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Canadian embassy issues new rules on paid representatives

DUBAI - The Canadian Embassy in Abu Dhabi has issued new rules pertaining to paid representatives for visa applicants to Canada.

A Press release issued on Wednesday by the embassy stated that paid representatives, who charge a fee to represent, advise or consult in immigration matters, must be authorised, and the applicants have to disclose their names and other details at the time of submitting application.

According to the new rules only immigration consultants who are members in good standing of the Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants (CSIC), or lawyers who are members in good standing of a Canadian Law Society and students-at-law under their supervision, or notaries who are members in good standing of the Chambres des notaries du Quebec, and students-at-law under their supervision, are authorised to be paid representatives.

Individuals whose applications or proceedings were already underway as of April 13, 2004, may continue to use the services of their paid representatives only until April 13, 2008. After this date the applicant will either have to continue unrepresented or hire an authorised representative.

Applicants may also be represented by family members, friends, and members of non-governmental or religious organisations as long as no fees are charged for their services. The Government of Canada can share information about an applicant with a non-charging representative so long as the representative has been authorised by the applicant and is a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada, the press release added.

The embassy made it clear that it is not obligatory to hire a representative for immigration and refugee matters, and that the Canadian government treats every applicant equally, whether they use the services of a representative or not. More information on authorised representatives is available on-line at www.cic.gc.ca