Use caution if you are paying to use an immigration consultant

Applying to the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program is free. Manitoba has designed the application process so that it can be completed by the applicant without paid assistance.

All applications submitted to the PNP are processed according to the same criteria. No priority or special consideration is given to the file of an applicant who uses the services of an immigration intermediary.

What is an immigration representative?
An immigration representative is someone you pay and authorize to represent, advise, consult or look into the status of your application. A representative can be a lawyer, consultant or any other person, including a friend you hire to prepare your application for the Provincial Nominee Program.

NOTE: In Manitoba it is illegal to charge someone money to find a job.

Manitoba will only recognize or release information to paid immigration representatives who:

• are members of the Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants or a law society in a Canadian province, such as the Law Society of Manitoba
• have signed the Code of Conduct for immigration representatives
• are named by the applicant and/or employer in their respective application form
• the PNP considers not to have engaged in activities contrary to the interests of program integrity as described in the Code of Conduct

Employ the services of an immigration representative at your own risk. The PNP is not responsible for the resolution of any disputes.

Applicants may remove a named representative from an application at any time by providing a request in writing to the PNP signed by the applicant. Applicants must remove an existing representative before changing to a new representative.

The PNP will disclose information to only one person. You must name this person in the Authority to Disclose Personal Information section of the MAPP form. Under the Family Support stream this designated representative must be the named close relative in Manitoba. For purposes of assessing an application the PNP will communicate directly with the applicant whenever necessary.

Be aware that:

• Immigration representatives cannot guarantee that you will get a nomination certificate, visa, obtain your citizenship or benefit from special treatment if you use their services.
• Application forms are free. Download them off this website or obtain them at our office in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Do not pay a representative to obtain the required forms.
• The PNP is not associated with any representatives. All applications are treated the same.
• It is your responsibility to make sure that the representative you choose is ethical, competent and authorized to perform the services required.
• Be cautious when dealing with foreign-based representatives. They may be outside the reach of Canadian law.
• Lawyers and immigration consultants charge for their services. Fees can vary significantly. Services also vary.
• If you are successful in obtaining permanent resident status Manitoba provides free settlement services.

NOTE: If you experience difficulties you should file a complaint with the appropriate local authorities as soon as possible. In Canada send your complaint to the law society of the province or territory in which your lawyer practises or, for consultants, the Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants. Also, the Better Business Bureau may help. If you believe your representative has committed a crime contact the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). If you wish to recover money you can file a lawsuit in a provincial small claims court. You do not need a lawyer for this.

If your representative is not a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident of Canada or does not have a place of business in Canada you may send your complaint to the appropriate authorities in the country where the consultant has a place of business or is a resident. Still, inform the PNP and Citizenship and Immigration Canada.