Nikoo Taheri | Immigration Agent in Canada

Canada is one of the most popular destinations for immigration worldwide. Every year, hundreds of thousands of people apply for visas, work permits, study permits, permanent residency, or citizenship. Navigating these processes is not always simple. Immigration programs come with complex requirements, detailed forms, and strict deadlines.

For this reason, many applicants rely on immigration professionals to assist them. In Canada, these professionals include lawyers, Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs), and agents (representatives). Among these, the role of agents is often misunderstood, yet they play a crucial part in ensuring that applicants’ cases run smoothly.

This article provides a comprehensive look at what immigration agents are, how they are regulated, their responsibilities, how they differ from lawyers and consultants, why they are important, the risks of unauthorized representatives, and how individuals like Ms. Nikoo Taheri, who works under Galaxy Pathway Global Group, serve as trusted, authorized agents within Canada’s immigration system.

What Is an Immigration Agent in Canada?

According to the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC), an agent is defined as a person or company operating outside of Canada who works under the supervision of a licensed RCIC. Anyone providing services inside Canada is not considered an agent, but rather contracted staff.

An immigration agent is not independently licensed to give legal immigration advice. Instead, agents:

Support RCICs in their professional work.
Assist applicants with documentation and case preparation.
Act as trusted intermediaries between clients and licensed consultants.

To appear in the Public Register, an agent must be formally registered by an RCIC through the College Portal. Registration requires a thorough review and payment of fees:

$500 for each new agent, and
$250 annually to maintain registration.

Agents who were not registered by November 23, 2021 or whose registration has lapsed are considered inactive and no longer eligible to act as agents.

Responsibilities of Immigration Agents

Immigration agents perform practical and administrative tasks that make the immigration process smoother:

Providing Initial Consultation: Agents serve as the first point of contact, introducing clients to Canada’s immigration programs and helping them understand possible pathways.
Recommending Pathways (Under Supervision): Although legal advice comes from a lawyer or RCIC, agents explain program requirements (e.g., Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs, family sponsorship, or study permits).
Preparing Applications: Agents collect documents, ensure translations are certified, and check that forms are completed accurately. Mistakes in paperwork are a major cause of refusals, and agents help prevent them.
Organizing Submissions: While agents cannot legally submit applications themselves, they prepare the full application package so that the supervising RCIC or lawyer can submit it with confidence.
Communicating with Authorities (When Authorized): If appointed, agents can liaise with IRCC or CBSA on behalf of clients, check statuses, and respond to document requests.
Administrative Representation: Agents advocate for clients in administrative matters, ensuring timelines are met and instructions are followed.

The Relationship Between Agents and Licensed Professionals

Who Can Provide Immigration Services?

By Canadian law, only three groups can charge for immigration representation:

Lawyers who are members of a Canadian law society.
Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs), licensed by the CICC.
Quebec notaries or parliamentarians in limited cases.

Where Do Agents Fit In?

Agents are not licensed professionals themselves. They:

Operate under the supervision of RCICs or lawyers.
Support case preparation and communication.
Form part of the official team of a licensed immigration firm.

Complementary Roles

Lawyers (RCICs): Provide legal strategy, ensure compliance, and hold final accountability.
Agents: Handle the practical side, forms, documents, communication, and follow-ups.

This partnership allows lawyers/RCICs to focus on the legal framework, while agents manage execution.

Can Agents Submit Applications Themselves?

A key clarification: agents cannot independently submit immigration applications to IRCC.

Only authorized representatives, lawyers, Quebec notaries, or RCICs — can submit applications.
Agents may prepare everything: forms, supporting evidence, translations, and documentation.
The final submission must always be done under the name and responsibility of the supervising RCIC or lawyer.

In practice:

Agents reduce errors and delays by preparing the case thoroughly.
RCICs or lawyers ensure compliance and submit the file officially.

This protects applicants, since accountability rests with a licensed professional, while agents provide essential support.

Regulation of Agents in Canada

The CICC has strict rules for agents:

They must be outside Canada.
They must be registered by an RCIC through the College Portal.
Registration requires fees and compliance with the Agents Regulation and Code of Professional Conduct.
RCICs remain legally responsible for their agents’ actions.

If an agent is not registered, they are not authorized, and any services provided may be considered unauthorized practice (UAP). A UAP is someone illegally offering Canadian immigration advice for a fee without being licensed.

Why Are Immigration Agents Important?

Efficiency: Handling time-consuming tasks.
Accuracy: Reducing the risk of mistakes.
Direct Communication: Acting as the main point of contact.
Cost-Effectiveness: Supporting the case at lower cost than lawyer time.
Trust and Credibility: Being listed in the Public Register reassures clients.

Risks of Unauthorized Agents

Working with an unregistered agent or UAP can lead to:

Fraud and scams.
Refused applications.
Wasted money and time.
Permanent damage to immigration records.

Always check the Public Register to verify an agent’s status.

Profile of Ms. Nikoo Taheri

Ms. Nikoo Taheri is a registered immigration agent working under Galaxy Pathway Global Group, a recognized immigration company.

Her Role

Acts as a bridge between clients and licensed professionals.
Provides administrative support and guidance.
Ensures accuracy in applications.
Assists in communication with IRCC under authorization.

Why She Stands Out

Her name is listed in the official registry, confirming her authorized status.
She operates under a reputable immigration firm.
Her work demonstrates the value of agents in making immigration processes smoother.

Conclusion

Immigration to Canada is complex, requiring expertise and careful preparation. Agents are an integral part of this process, though often misunderstood. While they cannot submit applications independently, they play a vital supporting role under the supervision of RCICs or lawyers.

By preparing documentation, reducing errors, and maintaining communication, agents ensure cases run efficiently. At the same time, accountability and submission remain with licensed professionals, protecting applicants.

The example of Ms. Nikoo Taheri, an authorized agent with Galaxy Pathway Global Group, illustrates how applicants benefit from working with legitimate agents. By combining the legal authority of RCICs and the practical support of agents, clients gain both security and efficiency in their Canadian immigration journey.