October 5, 2009

Are Lawyer’s Scam Representatives?

Q I have checked Immigration Canada’s website regarding the use of a representative and it reads under Immigration Representatives: Warning: Don’t be the victim of a scam. Do representatives include attorneys?

I assume you are asking if lawyers (attorney – American term) are included in the generic wording “representatives” and the answer is yes and I also read into your question that you may be concerned about being a victim of a scam if you hire a lawyer. The wording on Citizenship and Immigration Canada’s (CIC) website is motivated by good intentions and the wording has improved but it still leaves a mistaken impression in my view. Many applicants are serviced by representatives that include lawyers most of whom in my experience are hard working individuals looking to best service their clients. CIC is attempting to minimize the fraud that occurs in Canada and overseas by unscrupulous individuals with one goal – profit. They often destroy dreams or create dreams of immigrating to Canada where immigration for those individuals is not a realistic option. Unfortunately better wording should clearly define and separate the key role lawyers do provide for the betterment of clients.