighten on these canadian based, unfortunately lot of complains are
    > > there against them in this forum also.
    > > Still it seems that overseas based consultant can work hassle free
    > > with no checks if something goes wrong or complains against them.These
    > > you will find in abundance Delhi,India and Beijing, China .
    > > They will still continue to work.
    > >
    > > Bill
    > >
    > >
    > >
    > >
    > > "Andrew Miller" <[email protected]> wrote in message
    > news:<1Oyob.11416$EY3.4025@edtnps84>...
    > > > As of April 2004, CIC and the Immigration and Refugee Board will
conduct
    > > > business with representatives who charge fees for services **only** if
    > they
    > > > are members in good standing of Canadian Society of Immigration
    > Consultants
    > > > (CSIC) or a provincial or territorial law society:
    > > >
    > > > http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/press/03/0347-pre.html
    > > >
    > > > In order to assist in the goal of consumer protection, the Society's
    > Board
    > > > of Directors decided at its first meeting to restrict membership in
the
    > > > Society of Immigration Consultants exclusively to Canadian citizens
and
    > > > permanent residents:
    > > >
    > > > http://www.csic-scci.ca/indexe.htm
    > > >
    > > > So, as of April 2004 Canadian immigration authorities will not deal
with
    > > > representatives who and are not members in good standing of Canadian
    > Society
    > > > of Immigration Consultants (CSIC) or a provincial or territorial law
    > > > society.
    > > >
    > > > Thus the serious warning - don't hire a representative who is not a
    > Canadian
    > > > citizen or permanent resident based in Canada as such will not be able
    > to
    > > > become members of CSIC and thus will not be able to provide you with
    > proper
    > > > assistance as of April 2004. Canadian immigration will not deal with
    > such
    > > > offshore representative.
    > > >
    > > > --
    > > >
    > > > ../..
    > > >
    > > > Andrew Miller
    > > > Immigration Consultant
    > > > Vancouver, British Columbia
    > > > email: [email protected]
    > > > (delete REMOVE from the above address before sending email)
    > > > ________________________________

Sa

It sounds like keeping a check on Canadian immigration lawyers and
consultants.This was required as you will find lots of complains
against them in this news group.Very sorry state of affairs.It seems
that there is more complain against canadian based consultants than
all those who are working or based overseas.
I will give you one example of one consultant based at
Chandigarh,India with no roots in Canada and Indian by citizen but
working in this field for almost 10 years.We had visited his office
and he provided the immigration details.I asked for the references
with tel nos. and address of his clients based in Toronto as well as
Vancouver which he readily gave.We checked it and found it
correct.Also gave references of clients whose application was in
process.Met them and were satisfied.He made things very clearly and
charging only $1000-00 in two instalments second instalment after
getting visa and also explained that he is not representaing us but
assisting us in preparation of our file.As far as mailing address is
concerned he told us that all correspondence will be at our place
rather than consultants or his address giving reason that under some
canadian privacy act he is not suppose to handle direct
correspondence but once we receive any correspondence from high
commission we should approach him for further guidance.
As far as I know till date there is no complaint against him.

On the other hand there is another self proclaimed leading immigration
company (name with held) which boasts of sending almost ten thousand
clients to Canada based at chandigarh.Charging more than $3500-00
,member of some OPEC or OIPC exactly I dont know but were showing it
again and again, trying to impress that as if it is some benchmark for
consultants.Having office in Canada in toronto as well as
vancouver.Against them there is always some complaint or the other and
they are always in news for bad reason.Lots of complain I have read
against them in this forum also.

Third example of one montreal based Canadian lawyer with no office in
India(name with held) visited Chandigarh,India , advertised in the
news paper.We went to meet him.Took our resume and was told that we
can migrate.On asking questions said that he will take care .On
further pestering he relented.We asked for the points we scored he
made a mistake by giving 25 points for one of our colleagues education
who did one year masters degree by correspondence but he allotted 25
points.On pointing out this he told that dont worry he has contacts at
new delhi office, he will make things in order.On furhter enquiring he
just takes out contract letter asking down payment US$3500-00. But
biggest bluff was that he promised permanent resident visa within 18
months that too from new delhi office because of his contacts.Ready to
give in writing? Big no .Says his word is enough.
Now how to trust him.Poor chap is not knowing that half of chandigarh
residents are aware of immigration basics.

