What to watch out for when hiring a rep.

Canada Immigration Forum (discussion group)


 
       
Subject: What to watch out for when hiring a rep.
  Well this is an open discussion to kind of make a check list of questions we should ask and inquire, before we hire someone to rep. us on immigration case.

In my view we should ask or carefully examine:

1) The contract terms - A rep. may say anything on words to us, but in end if things go bad - both parties are bound by contract clause. Be very careful to read the terms. Insist on changes, even if they say "oh this is just a contract, we will not do that". Well tell them, if you are not going to do it - then please put it on paper.

I see a lot of people ask help on going on their own after medicals - well; then have them put this term on contract, that is I´m not satisfied with your service I reserve the right to cancel your services and not pay the installment for work after medical forms are received.

2) Specifically ask them for references - many clients are more than willing to give references of reps. Talk to them before you hire the reps. It is only a phone call compared to a lifetime of regret.

3) Donot settle for a 100% upfront payment ever - reps. like to draw out a cheaper plan for upfront payment. They are like lawyers, if they have the money upfront - what incentive to they have to work as they should.

4) Bind them to terms, like what are you going to do if your case takes exceptionally longer than expected?

5) Ask for a copy of thier written submission - most will not. It is a right to at least obtain a copy of what they submit on your behalf. Make sure you bind them NOT to send application until you have gone over it one final time.

6) Voice out concern - If you find something wrong. They may say "Oh this is normal, we handle 100 applications like this", no you have possibly only 1 chance - you are not concerened with the other 99 applicants. When Sh*t hits the fan, guess who is in trouble?

7) Make sure they have a 1-800 calling number, if they are in Canada, and you are in the US - even a 3-5 cents a minute calling cards are going to move very fast - especially when you will be calling them 10-15 times just to hunt them to talk to you. You will be amazed, the very agency which calls you 2-3 times a week to get your business - will just turn around avoiding your calls when you have paid them

8) Make sure you have discussed who is actually going to write up your application. These reps talk to you and let a per hour hire who has been trained for like a week write up your application. Make sure, that the person who you finally discuss your case is the one who is writing up application.

9) Donot leave additions in family undiscussed - like marriage, birth etc. ask them if this will be free of charge or how much is going to be charged. Make sure it is on contract.

10) Keep all correspondence - right from day 1. Even emails will help. I had a friend, who was quoted something else and was charged something else on Credit Card after 2-3 months. She was able to retract the extra amount, by that email.

11) Make sure you discuss the conversion rate charge (If you pay in Candian Dollars using US Credit Card), the agents will most likely bill you the extra amount of the service charge. Make sure you discuss the final amount incl. all taxes, charges etc.

12) Make sure only pay by Credit Card - besides getting the extra points!! you will have a transaction record. Keep away from Bankers checks, etc. These are hard to track later if you have to proove when and how the money was actually paid.

13) Bind them to deadlines - make sure you confirm how fast they will send any documents you send them. You may send them FEDEX second day, but the document is usually on their desk waiting for some more docs for other clients they will like to combine and send them snail mail to CIC - to save costs. Ask them if it is better to send docs directly to CIC - they can email you a coverning letter.

14) In case of a failed case, ask them specifically for what will they do (appeal) and is it going to be incl. in costs or they will charge more.

I can keep thinking of more - but I guess I´d let other forum members also share.

I´m not saying all are money hungry bad reps, but most are - we all know. It is a business for them, one number means nothing but $ 2000 to them.

[18-11-2005,16:03]
[**.151.172.201]
starwars
(in reply to: What to watch out for when hiring a rep.)
Great note Starwars
[18-11-2005,16:06]
[**.128.30.14]
ME
(in reply to: What to watch out for when hiring a rep.)
Me,

I´m totally charged. I feel sorry for some dude I just glanced on this forum being harrased for money. I know we cannot do much once we have signed the contract, but at least for new applicants why have choice.

These are the guys who will help discipline these money hungry reps.

[18-11-2005,16:13]
[**.151.172.201]
starwars
(in reply to: What to watch out for when hiring a rep.)
I know - the immigration process sounds confusing but honestly, I believe if you read the CIC websites carefully (take printout and go over it using a highlighter), there is not much for a rep/consultant to do. Completing the paperwork takes lots of time, but then its probably one of most important decisions in your life. In USA, we consider home buying the most important decision, but heck..this is way more important.

