Service Terms
13 min read
Consultation Service Terms #
IN CONSIDERATION of the mutual covenants in this Agreement, the parties agree:
- The Client is obligated to pay a fee of $150 in advance for this consultation for up to 45 minutes. If the Client retains the RCIC within one (1) week of this initial consultation by signing a Service Agreement AND pays at least half the RCIC’s professional services fee, the initial consultation fee will be credited towards the total firm fee. Therefore, the initial consultation will be free.
- In the event when the consultation exceeds 45 minutes time, the RCIC will invoice the Client at $50 per 15 minutes or a portion of.
- The RCIC is a member in good standing of The College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (the “College”), the regulator in Canada for immigration consultants, formerly ICCRC, and as such, is bound by its Bylaw, Code of Professional Ethics, and Regulations.
- The purpose of the consultation is to provide the RCIC with sufficient information to allow for a better analysis and comprehensive advice on immigration options, including estimated time frames, legal fees and costs. This does not establish an RCIC Client relationship.
- The Client will provide information and details correct to the best of their knowledge during and after this consultation. RCIC will not be held liable for any wrong or missing information by the Client that may impact any future application and consultation outcome.
- This Agreement does not obligate the RCIC to act for the Client in any application or proceedings. Should the Client require further advice or representation from the RCIC following this initial consultation, the Client must sign a separate service agreement with RCIC.
- The RCIC shall provide this consultation in person or by phone, or by video conferencing (Teams/Zoom). The Client agrees to use email as the preferred mode of communication.
- The paid fees are non-refundable after the consultation is rendered. The paid fee minus a $25 administrative fee can be refunded on the Client’s request received up to four (4) hours before the consultation starts. The RCIC will accommodate one reschedule at no cost and subsequent rescheduling will be with a $25 administrative fee. There will be no refunds if the Client failed to join within 15 minute if the consultation start time.
- The RCIC is not responsible or accountable for any change in government legislation or policy that may impact the processing of any subsequent application by the Client.
- If the RCIC was unable to answer a question during the consultation, the RCIC will take the unanswered question/s offline and respond via email within seven business days (in case more research is required on the topic). This does not constitute a ground for a refund.
- The RCIC may share case details and personal information with other professionals for the purpose of delivering services, exploring viable options and improving the service.
- The Client shall not record the consultation without prior approval from the RCIC. The Client may take written notes during the consultation, and the RCIC will allow and facilitate note-taking, if applicable. However, no meeting minutes or notes will be shared by the RCIC. RCIC may share the next steps and action items from the meetings at the RCIC’s sole discretion. The RCIC may record the session for documentation.
- This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the RCIC and Client and supersede all prior or contemporaneous oral or written agreements concerning this consultation. This Agreement may only be changed by mutual agreement of the RCIC and Client in writing.
- This Agreement shall be governed by the laws in effect in the Province of Alberta and the federal laws of Canada applicable therein. I hereby acknowledge that I have read and understood the above conditions.
Service Agreement Terms #
1. Definitions. #
1.1. The terms “Client”, “College” and “Disbursement” shall have the meaning given to such terms in the Service Agreement, Regulation, and By-law of the College. 1.2. The official language for the service will be English.
2. RCIC Responsibilities and Commitments. #
2.1. The Client asked the RCIC, and the RCIC has agreed to act for the Client in the matter of a application from outside/inside of Canada. The RCIC will not advise on any other matter 2.2. In consideration of the fees paid, and the matter stated above, the RCIC agrees to do: a) Provide the Client with a document checklist for the application, review applicable documents and advise accordingly. b) Verify if the Client meets the eligibility criteria in the RCIC’s opinion and notify the Client if there are any eligibility concerns. c) Discuss file details with the Client via virtual meeting, where deemed necessary by the RCIC. d) Review the completed application forms and offer guidance on supporting documents. e) Submit the application online as an authorized representative of the Client. f) The RCIC will make efforts to submit the application within seven (7) business days of the Client providing the necessary information, documents, fees and approvals. g) Inform on scheduling biometrics appointments (if applicable). h) Sharing all key application updates, including the final decision, as outlined in Section 14. 2.3. The RCIC endeavours to provide quality immigration or citizenship consulting services and to supervise any person who assists in the provision of those services.