Now if given a choice to whom one should hire?Whether regulations or
no regulation personally I will go for the first one.He give exactly
the same details what others in fact he gives more and very clear than
others.Others were hiding some information or the other.
Second one is over worked so wont be able to devote time and also lots
of complain against them.
Third one (worst lot who is suppose to be the best)honesty and even
professionalism is lacking.

It is here that these regulations are required and the government has
taken a positive step in this regard to keep a check on them.But
people will throng to the first one come what may as long as he is
producing results and our money is saved.

sandhu









    > > > As of April 2004, CIC and the Immigration and Refugee Board will conduct
    > > > business with representatives who charge fees for services **only** if
    > they
    > > > are members in good standing of Canadian Society of Immigration
    > Consultants
    > > > (CSIC) or a provincial or territorial law society:
    > > >
    > > > http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/press/03/0347-pre.html
    > > >
    > > > In order to assist in the goal of consumer protection, the Society's
    > Board
    > > > of Directors decided at its first meeting to restrict membership in the
    > > > Society of Immigration Consultants exclusively to Canadian citizens and
    > > > permanent residents:
    > > >
    > > > http://www.csic-scci.ca/indexe.htm
    > > >
    > > > So, as of April 2004 Canadian immigration authorities will not deal with
    > > > representatives who and are not members in good standing of Canadian
    > Society
    > > > of Immigration Consultants (CSIC) or a provincial or territorial law
    > > > society.
    > > >
    > > > Thus the serious warning - don't hire a representative who is not a
    > Canadian
    > > > citizen or permanent resident based in Canada as such will not be able
    > to
    > > > become members of CSIC and thus will not be able to provide you with
    > proper
    > > > assistance as of April 2004. Canadian immigration will not deal with
    > such
    > > > offshore representative.
    > > >
    > > > --
    > > >
    > > > ../..
    > > >
    > > > Andrew Miller
    > > > Immigration Consultant
    > > > Vancouver, British Columbia
    > > > email: [email protected]
    > > > (delete REMOVE from the above address before sending email)
    > > > ________________________________

Anthony

Mr. Miller,

One thing that I am not clear enough, what will happen to those cases which
have been represented by foreign immigration consultants (represenstative
outside Canada) before April 2004, says currenly in progress long before,
say one or 2 years ago?

