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Resources · Legal and immigration

Get real help, and avoid the scammers.

Immigration papers can feel high-stakes, and that's exactly what scammers count on. Here's how to check who you're dealing with, where to find free or low-cost legal help in Thunder Bay, and how to report fraud.

Last checked October 20, 2026. Rules change, so confirm on the linked page before you go or pay anything.

1. You don't have to pay anyone to apply

You can apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) yourself. If you do hire someone, IRCC says using a representative "will not draw special attention to your application or guarantee" that it will be approved. Be very careful with anyone who promises a guaranteed visa, permit or PR.

Source: IRCC, "Choose a representative"

2. If you pay, they must be licensed

Anyone you pay, in money or in any other way, to represent you or give immigration advice must be authorized. Check before you pay:

Immigration consultants
Must be licensed by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants. Search the College's register
Lawyers and Ontario paralegals
Must be members of a law society, which in Ontario is the Law Society of Ontario. Search the Law Society's directory
Quebec notaries
Must be members of the Chambre des notaires du Québec.

If they aren't a member in good standing, IRCC says not to use them.

Source: IRCC, "Find out if your representative is authorized"

3. Free and low-cost legal help

Legal Aid Ontario
May pay for a lawyer for refugee claimants and immigrants who qualify financially. It also covers family and criminal law. Call 1-800-668-8258, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern, or use its online service finder. (legalaid.on.ca)
Kinna-aweya Legal Clinic
Free legal help for low-income residents of the Thunder Bay district, focused on income benefits and housing, including tenants' rights. It doesn't take criminal or family cases. 86 South Cumberland Street, (807) 344-2478. Walk-in intake Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (kalc.ca)
Law Society Referral Service
Puts you in touch with a lawyer or paralegal for a free consultation of up to 30 minutes, to understand your options. Work after that may cost money, so ask about fees first. Start at lso.ca.

Sources: Legal Aid Ontario, "Services" and its immigration page; Kinna-aweya Legal Clinic; Law Society of Ontario, "Law Society Referral Service"

4. Spot and report immigration scams

  • Check every paid representative on the registers above. A real one won't mind.
  • Be wary of guarantees. No one can promise IRCC will approve you.
  • Never submit false documents or false information. IRCC says this has serious consequences, even if someone else filled in the form for you.
  • Students: check that the school is on IRCC's list of designated learning institutions before paying anything.
Immigration fraud
Report it to the Canada Border Services Agency's Border Watch Line.
Phone, email or online scams
Report to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
Gave away personal or bank details?
Contact the Thunder Bay police or the RCMP.
In danger
Call 911.

Source: IRCC, "Protect yourself from fraud" and "How to report fraud"

5. Other rights we've covered

This page is general information, not legal advice. Wakenyatbay doesn't recommend particular lawyers or consultants. For your own case, speak to a licensed professional or one of the services above.