Do you work with international students yet? This is a great area of practice if you’re just getting started or if you want to add an additional line of business. One of the reasons to get into this line is because you can get commission from educational institutions and you may also be able to collect fees from the international students for doing the Study Permit application. Helping international students with a study permit application is usually the first step in a long relationship:

Study permit extension or change
PGWP
PR application – CEC, PNP, FSW
Spousal sponsorship
PGP sponsorship

Getting started can be a real challenge. Finding Canadian educational institutions that will pay you isn’t easy. Lots of them don’t pay anything and don’t want to work with a representative. Large prestigious universities usually have their own dedicated staff who are tasked with international student recruitment. They aren’t interested in hearing from one RCIC telling them that they have a (single) student who wants admission. So where does that leave you?

Don’t despair, there are still a lot of Canadian education institutions that are looking for help with international student recruitment. It’s good for them, because international students pay considerably higher tuition fees than Canadian citizen or PR students. It also adds to their cachet if they can boast about having a well-rounded, international student population that welcomes new students. So look for smaller universities and colleges, technical institutions, school boards and other educational outlets.

But the institutions still want to know that you can actually help them deliver fee paying bums on seats. You’ll have to be prepared to tell them about yourself and what you can offer them:

additional professional services in the form of assistance to the students with their study permit applications.
your history as an RCIC with the professional standards and requirements
your history as a business person, whether you have a company, a business license and so on. Some institutions insist on the business license and prefer to work with someone in a company (your own or a company you work for)
if you have dealt with international students before and what kind of volume you might be able to secure
what geographic market you’re working in because some markets are over subscribed in Canada already. The institutions might be quite interested if you can indicate that you can open new markets for them.

What do you want from them:

commission
fast turn-around for admission applications (I worked with a university once that took three months to look at an application for admission!)
program information and admission requirements
marketing materials about the institution that you can pass out to students and their parents, including brochures, CDs, posters and so on.

Some institutions have a section on their website for aspiring international student agents. You can contact them directly and work out an agreement. If they don’t have anything like that, you can just contact them and see if they work with international student agents. In addition, every year, ICEF holds an International Education Workshop in Canada. It’s like a matchmaking service where education institutions and international student agents come to meet each other. It is very well organized and short appointments, very much like speed dating, are arranged to get agents and institutions connected. See: https://www.icef.com/en/workshops/icef-north-america-workshop-toronto/

Then your job is to actually find those international students and get them into the classrooms in Canada. You may have to do recruitment trips overseas to geographic areas where you know there is a demand for the excellent product you are promoting – education in Canada. Holding open houses or seminars is a great way to talk about education in Canada and all the institutions you represent.

Keep in mind that it’s often not the international student themselves who will make the decision on where the student goes, but the people who controls the purse strings – the parents. Parents want to know several things:

their child will be safe – Canada has an excellent and well-earned reputation for safety, security and political stability
their child will be welcome – Canada’s multi-cultural policies are alive and well at Canadian educational institutions
the money they pay will be worth it – Canada has a world class reputation for higher education and their children are most likely to obtain a well-regarded and internationally recognized educational credential
are there immigration opportunities after the studies are complete – talk about PGWP, CEC, PR and so on.

You might find that the geographic market you work in is very competitive and it might be impossible to charge fees for the study permit application. But you know that once the student is in place in Canada, has paid their tuition and is attending classes, your commission cheque will be on its way to you. Hopefully this is an area of practice that RCICs will take over in the next few years. Good luck!

IRCC Program delivery update

Update to the stakeholder guidelines on the use of representatives

September 11. 2017

Removal of interim measure for designated learning institutions in Quebec

September 6, 2017

Ministerial instructions – Express Entry draw # 71

September 6, 2017 – Number of ITA: 2,772 – CRS: 435 points

Canadian immigration in news

Immigration detainee freed weeks ago now faces being separated from his family

By Shanifa Nasser, CBC News, September 11, 2017

Arts groups unhappy as foreign dancers, actors denied visas

By Luisa D’Amato, The Record, September 11, 2017

Number of Hongkongers migrating to Canada hits 20-year high, stretching back to handover in 1997

By Phila Siu, South China Morning Post, September 11, 2017

Customer service a new concept for Canada’s Immigration Department

By Nicholas Keung, The Star, September 10, 2017

PM needs to step up for Afghan interpreter

By Joe Warmington, Toronto Sun, September 10, 2017

Canada has deported hundreds of people back to war torn countries

By Anna Mehler Paperny, Global News, September 10, 2017

New book on Canadian racism firmly refutes ‘We’re not as bad as the U.S.’ sentiment

By Shree Paradkar, The Star, September 10, 2017

Iranian stars of TIFF film denied entry into Canada

By Barry Hertz, The Globe and Mail, September 10, 2017

Four-year-old boy stuck in legal limbo while thousands illegally cross the border