3. Client Responsibilities and Commitments. #
3.1. The Client must provide all requested documents and completed immigration forms in a clear and organized manner. All documentation must be in English or French, or with an English or French translation. 3.2. The Client understands they must be accurate and honest in the information they provide and that any inaccuracies may void this Agreement or seriously affect the outcome of the application or the retention of any status they may obtain. The RCIC’s obligations under the Service Agreement are null and void if the Client knowingly provides any inaccurate, misleading material information. The Client’s financial obligations remain. 3.3. In the event, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) or any other department of the Government of Canada, such as CBSA, ESDC should contact the Client directly. The Client is instructed to notify the RCIC immediately. 3.4. The Client is to immediately advise the RCIC of any change in the marital, family or civil status or change of physical address or contact information for any person included in the application. Additional work because of such changes may require an additional fee per section 5.4. 3.5. The Client is not to contact IRCC (webform or email) or any other party impersonating as the RCIC using any of the RCIC information, including name and contact details. 3.6. In the event of a Joint Service Agreement, the Clients agree the RCIC may share information among all clients, as required. If a conflict develops that cannot be resolved, the RCIC cannot continue to act for both or all of the Clients and may have to withdraw completely. 3.7. The Client acknowledges that this agreement covers the services for them and their dependent family members applying together under this agreement. The Client agrees not to solicit advice on other friends’ and family members’ needs.
4. Billing method and Payment Schedule. #
The Client will be billed by a flat fee with payment by milestones as outlined below: Initial Payment: $ FEE + GST paid during the signing of this agreement. Final Payment: $ FEE + GST + IRCC fee, paid before submission of the application.
5. Payment Terms and Conditions. #
5.1. All fees are in Canadian dollars. When a currency conversion is required, xe.com will be used. 5.2. Professional Fees: a. Assessment and Start-up Fee: as per the service b. Professional Services Fee (Primary Applicant): as per the service c. Professional Services Fee (Dependents): spouse x $500, each child x $100 d. Applicable Taxes GST (714768512 RT 0001): GST (if applicable) e. Total Professional Fee: total fee + GST (if applicable) 5.3. Disbursements: 5.3.1. IRCC Fee – as per IRCC fee list available at go.yci.co/qwji1R. Common IRCC fees are: Study Permit – $150 Processing Fee, $85 Biometrics Fee, Work Permit – $155 Processing Fee, $100 Open Work Permit Holder Fee, $85 Biometrics Fee, Visitor or Super Visa – $100 Processing Fee, $85 Biometrics Fee 5.3.2. DLI Application Fee (for study permit applications only) – As posted by DLIs 5.4. The amount in section 5 of the agreement is subject to change upon mutual agreement of both parties. Any extra work requested by the Client may be charged at $150 per hour. 5.5. Additional work to update application forms and documents after submission of the application to IRCC may be charged at $150 per hour. 5.6. Accepted payment method are Cards, Bank Transfer, Interac e-Transfer to [email protected] (from within Canada). Other payment methods could be considered at the discretion of the RCIC. 5.7. Late payments may be subject to a 2% of the standing balance, whichever is higher, on a monthly accrual basis. 5.8. The RCIC may obtain assistance, when necessary, including by retaining the services of an interpreter or translator with the Client’s consent and cost.
6. Refund Policy. #
6.1. The Client acknowledges that the granting of a visa or status and the time required for processing this application is at the sole discretion of the government and not the RCIC. The Client may consult IRCC processing time estimates at go.yci.co/tjQsdC. 6.2. The Client acknowledges that fees are not refundable in the event of an application refusal. If, however, the RCIC or professional staff do not complete the tasks identified under section 2 of this Agreement, the RCIC will refund part, or all of the professional fees collected. 6.3. The Client agrees that the fees paid are for services indicated above, and any refund is strictly limited to the amount of fees paid. Unused fees will be refunded either by a bank cheque or electronic funds transfer, at the discretion of the RCIC. 6.4. In the event the Client is unable to contact the RCIC and has reason to believe the RCIC may be dead, incapacitated, etcetera, the Client should contact the College.
7. Dispute Resolution Related to the Code of Professional Conduct. #
The Client can obtain a copy of the Code of Professional Conduct (the ‘Code’) by visiting go.yci.co/PImnUO. In the event of a dispute related to the Code, the Client and RCIC are to make every effort to resolve the matter between the two parties. In the event a resolution cannot be reached, the Client is to present the complaint in writing to the RCIC and allow the RCIC 30 days to respond to the Client. In the event the dispute is still unresolved, the Client may follow the complaint and discipline procedure outlined by the Council on their website under the heading “File a Complaint”. NOTE: All complaint forms must be signed. The College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC), previously ICCRC Contact Information: 5500 North Service Rd., Suite 1002, Burlington, ON, L7L 6W6 Toll free: 1-877-836-7543
8. Confidentiality. #
8.1. All information and documentation will not be divulged to any third party without prior consent, except agents, employees and, as demanded by law, and as per the Article 28 of the Code (go.yci.co/PImnUO). The RCIC, agents and employees of the RCIC, are also bound by the Code. 8.2. The Client agrees to the use of electronic communication, including emails, phone calls, SMS/WhatsApp and social media messages for notifications and promotions. The Client agrees to the electronic storage of confidential information. The RCIC will use his/her best efforts to maintain high security for electronic communication and information storage. 8.3. The RCIC will return any original documents provided by the Client (if applicable) as soon as there is no longer a legitimate reason to possess them. 8.4. In the provision of immigration or citizenship consulting services, the following team members of YCI may assist: Dharmender Singh, Ravinder Kumar, Sumit Choudhary, Stacy Singh.