I recommend folks to do it on their own. Time should not be the excuse.

[18-11-2005,16:21]
[**.128.30.14]
ME
(in reply to: What to watch out for when hiring a rep.)
I totally agree with you ME - but I guess there are people who are scared by lengthy forms, instructions etc. and they just want it done.
[18-11-2005,16:23]
[**.151.172.201]
starwars
(in reply to: What to watch out for when hiring a rep.)
CIC has done a very good job of providing enough information so that people can prepare their own applications. Consider paying yourself the consultant´s fee to read the guides, study the forms and to buy the postage. You are providing the information anyway... all they are doing is making sure you did not miss anything and providing a mailing address.

Unless your application is very compilcated... consider this... nobody cares about your application more than you do! Nobody will be more careful with details than you will... so why not do it yourself!

[18-11-2005,16:25]
[***.181.198.246]
Sharon
(in reply to: What to watch out for when hiring a rep.)
I agree with Sharon and as I mentioned, NO BODY IS going to be at a loss if anything goes wrong with your application other than YOU.

Carefully read on your reps. contract they say they will refund you the money you paid them if things go wrong - but in a small print it says (less administrative costs - which is what 80%-90%??).

But it is not a question of money; it is your future.

[18-11-2005,16:28]
[**.151.172.201]
starwars
(in reply to: What to watch out for when hiring a rep.)
I agree with Sharon. Do it urself, keep $$ for yourself and treat yourself to a nice dinnerS as you wait for your turn.

Get your spouse/friend (a fresh set of eyes) to review your application.

Or, complete the application, keep it aside for 3-4 days and then come back to review it. It always works!

[18-11-2005,16:36]
[**.128.30.14]
ME
(in reply to: What to watch out for when hiring a rep.)
I agree that in 90% of cases, you don´t need a lawyer. There are those however whose situations are complicated (arrest records, pending court cases, whatever) who might be better off speaking to a lawyer first. (Personally, I did use a lawyer when I applied, but looking back I could have saved mysefl some serious cash).

For those who do want to use a lawyer, here are some more points I´ve extracted from "How to choose an immigration lawyer" on immigrationguides.com:

? Pick a representative it´s easy to communicate with. It is important that you are able to meet your representative in person rather than conduct a long-distance relationship. Many Canadian lawyers and consultants visit certain regions often, to meet with existing clients and talk to potential ones.

? Go well prepared for your meeting. If a lawyer has sent you a questionnaire to fill out, make sure this is done and returned before your meeting. Carry a copy of all papers relevant to your situation. Organize the documents in a logical manner before you meet with the lawyer.

? Prepare a list of questions to take with you to your first meeting. No question is too silly to ask. General questions to ask would include: How many matters of a similar nature has the lawyer handled? How much of his or her work is done in this area? What paperwork is involved and how long will it take to finalize? How would the lawyer go about handling your situation? What is the process? How long will it take to bring the matter to a conclusion? How would the lawyer charge for his or her services? Can the lawyer provide references?

? Provide the facts. Just as you want to learn as much as you can about the lawyer or consultant, they want to know all relevant facts about you. Don´t lie or mislead, this can wind up hurting your case in the long run.

? Meet with more than one lawyer. You don´t have to sign up with the first lawyer or consultant you meet. If you feel you are being pressured to sign up at your very first meeting (for example, by being offered a fee discount if you sign right away), it´s better to walk away.

? A question of fees. Most immigration lawyers and consultants charge a flat fee, though in many matters, hourly billing or contingency billing may be done. If a lawyer prices way outside of the market ? either on the high or the low side ? this should be a source of concern.

? Ask for a Retainer Agreement. A lawyer should give you a Retainer Agreement or other paper with the fee written down. The agreement should say what the lawyer will try to do for you. If the lawyer does not want to give you a written agreement, find out why.

The link to the full article is here:

http://immigrationguides.com/immigration_lawyers/how_to_choose_an_immigration_lawyer.html

[18-11-2005,18:33]
[**.229.198.77]
typo
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