The danger of applying for immigration online - News - Jamaica Gleaner - Tuesday | July 9, 2013

The danger of applying for immigration online - News - Jamaica Gleaner - Tuesday | July 9, 2013

Dear Ms Powell,

I am inquiring about a programme I found on the Internet. I would like to know if it is legitimate or a scam. I filled out a form online on their website and they responded to me via email informing me to fill out the application and pay a processing fee of US$99. I am a Jamaican who currently holds a bachelor's degree in social work and I'm seeking employment opportunities in Canada.

- DM

Dear DM,

I am not familiar with the programme you mentioned. However, I have often written about ways to avoid scammers and I think my words are falling on deaf ears. Ever so often I receive emails from persons who have lost thousands of dollars to these online programmes, because they have not done their due diligence.

I am reminding you and others that the only persons who are authorised to charge a fee for their services are lawyers, paralegals and notaries (Quebec) who are in good standing with their regulatory organisation. If you submit your application through an unauthorised person you will be wasting your money and time. The law societies have websites and helplines that you may call to investigate a lawyer or paralegal in Canada. The General Legal Council of Jamaica also has a list of lawyers in good standing.

I am going to repeat some of the information submitted in a previous article, as I am receiving too many complaints about persons who have been defrauded.

Ways to protect yourself from fraud:

1. Choose a lawyer or consultant who has been recommended by a friend or family member you trust.

2. Interview your prospective representative. Ask about their training, experience and about the organisation that has authorised them to act as an immigration representative.

3. Contact the governing professional organisation to ensure that the representative has a licence to practice, e.g., General Legal Council, Law Society of Upper Canada (Ontario only) and Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC).

4. Call the number listed on the website. Are you able to speak with a representative? Ask questions about the services offered.

5. Ensure that you have a retainer agreement or contract and that you fully understand the terms. Do not sign the documents unless you fully understand them.

6. A legitimate representative will also ask you to sign a 'use of representative form' which will include their name of their governing body. You should keep a copy of this form.

7. Do not give your original documents such as your passport, SIN card or driver's licence to the representative.

8. You should submit certified cheques, money order payable directly to 'Receiver General of Canada' and not to your representative. If you submit the funds directly to your representative, ensure that you get a receipt and have proof of payments.

9. You may change your immigration representative at anytime during the process and may contact Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC), directly or through your new representative to notify them of the change.

Remember no individual can guarantee you a job and a visa to Canada. Only the CIC officers at the Canadian Embassies, consulates or high commissions can decide whether your visa will be granted.

You should check to see if the person listed on the website is a legitimate representative, by contacting the governing body. If they are authorised, and fail to provide the service that they guaranteed, then you may contact the governing body to assist you with your complaint. Another option is to contact Canada Border Services Agency Border Watch Toll-free Line at 1-888-502-9060 for additional information.

Be alert and smart. Investigate the person or company before you send your documents and money to them.

Deidre S. Powell is a lawyer, mediator and notary public who is a member of the Jamaican and Ontario, Canada bars, with main office located in Ottawa, Ontario. Her areas of practice are in Immigration, Real Estate, Commercial, Personal Injury, Family and Administration of Estates. She is on the roster of Mediators for Ottawa, Toronto and the Dispute Resolution Foundation of Jamaica.