Anthony



"Andrew Miller" <[email protected]> wrote in message
newszIob.100108$EO3.43225@clgrps13...
    > What you are referring to on the CIC website applies only to current lack
of
    > regulations and will no longer apply as of April 2004. CIC has made it
    > absolutely clear that it will not deal with representatives who are not
    > members of CSIC or provincial or territorial law society as of April
2004 -
    > read here:
    > http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/press/03/0347-pre.html
    > The second paragraph from the bottom:
    > --------------------------------------------------------------------------
-
    > As of April 2004, the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations will
be
    > amended. Thereafter, CIC and the Immigration and Refugee Board will
conduct
    > business with representatives who charge fees for services only if they
are
    > members in good standing of CSIC or a provincial or territorial law
society.
    > --------------------------------------------------------------------------
-
    > Only Canadian citizens and permanent residents can become members of
CSIC -
    > thus all those offshore consultants you are talking about will not be able
    > to represent anyone when dealing with CIC. Of course they can sell their
    > other consulting services, but they will not be able to file anyone's
    > application with CIC nor to represent any case with CIC, period. So,
what's
    > the use of them as of April 2004?
    > All who consider hiring foreign based consultant now should re-think their
    > needs and consequences of new rules - it seems that foreign consultants
who
    > file applications before April 2004 may have no access to anything after
    > that date as CIC will not deal with them, thus leaving their clients
without
    > representation or forcing them to hire a new representative who can
legally
    > represent them starting April 2004.
    > So Bill, what those consultants in Beijing, New Delhi and other places
    > outside Canada will be offering to clients if they won't be able to
    > represent them with CIC? Many will probably lie to their clients for a
while
    > and try to "work around" the system, but on the long run it won't work.
    > --
    > ../..
    > Andrew Miller
    > Immigration Consultant
    > Vancouver, British Columbia
    > email: [email protected]
    > (delete REMOVE from the above address before sending email)
    > ________________________________
    > "bill stephen" <[email protected]> wrote in message
    > news:[email protected]...
    > > Dear Mr Andrew,
    > > Yes this is an indeed a positive step.But the thing is new ruling
    > > mainly deals to tighten the screw on existing
    > > representatives/lawyers/consultants who are Canadian citizens or
    > > permanent residents of Canada BUT it is totally silent on immigration
    > > consultants who are neither citizen nor resident of Canada.
    > > This is the place where immigration authorities are totally silent.In
    > > fact they dont want to touch them at all because they are totally out
    > > of their jurisdition or have no control on them.
    > >
    > > In fact immigration authorities indirectly has given them some sort of
    > > recognition by stating (check the cic site on representatives)
    > > Where to go for help if things go wrong?
    > >
    > > "If your representative's place of business is abroad ?
    > >
    > > If your representative is not a Canadian citizen or a permanent
    > > resident of Canada, you should present your complaint to the
    > > appropriate authorities overseas. The Canadian government cannot get
    > > involved in the dispute.
    > >
    > > This is the place where something was expected.
    > >
    > > There is nothing to cheer about in the current ruling .Everything is
    > > for lawyers,consultants who is a Canadian citizen.Yes screws will be
    > > tighten on these canadian based, unfortunately lot of complains are
    > > there against them in this forum also.
    > > Still it seems that overseas based consultant can work hassle free
    > > with no checks if something goes wrong or complains against them.These
    > > you will find in abundance Delhi,India and Beijing, China .
    > > They will still continue to work.
    > >
    > > Bill
    > >
    > >
    > >
    > >
    > > "Andrew Miller" <[email protected]> wrote in message
    > news:<1Oyob.11416$EY3.4025@edtnps84>...
    > > > As of April 2004, CIC and the Immigration and Refugee Board will
conduct
    > > > business with representatives who charge fees for services **only** if
    > they
    > > > are members in good standing of Canadian Society of Immigration
    > Consultants
    > > > (CSIC) or a provincial or territorial law society:
    > > >
    > > > http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/press/03/0347-pre.html
    > > >
    > > > In order to assist in the goal of consumer protection, the Society's
    > Board
    > > > of Directors decided at its first meeting to restrict membership in
the
    > > > Society of Immigration Consultants exclusively to Canadian citizens
and
    > > > permanent residents:
    > > >
    > > > http://www.csic-scci.ca/indexe.htm
    > > >
    > > > So, as of April 2004 Canadian immigration authorities will not deal
with
    > > > representatives who and are not members in good standing of Canadian
    > Society
    > > > of Immigration Consultants (CSIC) or a provincial or territorial law
    > > > society.
    > > >
    > > > Thus the serious warning - don't hire a representative who is not a
    > Canadian
    > > > citizen or permanent resident based in Canada as such will not be able
    > to
    > > > become members of CSIC and thus will not be able to provide you with
    > proper
    > > > assistance as of April 2004. Canadian immigration will not deal with
    > such
    > > > offshore representative.
    > > >
    > > > --
    > > >
    > > > ../..
    > > >
    > > > Andrew Miller
    > > > Immigration Consultant
    > > > Vancouver, British Columbia
    > > > email: [email protected]
    > > > (delete REMOVE from the above address before sending email)
    > > > ________________________________

Andrew Miller

It still remains to be seen. CIC says that as of April 2004 they will
conduct business only with representatives who are members in good standing
of CSIC or law society in Canada - this statement taken at face value means
that all who are already using representatives not meeting criteria will be
left in cold, without representation. But we need to wait for the announced
for April amendment to Regulations to see how it is implemented.

--

../..

