Frequently Asked Question

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Frequently Asked Questions

An Initial Consultation Agreement is the first stage communication between the RCIC and the Client. It is a Client assessment and/or advice agreement between the RCIC and the Client which provides a written record of the purpose, fee, and date of said advice, and which is signed by both parties. The consultation provided by the RCIC is a paid service. Fees are $125.00 for 30 minutes phone/video consultation, $225.00 for 1 hour phone/video consultation. All fees are in Canadian Dollars payable prior to the phone consultation. Any time in excess of 1 hour will require a new agreement and standard fees will apply. Fees are non-refundable.

An initial consultation is the first meeting between the RCIC and the client and is followed up with a detailed email summarizing the conversation, along with an opportunity to ask questions. The consultation will provide you with information surrounding Canada’s immigration system and will assess your individual case based on the information provided in the general immigration assessment form. The RCIC will provide specific information on the various paths you may follow to achieve status in Canada and will instruct you on where to start and how to move forward with your goal.
A Services Agreement is an agreement that outlines the terms and conditions in which the RCIC will provide professional services to the Client. The RCIC will not commence services for the Client unless a SA has been agreed and signed by the Client and RCIC. Any changes to services or if any additional services are to be provided, a new SA or an amendment must be agreed by Client and RCIC.
A licensed consultant or Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) is best qualified to assist you with your Canadian immigration needs. RCICs are licensed professionals who meet educational, professional and ethical standards. All RCICs are regulated by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (the College) and are required to pass a rigorous licensing exam and background check to become licensed to provide professional services to people seeking Canadian immigration advice. The College, as the regulating body, mandates and enforces the standards that all RCICs must meet for the benefit of safeguarding public interest.
Canada’s Immigration has many expenses associated with it, including professional fees, government processing fees, language testing,medical costs and police checks. SHD Lighthouse will bill for professional services only. Professional fees are not posted because they vary widely depending on the type of application or process being provided. The RCIC will discuss specific streams and associated expenses in your consultation and will ensure that you understand all costs prior to beginning your immigration process.

Yes!  Dependent children may be included in your application, if they meet the definition of a dependent.  Since October 24, 2017, the definition of “dependent child” is as follows:

A dependent child, in respect of a parent, is a child who

  • has one of the following relationships with the parent:
    • is the biological child of the parent, if the child has not been adopted by a person other than the spouse or common-law partner of the parent
    • is the adopted child of the parent
  • is in one of the following situations of dependency:
    • is less than 22 years of age and is not a spouse or common-law partner
    • is 22 years of age or older, has depended substantially on the financial support of the parent since before the age of 22 and is unable to be financially self-supporting due to a physical or mental condition.

No!  Temporary residents of Canada including students and workers are not eligible to become sponsors. However their spouse or common law partner may apply for an open work permit if the international student is  enrolled in a master’s or doctoral degree program at a university or polytechnic institution in Canada.

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