Avoiding immigration scams: what Haitians with TPS should know before applying to immigrate to Canada

Skilled work experience and formal education credentials can make a huge difference in Canada’s immigration system. For TPS holders facing the potential loss of legal status in the U.S., preemptively earning Canadian credentials or work experience can help future applications, reduce processing time, and strengthen overall prospects. 

Danger Zone: Unlicensed, Unregulated “Providers” Are Everywhere

As interest in Canadian immigration options grows among Haitian TPS holders, so too does the risk of exploitation.

Not everyone offering immigration help is trustworthy. In Canada, only individuals who are regulated and licensed, such as Immigration Consultants regulated by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC) or immigration lawyers, are legally permitted to provide immigration advice for a fee.

Unlicensed providers, including self-styled “agents” or online services promising fast results, are unregulated and may mislead clients, damage applications, or charge significant fees without delivering results.

Any person who assists with a Canadian immigration application must be disclosed to IRCC on a Use of Representative form included with the application. Failure to disclose this assistance constitutes misrepresentation, and can result in a 5-year bar from Canada.

Mistakes made by unqualified advisors can lead to:

• Application refusals
• Lost fees
• 5-year bar from Canada for misrepresentation
• Ineligibility for future applications

It’s easy to check to see if someone is registered with the Canadian government to provide immigration advice – click here: https://college-ic.ca/protecting-the-public/find-an-immigration-consultant?l=en-CA

Refer to our detailed guide on avoiding immigration scams for more information. 

The Value of Working with an Experienced, Professional Firm

This is where experienced, licensed firms like Doherty Fultz Immigration make a real difference. Certified and regulated professionals:

• Know the nuances of Canadian immigration policy, including frequent updates to programs and eligibility criteria.
• Strategize with you, not just “fill out forms.” They analyze your profile, education, work history, language skills, and family situation to map out the best pathway for work, study, and permanent residence. 
• Coordinate family applications, optimizing chances for spouses and children together.
• Communicate clearly, provide transparent fees, answer questions, translate legal complexities into plain language, and provide ongoing support from start to finish. 
• Avoid costly errors that can derail entire cases.

In environments where immigration rules are complex and stakes are high, professional guidance isn’t a luxury; it’s a strategic advantage with tangible benefits.

The post Avoiding immigration scams: what Haitians with TPS should know before applying to immigrate to Canada appeared first on The Haitian Times.