For Canada immigration purposes, someone who provides advice or guidance at any stage of the application process is considered a representative. [See IRCC: Use of a representative] Even if the person is not being paid, they are considered a representative if they give you immigration advice. Some people prefer to have a representative interact with IRCC on their behalf. However, it is important to know that having a representative does not influence how quickly your application is processed or whether it will be accepted. You are not required to have a representative, and IRCC processes all applications equally whether a representative is used or not. You need to know that if you do pay someone to represent you, they must be a member of a profession authorized to provide immigration advice. Only members of the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC), Canadian Law Societies or the Chambre des notaires du Quebec are authorized to act as representatives. Anyone who is not a member in good standing with one of those professions is not allowed to charge for immigration advice. If they do so, they are breaking the law.
Note: Immigrate Simply fills out immigration forms with the information you enter into our software. Immigrate Simply does not provide advice or guidance and is not acting as a representative.