August 18, 2025

Immigration consultant in Canada: your partner for a successful immigration journey

Already living in Canada on a temporary permit and wondering how to stay long-term? Are you a foreign worker looking for reliable support to regularize your status? At Immetis, we’re here to guide you with a human, thorough, and fully compliant approach tailored to the realities of immigration rules.

Why hire an immigration consultant in Canada?

Canada attracts thousands of people from around the world every year. But one thing is certain: the immigration process can quickly become complex. Whether you’re planning to move abroad, seeking a work permit, or considering permanent residency, the support of an immigration consultant in Canada can make all the difference.

A regulated immigration consultant can assist you with:

  • Identifying immigration programs tailored to your situation (with or without an LMIA),
  • Fill out the forms correctly on the first try,
  • Ensure compliance with deadlines set by Immigration Canada and provincial authorities,
  • Avoid mistakes that could lead to a refusal,
  • Build a solid and well-documented application to enhance your chances of approval.

At Immetis, we assist foreign workers, families, and international students in staying in Canada legally and confidently.

What is the difference between an immigration consultant and an immigration lawyer?

This is a question we frequently receive.

A regulated immigration consultant is accredited by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC). They are authorized to represent clients before Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), Quebec’s Ministry of Immigration (MIFI), and other provincial immigration authorities.

An immigration lawyer, on the other hand, is a member of the Bar. Both professions are highly knowledgeable about immigration forms, programs, and procedures.

In general, immigration lawyers are involved in more complex cases, particularly when dealing with application refusals or appeals.

At Immetis, our team combines the expertise of immigration lawyers and Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs), providing you with complete and tailored support, whatever your immigration path.

How can you verify if an immigration professional is regulated?

It’s crucial. Before trusting someone with your immigration process, ensure they are legally authorized to represent you.

Regulated consultants must be in good standing with the CICC. You can check the public consultant registry on the College’s website: https://college-ic.ca/

In Quebec, they must also be registered in the Quebec Immigration Consultant Registry (in French only): https://www.quebec.ca/immigration/consultants-immigration/trouver-consultant

Lawyers, on the other hand, must be members in good standing with the Bar of the province in which they practice (for example: the Barreau du Québec).

A regulated professional, whether a lawyer or an immigration consultant, must:

  • Have a unique registration number,
  • Have professional liability insurance,
  • Complete mandatory continuing education,
  • Adhere to a strict code of ethics.

Don’t take risks with your future in Canada. At Immetis, all our professionals are licensed and support you with complete transparency.

Is it mandatory to go through a consultant to immigrate to Canada?

The short answer: No. You can fill out the forms yourself, follow the steps on the IRCC website, and submit your application without any intermediary.

But the real question is: do you have the time, the knowledge, and the confidence to avoid making any mistakes? For many, this process is stressful, uncertain, and tedious.

By relying on our services, you benefit from:

  • Personalized support from start to finish,
  • A strategic perspective on your situation,
  • A realistic assessment of your chances,
  • Clear guidance at every step of the process.

We’re here to simplify your journey and speed up your integration.

Work permit with or without an LMIA: what do you need to know?

If you’re already in Canada on a temporary permit, you may be wondering how to extend your stay or obtain a new permit.

Beyond permanent residence, two main options exist:

1. Work permit with an LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment):
The employer must demonstrate that they were unable to find a suitable candidate locally for the position. This process takes longer but is the standard pathway.

2. LMIA-exempt work permit:
Some programs allow you to skip this step. For example, in Quebec, if you obtained your CSQ (Quebec Selection Certificate) before your current work permit expires, you may be eligible for the A73 permit (a closed work permit without an LMIA). Elsewhere in Canada, other solutions exist, such as the Francophone Mobility Program.

We help you identify the option best suited to your profile and guide you toward permanent residence.

Understanding the LMIA: a key step for certain work permits

The Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a document that certain employers must obtain before hiring a foreign worker. It serves to demonstrate that no Canadian citizen or permanent resident is available to fill the position.

Although common, this process is demanding. The employer must post the job offer for several weeks, document their local recruitment efforts, comply with specific wage requirements, and sometimes provide an integration plan. Once the LMIA is approved, the worker can then apply for a closed work permit, which is tied exclusively to that employer.

Some high-demand occupations benefit from accelerated pathways, but preparing the application remains crucial. At Immétis, we support both employers and workers at every step, from job analysis to submitting the application. Our goal is clear: to save you time and avoid refusals.

How can you stay in Canada after a temporary permit?

It’s a common concern. You arrived with a study permit or a closed work permit and don’t want to leave.

First and foremost, it’s essential to maintain legal status at all times, for example, by renewing your work permit if needed before applying for permanent residence.

Several pathways are available depending on your province of residence:

  • In Quebec, the Skilled Worker Selection Program (SWSP),
  • Elsewhere in Canada, Express Entry, through the Canadian Experience Class or Provincial Nominee Programs,
  • If you graduated from a Canadian educational institution, you may be eligible for a post-graduation work permit,
  • And in some cases, pilot programs for permanent residence, which vary by province.

But be careful: each program has its own criteria. A solid strategy helps you build a coherent immigration path, and most importantly, ensures you don’t lose your status.

We analyze your file and build a personalized plan to help you stay in Canada long-term.

Immigration support for foreign workers: local expertise

Canada is a cosmopolitan country where labor shortages persist in certain sectors. Employers looking to hire internationally often lack knowledge about the procedures involved.

We offer comprehensive support for the immigration of foreign workers, including:

  • Assistance with LMIA applications or closed work permits,
  • Verification of eligibility for open work permits for spouses accompagning,
  • A unique link between the employer and the candidate,
  • Support for the transition to permanent residence.

We work hand in hand with employers and their candidates to ensure a smooth process.

Why choose Immetis for your immigration to Canada?

Because we know the landscape. Because we’ve supported hundreds of people just like you. And because we’re much more than just a law firm or a team of regulated Canadian immigration consultants.

Immetis means:

  • A responsive and attentive team,
  • Regulated lawyers and immigration consultants,
  • A human, personalized, and respectful approach,
  • A high client satisfaction rate,
  • A strong reputation in Montreal, Quebec, and across Canada.

We understand your challenges. And we provide the clear answers you need.

Do you have an immigration project? Let’s talk about it today.

Whether it’s about regularizing your status, bringing your family, or turning your temporary permit into permanent residence, we’re here for you.

Book an appointment with one of our immigration consultants and let’s take the first steps together toward your future in Canada.

The use of the masculine gender in this text is intended solely to simplify the reading and includes all individuals, without discrimination.
Picture by Ryan on Unsplash
This article contains general information about immigration and is intended to simplify and explain key concepts. It does not constitute legal advice. For a complete legal opinion tailored to your situation, please consult a qualified professional.
Share the article on your social media