Using Representatives and Consultants

Immigration consultants, lawyers, and other representatives give immigration advice and help to immigration applicants, usually for a fee. You do not need to hire an immigration representative to help you with your immigration application. It is your decision. Your application will not be given special attention or guaranteed approval if you use a consultant or lawyer.

All the forms and information that you need to apply to immigrate to Newfoundland and Labrador are available for free from the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP) and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). If you follow the instructions online and in the application guide, you can complete the application forms and submit them on your own.

If you hire a representative, make sure you fill out the applicable use of a representative form. If you decide to hire a representative but do not declare this on your application forms, this is considered to be false and misleading information and will result in your NLPNP application being declined.

The NLPNP reserves the right to contact you directly regarding your application, even if you do use an authorized representative.

It is mandatory that you have full access to the email account indicated on your NLPNP application and that you have full access to your NLPNP application during all stages of the application process. Our office will copy you directly in all correspondence sent to your representative.

If you and your representative do not adhere to these mandatory requirements, it will result in your NLPNP application being declined. This means you must have full, unrestricted access to correspondence between you and your Immigration Program Development Officer at all times throughout your immigration process. You must be included in all correspondence from your representative to our office.

Please read the following information before deciding whether you should hire an immigration representative:

  • You do not need to hire an immigration representative to apply for immigration or for Canadian citizenship.
  • Immigration representatives do not have special connections with Newfoundland and Labrador or Canadian government officials and cannot guarantee your application will be successful. Only authorized officers with the NLPNP and IRCC (including Canadian embassies, high commissions and consulates) can make decisions on your application.
  • Only the following people may charge a fee to represent or advise you on immigration matters with the Governments of Newfoundland and Labrador and Canada:
  • Before you pay anyone a fee, check their credentials to make sure they are members of one of the organizations above and go to their respective websites for further information on their standing and/or registration.
  • Never follow advice to use false documents or making false statements on your immigration application forms. This is illegal and will result in the refusal of your application.
  • Beware of internet scams and false websites. Some websites may appear to be official government websites, but the information they contain may be inaccurate or out of date. The official Immigrate to Newfoundland and Labrador website operated by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is www.gov.nl.ca/immigration. The official website of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is https://www.canada.ca/en/services/immigration-citizenship.html.
  • All the forms you need to apply to the NLPNP are available for free. You will also find free application forms and guides for on IRCC’s website.
  • Processing fees are the same at all Canadian visa offices around the world. Fees in local currency are based on official exchange rates and correspond with the amount in Canadian dollars.
  • Canadian visa offices will never ask you to deposit money into an individual’s personal bank accounts or to transfer money through a specific private money transfer company.
  • If you have questions, contact IRCC or the Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism.

To read more, including information on who can legally represent you if you choose to hire an immigration representative, visit IRCC’s web pages on Immigration Representatives.

If you think your immigration representative has treated you unfairly or broken the law while representing you, the IRCC website has information on how to file a complaint.