Immigration Lawyer vs Immigration Consultant in Canada: What’s the Difference?
When navigating the Canadian immigration system, many people wonder: should I hire an immigration lawyer or an immigration consultant?
While both professionals can help you with your application, the differences between the two can have a big impact on your case — especially if it's complex, time-sensitive, or at risk of being refused. Here’s what you need to know before making a decision.
What is an immigration lawyer?
An immigration lawyer in Canada is a licensed legal professional who has:
Completed a law degree (JD or LLB),
Passed the bar exam,
Been called to the bar in a province or territory, and
Is a member in good standing with a provincial Law Society (such as the Law Society of Ontario).
Immigration lawyers are trained not just in immigration law, but in Canadian legal procedures, constitutional rights, litigation, and advocacy.
Immigration lawyers can:
Represent you in Federal Court or Immigration Appeals,
Handle complex sponsorship, PR, or refugee claims,
Give legal advice and write legal opinions,
Deal with inadmissibility, misrepresentation, or removal orders,
Assist with judicial reviews and stay of removal applications.
What is an immigration consultant?
An immigration consultant is a regulated professional who has:
Completed an immigration consultant diploma program,
Passed an exam administered by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC),
And is licensed to represent clients before Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) (in some cases).
Immigration consultants can:
Assist with filling out visa or PR applications,
Help you navigate eligibility requirements,
Submit visitor, work, or study permits,
Represent you before IRCC and some tribunals (but not in Federal Court).
They are not lawyers and cannot give legal advice or represent you in court.
💡 So, Who Should You Choose?
If your case involves legal complications, refusal history, criminality, or an immigration appeal — an immigration lawyer is not just the better option, it may be essential.
At Ayodele Law, we help clients across Canada and internationally with:
Spousal and family sponsorships
Immigration appeals and hearings
PR and citizenship issues
Inadmissibility matters
And more.
| Feature | Immigration Lawyer | Immigration Consultant |
|---|---|---|
| Education | Law degree | Diploma or certificate |
| Regulated by | Law Society (e.g. Ontario) | CICC |
| Legal Advice | ✅ Yes | 🚫 No |
| Court Representation | ✅ Yes (including Federal Court) | 🚫 No |
| Appeals/Judicial Reviews | ✅ Yes | 🚫 No |
| Cost | Often higher | Often lower |
| Ideal For | Complex or high-stakes cases | Routine applications |
✅ Need Help With Your Immigration Case?
Get in touch with Ayodele Law today for a personalized consultation. Whether you're sponsoring a loved one or facing a complex immigration issue, we're here to help.