Why do we charge consultation fees?

The majority of immigration consultants offer some type of "free" consultation. We're one of a few who charge a consultation fee for the first visit. The distinction is a matter of principle for us because we define "consultation" as providing a legal opinion based on law. For most other consultants, even those who have a license, a "consultation" is really a sales pitch.

Our Initial Legal Inquiry Consultation serves two purposes. First, we determine if you're likely to qualify to immigrate to Canada. Our main deliverable at the conclusion of the session is to provide you with a formal legal opinion based on your set of circumstances and goals. Too many clients retain an expensive immigration lawyer only to be denied admission at the end of the process after spending thousands of dollars. Sadly, many immigration lawyers or unlicensed agents take on a case knowing full well that the client has little chance of success. This type of client might think there is benefit from a "free" consultation at the outset, but the time used at this so-called complimentary consultation is merely used to sell an engagement letter or retainer agreement. In other words, these "free" consultations are nothing more than a ruse to get people to sign a binding contract worth thousands of dollars. Some agents will even make the preposterous claim that you're "guaranteed" a visa, a claim which is in contravention of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA).

Second, if we think you're qualified under a particular immigration program, we then proceed to the next part of the consultation. In this part, we come up with an immigration strategy; we discuss all your options and provide you with a time frame, fees (both ours and the government's), your probability of success and a recommendation. We leave plenty of time for you to ask as well as answer questions. There's no sales pitch. The session is strictly informational based on your particular profile.

We generally block one hour for this consultation session. If more time is needed because your issues are more complex a second, longer, work session (called a Preliminary Evaluation Consultation) may be requested at additional cost.

We adhere to the principle that immigration is a life decision. The immigration decision, like the decision to buy a house, must be deliberated carefully and can't be hurried. Unlike what you see on television, immigration is a slow conscientious process that requires planning and purposeful calculation.