Using a Recruiter

Should I hire someone?

Many foreigners interested in working in Canada contact recruitment or employment agencies to assist them in finding a Canadian employer. These same recruitment agencies will often work to coordinate the Work Permit application process as well as transportation to Canada.

You are not obliged to hire a representative either to find a job in Canada or to assist in the Work Permit application process. You can complete this process yourself. 

Can I speed up my application?

Using a representative does not increase your chances of having your application approved, nor does it speed up the processing. All applications are treated equally, whether you prepared it yourself or used a recruiter or representative.

If You Hire a Representative

If you do decide to hire a representative, be sure to check the services of more than one organization so that you can find the one that best meets your needs. Ask lots of questions – such as what services they provide, what fees are charged for services, how long they have been operating and how many people they have assisted, etc. to make sure you hire a reputable company to represent you.

Be Careful Who You Select

Be cautious in your selection of a representative; there have been several instances of fraud with immigration agencies throughout the world in recent years. Citizenship and Immigration Canada’s fraud warning tip sheet can assist you in selecting a representative.

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Recruiters and Employment Agencies

Recruiters and employment agencies provide services that help job seekers find employment and employers find qualified workers. These agencies can provide information and assistance to job seekers but may also work as recruiters for specific employers, even helping in the selection of qualified workers.

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What Do I Have To Pay?

According to BC legislation, recruiters and employment agencies may NOT charge job seekers for providing information about jobs, submitting applications to employers, coordinating interviews with employers, or otherwise arranging for job seekers to be hired. Agencies may receive fees from employers for these services but this cannot be passed on as an expense to an employee. This is true even if the agency operates outside of BC

Recruiters and employment agencies can charge job seekers fees for other services related to job searches, such as assistance in resume writing, providing training in job search or interview skills, etc.

Before selecting a recruitment agency to represent you, be sure you understand their fees and make sure you are not being charged excessive or illegal fees.

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Authorized Representatives

Immigration lawyers and immigration consultants assist people interested in coming to Canada permanently or temporarily. In many cases, Canadian immigration lawyers and consultants will work together with recruitment agencies to provide immigration assistance to people who have found work through the agencies. These lawyers or consultants will act as your representative in the application process.

What Is An Authorized Representative?

Canadian government regulations require paid immigration representatives to meet the definition of authorized representative, which means any of the following:

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Can Lawyers or Consultants Charge Me Money?

Authorized immigration lawyers and consultants can charge fees for their services assisting in the Work Permit application process. Fees can be expensive for these services so it is important that you learn about the costs before agreeing to have an organization represent you.

Un-Paid Representatives

Other organizations or persons may assist and represent you in the application process, including family members, friends or a member of a non-governmental or religious organization. However, these persons and organizations can NOT charge you any fees for these services.