Chartered Immigration and Citizenship Counsels Inc.®©

Unpaid representatives or third parties

Unpaid representatives could be:

• family members
• friends and
• other third parties who do not charge a fee

They may give the same services as paid representatives, but they do it for free.

You are responsible for all the information in your application, even if your representative completes it for you.

Beware of representatives who:

• advertise their services as free and later ask you to pay a fee
• advise you to lie on your application

It’s against the law to give false or misleading information in your application

Learn more about:

• How to choose a representative
• How to protect yourself from fraud

You may get help from someone who isn't acting as your representative. For example, someone can check your application status for you.

This person is not considered a representative as long as they do not:

• advise you on which program to apply for
• complete or update your application as you or
• act as you when dealing with us

To protect your privacy, you need to give us your written consent  before we’ll share any of your personal information with anyone or give  anyone access to your application information.

Find out how to give someone access to your file as a non-representative.

Some people may help you with other parts of the application  process. These people do not need to act as your representative or  access your personal information.

For example, someone may help you:

• use this website to find information
• access a computer, scanner or printer
• navigate our e-services
• view and use electronic forms or to download/upload documents
• get your documents translated
• make travel plans or
• choose and register in courses to study in Canada

For this kind of help, you do not need to send us a representative form or release form.

People offering such help and services might be:

• friends or family members
• travel agents
• employment agents and recruiters
• human resources professionals
• educational agents
• adoption agencies or
• Visa Application Centre staff
• Read more
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