Andrew Miller
Immigration Consultant
Vancouver, British Columbia
email: [email protected]
(delete REMOVE from the above address before sending email)
________________________________


"Anthony" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
    > Mr. Miller,
    > One thing that I am not clear enough, what will happen to those cases
which
    > have been represented by foreign immigration consultants (represenstative
    > outside Canada) before April 2004, says currenly in progress long before,
    > say one or 2 years ago?
    > Anthony
    > "Andrew Miller" <[email protected]> wrote in message
    > newszIob.100108$EO3.43225@clgrps13...
    > > What you are referring to on the CIC website applies only to current
lack
    > of
    > > regulations and will no longer apply as of April 2004. CIC has made it
    > > absolutely clear that it will not deal with representatives who are not
    > > members of CSIC or provincial or territorial law society as of April
    > 2004 -
    > > read here:
    > >
    > > http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/press/03/0347-pre.html
    > >
    > > The second paragraph from the bottom:
    > >
    > --------------------------------------------------------------------------
    > -
    > > As of April 2004, the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations
will
    > be
    > > amended. Thereafter, CIC and the Immigration and Refugee Board will
    > conduct
    > > business with representatives who charge fees for services only if they
    > are
    > > members in good standing of CSIC or a provincial or territorial law
    > society.
    > --------------------------------------------------------------------------
    > -
    > >
    > > Only Canadian citizens and permanent residents can become members of
    > CSIC -
    > > thus all those offshore consultants you are talking about will not be
able
    > > to represent anyone when dealing with CIC. Of course they can sell their
    > > other consulting services, but they will not be able to file anyone's
    > > application with CIC nor to represent any case with CIC, period. So,
    > what's
    > > the use of them as of April 2004?
    > >
    > > All who consider hiring foreign based consultant now should re-think
their
    > > needs and consequences of new rules - it seems that foreign consultants
    > who
    > > file applications before April 2004 may have no access to anything after
    > > that date as CIC will not deal with them, thus leaving their clients
    > without
    > > representation or forcing them to hire a new representative who can
    > legally
    > > represent them starting April 2004.
    > >
    > > So Bill, what those consultants in Beijing, New Delhi and other places
    > > outside Canada will be offering to clients if they won't be able to
    > > represent them with CIC? Many will probably lie to their clients for a
    > while
    > > and try to "work around" the system, but on the long run it won't work.
    > >
    > > --
    > >
    > > ../..
    > >
    > > Andrew Miller
    > > Immigration Consultant
    > > Vancouver, British Columbia
    > > email: [email protected]
    > > (delete REMOVE from the above address before sending email)
    > > ________________________________
    > >
    > >
    > >
    > > "bill stephen" <[email protected]> wrote in message
    > > news:[email protected]...
    > > > Dear Mr Andrew,
    > > > Yes this is an indeed a positive step.But the thing is new ruling
    > > > mainly deals to tighten the screw on existing
    > > > representatives/lawyers/consultants who are Canadian citizens or
    > > > permanent residents of Canada BUT it is totally silent on immigration
    > > > consultants who are neither citizen nor resident of Canada.
    > > > This is the place where immigration authorities are totally silent.In
    > > > fact they dont want to touch them at all because they are totally out
    > > > of their jurisdition or have no control on them.
    > > >
    > > > In fact immigration authorities indirectly has given them some sort of
    > > > recognition by stating (check the cic site on representatives)
    > > > Where to go for help if things go wrong?
    > > >
    > > > "If your representative's place of business is abroad ?
    > > >
    > > > If your representative is not a Canadian citizen or a permanent
    > > > resident of Canada, you should present your complaint to the
    > > > appropriate authorities overseas. The Canadian government cannot get
    > > > involved in the dispute.
    > > >
    > > > This is the place where something was expected.
    > > >
    > > > There is nothing to cheer about in the current ruling .Everything is
    > > > for lawyers,consultants who is a Canadian citizen.Yes screws will be
    > > > tighten on these canadian based, unfortunately lot of complains are
    > > > there against them in this forum also.
    > > > Still it seems that overseas based consultant can work hassle free
    > > > with no checks if something goes wrong or complains against them.These
    > > > you will find in abundance Delhi,India and Beijing, China .
    > > > They will still continue to work.
    > > >
    > > > Bill
    > > >
    > > >
    > > >
    > > >
    > > > "Andrew Miller" <[email protected]> wrote in message
    > > news:<1Oyob.11416$EY3.4025@edtnps84>...
    > > > > As of April 2004, CIC and the Immigration and Refugee Board will
    > conduct
    > > > > business with representatives who charge fees for services **only**
if
    > > they
    > > > > are members in good standing of Canadian Society of Immigration
    > > Consultants
    > > > > (CSIC) or a provincial or territorial law society:
    > > > >
    > > > > http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/press/03/0347-pre.html
    > > > >
    > > > > In order to assist in the goal of consumer protection, the Society's
    > > Board
    > > > > of Directors decided at its first meeting to restrict membership in
    > the
    > > > > Society of Immigration Consultants exclusively to Canadian citizens
    > and
    > > > > permanent residents:
    > > > >
    > > > > http://www.csic-scci.ca/indexe.htm
    > > > >
    > > > > So, as of April 2004 Canadian immigration authorities will not deal
    > with
    > > > > representatives who and are not members in good standing of Canadian
    > > Society
    > > > > of Immigration Consultants (CSIC) or a provincial or territorial law
    > > > > society.
    > > > >
    > > > > Thus the serious warning - don't hire a representative who is not a
    > > Canadian
    > > > > citizen or permanent resident based in Canada as such will not be
able
    > > to
    > > > > become members of CSIC and thus will not be able to provide you with
    > > proper
    > > > > assistance as of April 2004. Canadian immigration will not deal with
    > > such
    > > > > offshore representative.
    > > > >
    > > > > --
    > > > >
    > > > > ../..
    > > > >
    > > > > Andrew Miller
    > > > > Immigration Consultant
    > > > > Vancouver, British Columbia
    > > > > email: [email protected]
    > > > > (delete REMOVE from the above address before sending email)
    > > > > ________________________________
    > >
    > >