9. Force Majeure. #
The RCIC’s failure to perform any term of this Service Agreement, because of conditions beyond his/her control such as, but not limited to, governmental restrictions or legislation, pandemic or similar crisis, war, strikes, or acts of God, shall not be deemed a breach of this Agreement.
10. Change Policy. #
The Client acknowledges that if the RCIC is asked to act on the Client’s behalf on matters other than those outlined above in this Agreement, or because of a material change in the Client’s circumstances, or because of material facts not disclosed at the outset of the application, or because of a change in government legislation regarding the processing of immigration or citizenship-related applications, the Agreement can be modified accordingly.
11. Termination. #
This Agreement is terminated upon either of the below. The Client will be invoiced as per sections 4, 5 and 12, all unearned fees will be refunded by a cheque or Interac transfer. 11.1. Completion of tasks identified in section 2; 11.2. Material changes occur to the Client’s application or eligibility, which make it impossible to proceed with services detailed in section 2; 11.3. The Client fails to make the initial payment as outlined in section 4, within seven (7) days of signing the Agreement; 11.4. The Client has another representative (paid or unpaid) for the same service; or 11.5. The Client fails to respond to the RCIC communication for 15 days.
12. Discharge or Withdrawal of Representation. #
12.1. The Client may discharge representation and terminate this Agreement upon writing, at which time any outstanding fees or Disbursements will be refunded by the RCIC to the Client/any outstanding fees or Disbursements will be remitted by the Client to the RCIC. Additionally, an administration fee of $250 will apply. 12.2. In the event a milestone is not achieved for the payment and billing terms under sections 4, 5 and 6 of the Agreement before they terminate the Agreement, the Client agrees to pay by the hour or a portion of at the fee of $150 per hour. 12.3. Pursuant to Article 34 of the Code, the RCIC may withdraw representation and terminate this Agreement, upon writing, provided withdrawal does not cause prejudice to the Client, at which time any outstanding fees or disbursements will be refunded by the RCIC to the Client/any outstanding fees or disbursements will be remitted by the Client to the RCIC.
13. Governing Law. #
This Agreement shall be governed by the laws in effect in the Province/Territory of Alberta, and the federal laws of Canada applicable therein and except for disputes pursuant to Section 8 hereof, any dispute with respect to the terms of this Agreement shall be decided by a court of competent jurisdiction within the Province/Territory of Alberta.
14. Follow-Up and Post-Submission Support. #
14.1. The RCIC will make efforts to notify the Client about all key updates, all communication from IRCC, and final decision on their application within two (2) business days. 14.2. The Client is entitled to one (1) free follow-up request per month (30 days). The RCIC may invoice $25 per follow-up for additional requests. 14.3. All follow up requests must be made by email to [email protected] or by raising a support ticket at myYCI account. The Client can access all application updates through myYCI at my.yci.co. 14.4. The Client understands that the RCIC will not create a personal GCkey account and therefore the RCIC has no IRCC login credentials to share. The RCIC will not support the Client in creating their GCkey and transferring the application to their account. Any attempt made by the Client to link their application to their personal GCkey may remove the RCIC’s representation and end the agreement including any follow-up support. 14.5. The RCIC may contact the IRCC on behalf of the Client through webform, email or phone call if deemed essential by the RCIC to enhance communication about the case and not to question the processing times or processing of the application. If the Client requests the RCIC to contact the IRCC where the purpose is non-essential in the opinion of the RCIC, the service fee outlined in section 5 will apply.
15. Miscellaneous. #
15.1. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior agreements, understandings, warranties, representations, negotiations and discussions, whether oral or written, of the parties except as specifically set forth herein. 15.2. The provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed severable. If any provision of this Agreement shall be held unenforceable by any court of competent jurisdiction, such provision shall be severed from this Agreement, and the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect. 15.3. The Client acknowledges that he/she has had sufficient time to review this Agreement and has been given an opportunity to obtain independent legal advice and translation prior to the execution and delivery of this Agreement. 15.4. The Client authorizes the following people to have access to the information and updates on this file (blank means, no other person is authorized to contact YCI on Client’s behalf):