RCIC vs Immigration Lawyer: Which Authorized Representative is Right for You?
Submitting a Canadian immigration or citizenship application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is no small feat. The decision made on your application will carry real-life consequences for you and your loved ones, and has the potential to change your life forever - ideally, in a positive way!
Working with an Authorized Representative, such as a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) or an immigration lawyer, is not a requirement from IRCC. However, working with a qualified legal professional could help make your immigration journey less stressful, and provide you with invaluable guidance and support throughout this important process.
RCICs vs. Lawyers: Key Differences to Know
If you’re deciding between working with an RCIC or an immigration lawyer, it’s important to be aware of a few key factors:
Proper Regulation
Ensure that the professional you wish to work with is properly regulated and in good standing with their professional body. This means that they are either:
an RCIC who is a member in good standing of the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC), or
a lawyer or paralegal who is a member in good standing with a Canadian provincial or territorial law society.
Scope of Services
For a vast majority of immigration services - such as straightforward applications for temporary or permanent residency, citizenship, or PR card-related services - either an RCIC or a lawyer can represent you.
However, in more complex cases, or following an application refusal, only an immigration lawyer can represent a client at the Federal Court. By contrast, an RCIC can represent their client before IRCC, and at the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) - provided they have the appropriate license from CICC to do so - including at the appeal tribunal level.
Education
Lawyers complete a law degree, undergo articling (supervised legal training) with a law firm, and must pass the bar exam in their province or territory of practice. RCICs complete a specialized diploma in Canadian immigration law, and must pass the Entry-to-Practice Exam administered by CICC.
So, who should I work with?
Choosing the right professional is as much about the nature of your case, as it is about your personal comfort and confidence in them. When deciding who is best suited to assist you with your immigration application, consider this two-step approach:
1. Match the complexity of your case to the professional’s scope.
If your case may involve a refusal, legal complications, or a need for court intervention, a lawyer may be more appropriate. For most standard applications, both RCICs and lawyers are qualified to represent you.
2. Connect with the representative, and assess fit.
Schedule a consultation to meet with the RCIC or lawyer either virtually or in person. Review their credentials. Ask about their experience, fees, and working style. Ensure you feel supported, comfortable and confident in their approach.
The Bottom Line
Ultimately, the right legal professional for your Canadian immigration application can be either an RCIC or an immigration lawyer, as long as they are someone that you feel you can rely on and trust beyond their title — someone with the experience, transparency, and professionalism to guide your case with care.
At the end of the day, your Canadian immigration journey is personal and important — you should entrust it to the professional who feels right for you.