Andrew Miller

What you just described about guy providing $1,000 service is not a
representation - it is simply only assistance in preparing the case and
applicants are formally filing their applications on their own. There is no
monitoring of the process as neither one (not the guy providing consulting
nor applicants in India) can gain access to file or get more detailed
information from CIC. This kind of limited assistance exists in Canada as
well and costs anywhere between $500 to $2,000 depending from circumstances
and who you hire.

--

../..

Andrew Miller
Immigration Consultant
Vancouver, British Columbia
email: [email protected]
(delete REMOVE from the above address before sending email)
________________________________


"sa" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
    > It sounds like keeping a check on Canadian immigration lawyers and
    > consultants.This was required as you will find lots of complains
    > against them in this news group.Very sorry state of affairs.It seems
    > that there is more complain against canadian based consultants than
    > all those who are working or based overseas.
    > I will give you one example of one consultant based at
    > Chandigarh,India with no roots in Canada and Indian by citizen but
    > working in this field for almost 10 years.We had visited his office
    > and he provided the immigration details.I asked for the references
    > with tel nos. and address of his clients based in Toronto as well as
    > Vancouver which he readily gave.We checked it and found it
    > correct.Also gave references of clients whose application was in
    > process.Met them and were satisfied.He made things very clearly and
    > charging only $1000-00 in two instalments second instalment after
    > getting visa and also explained that he is not representaing us but
    > assisting us in preparation of our file.As far as mailing address is
    > concerned he told us that all correspondence will be at our place
    > rather than consultants or his address giving reason that under some
    > canadian privacy act he is not suppose to handle direct
    > correspondence but once we receive any correspondence from high
    > commission we should approach him for further guidance.
    > As far as I know till date there is no complaint against him.
    > On the other hand there is another self proclaimed leading immigration
    > company (name with held) which boasts of sending almost ten thousand
    > clients to Canada based at chandigarh.Charging more than $3500-00
    > ,member of some OPEC or OIPC exactly I dont know but were showing it
    > again and again, trying to impress that as if it is some benchmark for
    > consultants.Having office in Canada in toronto as well as
    > vancouver.Against them there is always some complaint or the other and
    > they are always in news for bad reason.Lots of complain I have read
    > against them in this forum also.
    > Third example of one montreal based Canadian lawyer with no office in
    > India(name with held) visited Chandigarh,India , advertised in the
    > news paper.We went to meet him.Took our resume and was told that we
    > can migrate.On asking questions said that he will take care .On
    > further pestering he relented.We asked for the points we scored he
    > made a mistake by giving 25 points for one of our colleagues education
    > who did one year masters degree by correspondence but he allotted 25
    > points.On pointing out this he told that dont worry he has contacts at
    > new delhi office, he will make things in order.On furhter enquiring he
    > just takes out contract letter asking down payment US$3500-00. But
    > biggest bluff was that he promised permanent resident visa within 18
    > months that too from new delhi office because of his contacts.Ready to
    > give in writing? Big no .Says his word is enough.
    > Now how to trust him.Poor chap is not knowing that half of chandigarh
    > residents are aware of immigration basics.
    > Now if given a choice to whom one should hire?Whether regulations or
    > no regulation personally I will go for the first one.He give exactly
    > the same details what others in fact he gives more and very clear than
    > others.Others were hiding some information or the other.
    > Second one is over worked so wont be able to devote time and also lots
