Immigration Lawyer vs Licensed Consultant in Leamington

Searching for an immigration lawyer in Leamington? Many of the questions that bring people to that search — a work permit extension, a change of employer, an LMIA, a refusal, a sponsorship — can be handled by a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC). This page explains the difference and when you need a lawyer.

Earnest Immigration is a CICC-licensed consultancy with an office at 33 Princess Street, Leamington. We are not a law firm.

LAWYER OR CONSULTANT

The Difference in One Table

QuestionImmigration lawyerLicensed RCIC
Who regulates them in Ontario?Law Society of OntarioCollege of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC)
Can they represent you before IRCC?YesYes
Federal Court (judicial review)?YesNo
Work permits, LMIA, PR, sponsorship, citizenship?YesYes

WHO CAN HELP

Common Leamington Situations — and Who Can Help

Greenhouse or Farm Worker Needing an Extension or New Employer

A licensed RCIC can assess your options and prepare the application. Apply before your current permit expires.

Employer Hiring International Workers

LMIA applications and supporting documents are routinely handled by RCICs.

Agricultural Worker Hoping to Become a Permanent Resident

An RCIC can check whether your occupation, TEER category, language results and experience fit Express Entry or a provincial program.

Status Expired

Restoration may be possible within strict limits. Get advice quickly.

Application Refused

An RCIC can review the refusal and prepare a stronger re-application. A Federal Court challenge needs a lawyer.

Fear of Returning Home

Refugee protection is a serious legal process with strict eligibility. Get licensed advice early.

Family in Another Country

Family sponsorship, visitor visas and Super Visas for parents, grandparents and relatives visiting Canada.

KNOW THE LIMITS

When to Speak to a Lawyer

Federal Court Challenges

You want to challenge an immigration decision at the Federal Court.

Linked Court Proceedings

Your immigration matter is tied to a criminal or other court case.

Advice Beyond Immigration

You need legal advice beyond immigration, such as an employment dispute.

LOCAL SUPPORT

Earnest Immigration in Leamington

Our Leamington office brings licensed guidance closer to workers, families, students and employers in eastern Essex County, with in-person and virtual appointments. We do not provide jobs, recruitment or guaranteed employment, and no one can guarantee an approval — we give honest advice and careful applications.

33 Princess Street, Leamington, ON N8H 5C5 · +1-519-991-4419 · info@earnestimmigration.com

Frequently Asked Questions

No. Earnest is a CICC-licensed immigration consulting firm. Our RCICs can represent you before IRCC; for Federal Court matters you would need a lawyer.

Yes. We help workers and employers with work permits, extensions, LMIA-related applications and maintaining status. Eligibility depends on the worker’s status, the job offer and employer documentation.

Appointments are recommended. Contact us by phone, WhatsApp or email; call first if you would like same-day availability.

We offer a free 15-minute initial consultation. Detailed assessments may require a paid consultation.

Talk to a Licensed Consultant in Leamington

Book a free 15-minute consultation. We will tell you honestly whether your matter needs a lawyer — and handle it ourselves when it does not.