Applying for a Canadian Visa by Yourself Versus an RCIC

Immigrating to another country is a bold move for anybody. When it comes to wanting to immigrate to Canada, specifically, there are many factors to consider, such as which program you are best suited to, which province would be best to settle in, and where your skills are needed most. Making the wrong decisions or not fulfilling all your application requirements can result in rejection, disappointment, or unnecessary delays. While you can go through your application independently, it's a good idea to utilize services that can make things easier and give you a better chance of success. Let's look at the differences between applying for a Canadian visa by yourself versus an RCIC.

What is an RCIC?

Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants, or RCICs, are trained professionals who are experts in Canadian immigration law and the immigration process. They can help people who want to move to Canada stand the best chance of application success.

RCICs are regulated by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC), a national body regulating the immigration industry. RCICs adhere to strict ethics, which means they are trustworthy aids for your Canadian journey.

Applying For a Canadian Visa With an RCIC

Using an RCIC can remove the anxiety that often comes with immigration and visas. They will help you with:

• Your Eligibility Evaluation
• Creating your online profile
• Filling out forms
• Gathering documents
• Verifying documents
• Dealing with immigration authorities

Benefits of Using an RCIC

There are many benefits that come with using an RCIC. They will:

• Ensure that your application complies with Canadian immigration laws and regulations
• Reduce the risk of your application being declined
• Save you time
• Save you money
• Ensure that your application is complete
• Protect your interests
• Provide you the correct immigration information you need when you need
• Simplify your application process

Learn more about the benefits of using an RCIC to get you ready for your move to Canada.

How to Check if an RCIC is Authorized by the CICC

To see if an RCIC is licensed, you need to go to their website and fill in the name of the RCIC you're looking for, along with their registration number and company name. This will show you whether they are authorized or not.

Applying For a Canadian Visa by Yourself

If you choose to, you can apply for a Canadian visa or an immigration program by yourself. However, the process can be daunting and will take some extra work. Let's look at the step-by-step process. As an example, we'll be showing the process of Express Entry.

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Before you apply, you must determine if you're eligible for Express Entry. There are two ways to do this:

1. You'll need to answer a few questions to determine which of the three Express Entry programs you're eligible for. The questionnaire usually takes around 10 to 15 minutes to complete. You'll be asked questions about your nationality, age, language skills. family members, education, work experience, and details on any job offer
2. Your other option is to read the detailed requirements for each program. You can also compare all three programs via the Canadian website.

If you're eligible, you'll receive a list of instructions on what your next steps are. This will also include completing your online profile.

Step 2: Check Your CRS Score

Once you complete and submit your online profile, it enters the draw pool. You'll receive your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score here. The CRS score is used to assess and rank your profile. You will score based on the following factors. (Please note that the highest score achievable is 1,200 points):

• Skills
• Education
• Language ability
• Work experience
• Other factors

Step 3: Get All Your Documents Ready

You'll need to get all of your documents ready. It's also best to get certain documents ahead of time, as it could take some time to prepare them. The documents you may need are the following:

• Your passport;
• Your language test results;
• Provincial nomination (if you have one);
• Proof of work experience, certificate of qualification in a trade occupation issued by a Canadian province, a written job offer from a Canadian employer (the last two requirements are only needed if you have one);
• Proof of Canadian education or an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) if you're applying through the Federal Skilled Workers Program and if you want to get CRS points for your education outside of Canada;
• Proof of funds.

Step 4: Complete Your Profile

You'll receive an online profile to fill out via your Express Entry account. This is where you give the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) information about yourself. You'll need to do the following:

• Follow the instructions to create an account (if you don't already have one)
• Enter your reference code when it prompts you to (only if you have one)
• Enter your personal details
• Create or sign in to your account

To complete your profile, you'll need:

• Information from certain documents, such as your language test results;
• Your National Occupational Classification (NOC) job title and code

Your information will be saved in your account, so you can leave your profile at any time.

Step 5: Receive an Invitation and Apply

You'll receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) if you have one of the highest scores in the pool. The draw usually takes place every two weeks. You'll have 60 days to complete and submit your Canadian permanent residency application if you receive an invite. This part of the process will take around six months or less.

As you can see, there are several steps that you'll need to take to successfully apply for a Canadian visa online and receive an ITA. Missing a step or doing something wrong can result in your application being unsuccessful.

Why it's Worth Getting Help With Taking the Leap to a New Chapter in Canada

The Great White North is the ultimate land of milk and honey, so once you've decided to move to Canada, you'll want to ensure all your boxes are ticked. You don't want anything standing in the way of getting to live your Canadian dream, eh? Gaining access to the following benefits makes it worth getting help leaping to a new chapter in Canada.

Canada Has a Strong Economy

Canada's economy is one of the largest in the world. The country is one of the leading trading nations, with its economy built on many thriving industries, such as logging and oil, to name but a few. Learn more about the Canadian economy.

There Are Hundreds of Thousands of Job Vacancies

Canada has over 800,000 job vacancies. The country needs skilled and low-skilled workers to help fill these significant gaps. The ongoing talent drain is due to a huge retiring population and low birth rate.

Canada is One of the Safest Countries in the world

Canada is one of the safest countries in the world. This is usually one of the reasons so many foreigners choose it as an immigration destination. It should be noted that while it is pretty safe, no place is immune to crime. Learn more about safety levels in Canada.

The Cost of Living is Lower Than Most Other First World Countries

Canada is more affordable to live in compared to other first-world nations. Let's take a look at a comparison between this land of maple leaves and its neighbor to the north, according to livingcost.org.

Learn more about the cost of living in Canada.

There Are Many Pathways to Canadian Permanent Residency

Gaining Canadian permanent residency has various benefits, including Universal Healthcare. When planning your move to Canada, you'll find over 80 immigration programs and visas to make this possible. To ensure you choose the one that best suits your profile and needs, consult an RCIC.

Children Don’t Pay For Education

Education is a top priority for the Government of Canada. The country's provinces and territories have their school systems that follow government standards to ensure high-quality public schooling. So if you plan on moving your family here, your children will receive free education up to the end of high school.

FAQs

Is an Immigration Lawyer the Same as an RCIC?

While both of these have authorization to provide immigration advice and services, their education and training are the main things that set them apart. An immigration lawyer has a law degree. An RCIC, on the other hand, has specific training in Canadian immigration law. Find out more about the difference between immigration lawyers and RCICs.

Are Canadian Immigration Consultants Insured?

Yes, they are. The College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants asks its members to take out errors and omission insurance to protect applicants against unintended action that may result in financial loss. This covers the consumer and the RCIC.