    > of complain against them.
    > Third one (worst lot who is suppose to be the best)honesty and even
    > professionalism is lacking.
    > It is here that these regulations are required and the government has
    > taken a positive step in this regard to keep a check on them.But
    > people will throng to the first one come what may as long as he is
    > producing results and our money is saved.
    > sandhu
    > > > > As of April 2004, CIC and the Immigration and Refugee Board will
conduct
    > > > > business with representatives who charge fees for services **only**
if
    > > they
    > > > > are members in good standing of Canadian Society of Immigration
    > > Consultants
    > > > > (CSIC) or a provincial or territorial law society:
    > > > >
    > > > > http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/press/03/0347-pre.html
    > > > >
    > > > > In order to assist in the goal of consumer protection, the Society's
    > > Board
    > > > > of Directors decided at its first meeting to restrict membership in
the
    > > > > Society of Immigration Consultants exclusively to Canadian citizens
and
    > > > > permanent residents:
    > > > >
    > > > > http://www.csic-scci.ca/indexe.htm
    > > > >
    > > > > So, as of April 2004 Canadian immigration authorities will not deal
with
    > > > > representatives who and are not members in good standing of Canadian
    > > Society
    > > > > of Immigration Consultants (CSIC) or a provincial or territorial law
    > > > > society.
    > > > >
    > > > > Thus the serious warning - don't hire a representative who is not a
    > > Canadian
    > > > > citizen or permanent resident based in Canada as such will not be
able
    > > to
    > > > > become members of CSIC and thus will not be able to provide you with
    > > proper
    > > > > assistance as of April 2004. Canadian immigration will not deal with
    > > such
    > > > > offshore representative.
    > > > >
    > > > > --
    > > > >
    > > > > ../..
    > > > >
    > > > > Andrew Miller
    > > > > Immigration Consultant
    > > > > Vancouver, British Columbia
    > > > > email: [email protected]
    > > > > (delete REMOVE from the above address before sending email)
    > > > > ________________________________

Sukhwinder Singh

Sadhu are you talking about Can-Asia based in chanigarh and have office in
Vancouver too ?


"sa" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
It sounds like keeping a check on Canadian immigration lawyers and
consultants.This was required as you will find lots of complains
against them in this news group.Very sorry state of affairs.It seems
that there is more complain against canadian based consultants than
all those who are working or based overseas.
I will give you one example of one consultant based at
Chandigarh,India with no roots in Canada and Indian by citizen but
working in this field for almost 10 years.We had visited his office
and he provided the immigration details.I asked for the references
with tel nos. and address of his clients based in Toronto as well as
Vancouver which he readily gave.We checked it and found it
correct.Also gave references of clients whose application was in
process.Met them and were satisfied.He made things very clearly and
charging only $1000-00 in two instalments second instalment after
getting visa and also explained that he is not representaing us but
assisting us in preparation of our file.As far as mailing address is
concerned he told us that all correspondence will be at our place
rather than consultants or his address giving reason that under some
canadian privacy act he is not suppose to handle direct
correspondence but once we receive any correspondence from high
commission we should approach him for further guidance.
As far as I know till date there is no complaint against him.

On the other hand there is another self proclaimed leading immigration
company (name with held) which boasts of sending almost ten thousand
clients to Canada based at chandigarh.Charging more than $3500-00
,member of some OPEC or OIPC exactly I dont know but were showing it
again and again, trying to impress that as if it is some benchmark for
consultants.Having office in Canada in toronto as well as
vancouver.Against them there is always some complaint or the other and
they are always in news for bad reason.Lots of complain I have read
against them in this forum also.

Third example of one montreal based Canadian lawyer with no office in
India(name with held) visited Chandigarh,India , advertised in the
news paper.We went to meet him.Took our resume and was told that we
can migrate.On asking questions said that he will take care .On
further pestering he relented.We asked for the points we scored he
made a mistake by giving 25 points for one of our colleagues education
who did one year masters degree by correspondence but he allotted 25
points.On pointing out this he told that dont worry he has contacts at
new delhi office, he will make things in order.On furhter enquiring he
just takes out contract letter asking down payment US$3500-00. But
biggest bluff was that he promised permanent resident visa within 18
months that too from new delhi office because of his contacts.Ready to
give in writing? Big no .Says his word is enough.
Now how to trust him.Poor chap is not knowing that half of chandigarh
residents are aware of immigration basics.

Now if given a choice to whom one should hire?Whether regulations or
no regulation personally I will go for the first one.He give exactly
the same details what others in fact he gives more and very clear than
others.Others were hiding some information or the other.
Second one is over worked so wont be able to devote time and also lots
of complain against them.
Third one (worst lot who is suppose to be the best)honesty and even
professionalism is lacking.

It is here that these regulations are required and the government has
taken a positive step in this regard to keep a check on them.But
people will throng to the first one come what may as long as he is
producing results and our money is saved.

sandhu









    > > > As of April 2004, CIC and the Immigration and Refugee Board will
conduct
    > > > business with representatives who charge fees for services **only** if
    > they
    > > > are members in good standing of Canadian Society of Immigration
    > Consultants
    > > > (CSIC) or a provincial or territorial law society:
    > > >
    > > > http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/press/03/0347-pre.html
    > > >
    > > > In order to assist in the goal of consumer protection, the Society's
    > Board
    > > > of Directors decided at its first meeting to restrict membership in
the
    > > > Society of Immigration Consultants exclusively to Canadian citizens
and
    > > > permanent residents:
    > > >
    > > > http://www.csic-scci.ca/indexe.htm
    > > >
    > > > So, as of April 2004 Canadian immigration authorities will not deal
with
    > > > representatives who and are not members in good standing of Canadian
    > Society
    > > > of Immigration Consultants (CSIC) or a provincial or territorial law
    > > > society.
    > > >
    > > > Thus the serious warning - don't hire a representative who is not a
    > Canadian
    > > > citizen or permanent resident based in Canada as such will not be able
    > to
    > > > become members of CSIC and thus will not be able to provide you with
    > proper
    > > > assistance as of April 2004. Canadian immigration will not deal with
    > such
    > > > offshore representative.
    > > >
    > > > --
    > > >
    > > > ../..
    > > >
    > > > Andrew Miller
    > > > Immigration Consultant
    > > > Vancouver, British Columbia
    > > > email: [email protected]
    > > > (delete REMOVE from the above address before sending email)
    > > > ________________________________

britgirl27

I am glad that this is being introduced but for me it is too late. I paid a Canadian guy some money upfront to sort out my paperwork and after months we found out he had done nothing and when we tried to get my money back he said I would have to take him to court because he would just prove that he had done work at home on my behalf, even though he had not. We did report him to various official bodies but heard nothing. He also did the same to a friend of mine's uncle and because he had done nothing for him he was eventually asked to leave the country. So lets hope that by having to become a member of this new body, that it will stop people like him from operating and misleading people. I have since filed my own papers and things are going well.

The Wizzard

Andrew Miller wrote:

    > It still remains to be seen. CIC says that as of April 2004 they will
    > conduct business only with representatives who are members in good standing
    > of CSIC or law society in Canada - this statement taken at face value means
    > that all who are already using representatives not meeting criteria will be
    > left in cold, without representation. But we need to wait for the announced
    > for April amendment to Regulations to see how it is implemented.
    >

It doesn't say anywhere you have to be based in Canada to have good
standing with CSIC, it says you have to be a Canadian Citizen or
Permanent Resident. So it would be perfectly pheasable for a Canadian
Citizen who is registered with CSIC and in good standing to set up
offices in other countries and deal with clients there. Lots of the
large immigration firms that have offices around the world and deal with
several countries like say Canadian, US, UK, Australian immigration etc
hire consultants who are from those countries and hold those
citizenships. So surely a currently practicing consultant say in the UK
who is a Canadian Citizen can continue to practice and register with the
CSIC?

Andrew Miller

Again - it remains to be seen. Read the report and recommendations of the
Advisory Committee on Regulating Immigration Consultants and other releases
from CIC on the topic. You'll see that the intention is to limit
representatives only to those in Canada or if abroad to those who's head
office is operating in Canada. Without legal presence of representative (or
his/her office) in Canada it would be impossible to implement most of
requirements as well as penalties being now at the planning stage in CSIC
and Canadian government will have to way to enforce anything. So, it is
rather sure that membership in CSIC will be tied up not only to the status
in Canada but also to physical presence here.

--

../..

Andrew Miller
Immigration Consultant
Vancouver, British Columbia
email: [email protected]
(delete REMOVE from the above address before sending email)
________________________________


"The Wizzard" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
    > Andrew Miller wrote:
    > > It still remains to be seen. CIC says that as of April 2004 they will
    > > conduct business only with representatives who are members in good
standing
    > > of CSIC or law society in Canada - this statement taken at face value
means
    > > that all who are already using representatives not meeting criteria will
be
    > > left in cold, without representation. But we need to wait for the
announced
    > > for April amendment to Regulations to see how it is implemented.
    > >
    > It doesn't say anywhere you have to be based in Canada to have good
    > standing with CSIC, it says you have to be a Canadian Citizen or
    > Permanent Resident. So it would be perfectly pheasable for a Canadian
    > Citizen who is registered with CSIC and in good standing to set up
    > offices in other countries and deal with clients there. Lots of the
    > large immigration firms that have offices around the world and deal with
    > several countries like say Canadian, US, UK, Australian immigration etc
    > hire consultants who are from those countries and hold those
    > citizenships. So surely a currently practicing consultant say in the UK
    > who is a Canadian Citizen can continue to practice and register with the
    > CSIC?

Jaj

I can give some comments here from an Australian perspective.
Registration as an migration agent with the Australian authorities is
limited to those who are:

- Australian citizens
- Australian permanent residents (who normally reside in Australia)
- New Zealand citizens who are physically in Australia and meet
certain requirements

An Australian citizen can register no matter where in the world he
lives. Penalties can be enforced, first and foremost, by stripping
the person of his registered status. While it would be near
impossible to enforce other penalities against an Australian resident
abroad, it's assumed that in most cases an expatriate Australian will
be more concerned about the prospects of enforcement on a future
return to Australia than a non-citizen who is unlikely ever to live
here.

Jeremy

    >On Sun, 02 Nov 2003 00:59:02 GMT, "Andrew Miller" <[email protected]> wrote:
    >Again - it remains to be seen. Read the report and recommendations of the
    >Advisory Committee on Regulating Immigration Consultants and other releases
    >from CIC on the topic. You'll see that the intention is to limit
    >representatives only to those in Canada or if abroad to those who's head
    >office is operating in Canada. Without legal presence of representative (or
    >his/her office) in Canada it would be impossible to implement most of
    >requirements as well as penalties being now at the planning stage in CSIC
    >and Canadian government will have to way to enforce anything. So, it is
    >rather sure that membership in CSIC will be tied up not only to the status
    >in Canada but also to physical presence here.

    >"The Wizzard" <[email protected]> wrote in message
    >news:[email protected]...

    >> It doesn't say anywhere you have to be based in Canada to have good
    >> standing with CSIC, it says you have to be a Canadian Citizen or
    >> Permanent Resident. So it would be perfectly pheasable for a Canadian
    >> Citizen who is registered with CSIC and in good standing to set up
    >> offices in other countries and deal with clients there. Lots of the
    >> large immigration firms that have offices around the world and deal with
    >> several countries like say Canadian, US, UK, Australian immigration etc
    >> hire consultants who are from those countries and hold those
    >> citizenships. So surely a currently practicing consultant say in the UK
    >> who is a Canadian Citizen can continue to practice and register with the
    >> CSIC?

This is not intended to be legal advice in any jurisdiction