The Licia Corbella, Calgary Herald, September 9, 2017

Family reunited in Saskatchewan after spending 3 years an ocean apart

By Alex Soloducha, CBC News, September 9, 2017

Canadians feeling DACA sympathy should understand we deport children too

By Candice Malcolm, Toronto Sun, September 8, 2017

Refugee claim backlog hit 34,000 last month

By Amanda Connolly, iPolitics, September 8, 2017

LGBT Chechens covertly brought to Canada, granted asylum

By Sebastien Malo, Reuters, September 8, 2017

UNDERCOVER IN TEMP NATION

By Sara Mojtehedzadeh & Brendan Kennedy, The Star, September 8, 2017

American family gets another chance to stay in Canada

By Alexandra Paul, Winnipeg Free Press, September 7, 2017

Reality check: Will Andrew Scheer’s ideas for the border work?

By Stephanie Levitz, Global News, September 7, 2017

Is there more than meets the eye on DACA?

Hamilton Spectator, September 7, 2017

Immigration lawyers fear flow of misinformation as DACA ends

By Amanda Connolly, iPolitics, September 6, 2017

Canada needs a DACA program

By Guidy Mamann, Toronto Sun, September 6, 2017

Immigration Canada reopens Manitoba family’s application for permanent residency

By Andrew Russell & Brian Hill, Global News, September 6, 2017

‘Dreamers’ unlikely to rush to claim asylum in Canada, immigration experts say

By Maura Forrest, National Post, September 6, 2017

In Canada, an Immigration Minister Who Himself Is a Refugee

By Catherine Porter, The New York Times, September 6, 2017

DACA repeal could spur ‘jolt’ of young people coming to Canada

By Sonia Puzic, CTV News, September 6, 2017

In Trudeau’s Canada, some refugees are more equal than others

By Scott Fenwick, iPolitics, September 6, 2017

Self-Righteousness of Western Leaders Destroys Rational Policy Making

By Rachel Marsden, NewsMax, September 6, 2017

Pausing accommodation debate in Quebec would be reasonable

By Dan Delmar, Montreal Gazetter, September 5, 2017

Russia to probe Canada’s aid to gay Chechens fleeing persecution

By John Ibbitson, The Globe and Mail, September 5, 2017

Federal government works to clarify immigration policies for public

By Paul Chiasson, The Globe and Mail, September 5, 2017

Jean-François Lisée hardens tone on immigration, sovereignty ahead of leadership review

By Jonathan Montpetit, CBC News, September 5, 2017

World immigration in news

Norway’s election a close contest over national values, immigration, EU ties

The Star, September 11, 2017

Migrant sea route to Italy is world’s most lethal

By Saeed Kamali Dehghan, The Guardian, September 11, 2017

Britain can control immigration without Brexit, Blair says

By Wolfgang Munchau, Financial Times, September 10, 2017

Merkel warns of consequences for EU asylum laggards

The Local (DE), September 10, 2017

German minister urges EU to standardise asylum seeker benefits

Reuters, September 9, 2017

Family reunited in Saskatchewan after spending 3 years an ocean apart

By Alex Soloducha, CBC News, September 9, 2017

Danish official: No room for refugees from UN this year

By Jan M. Olsen, The Chronicle Journal, September 9, 2017

Norway wrestles with national values, immigration, EU ties in election

Fox News, September 9, 2017

The Latest: 217 migrants found in Black Sea seeking Europe

National Post, September 9, 2017

How a small German town mastered the refugee crisis

By Derek Schally, The Irish Times, September 9, 2017

Germany Heading for Four More Years of Pro-EU, Open-Door Migration Policies

By Soeren Kern, Gatestone Institute, September 8, 2017

There’s nothing new about unease with immigrants

Baltimore Sun, September 8, 2017

Misericordia professor: DACA decision skirts real immigration debate

By Mark Guydish, Times Leader, September 8, 2017

It’s VIOLENT FORCE: Orban FURY at Juncker – you’re going against will of Hungarian people

By Mark Chandler, Express (UK), September 8, 2017

Rohingya Muslims facing world’s most enduring sentiment: bigotry

By Nahlah Ayed, CBC News, September 8, 2017

The Latest: UN Urges Greece to Improve Migrant Conditions

U.S. News, September 8, 2017

Viktor Orban: EU court ruling opens door to ‘mixed culture’

Daily Astorian, September 8, 2017

The Birth of ‘Illegal’ Immigration

By Beckty Little, History, September 7, 2017

Why is Bulgaria’s population falling off a cliff?

By Ruth Alexander, BBC News, September 7, 2017

Germany sees jump in citizenship applications from U.S.

Reuters, September 7, 2017

Immigrant voters in German federal election could prove influential

By Andrea Grunau, Mara Bierbach, Deutsche Welle, September 7, 2017

Self-Righteousness of Western Leaders Destroys Rational Policy Making

By Rachel Marsden, NewsMax, September 6, 2017

Manus Island: judge approves $70m compensation for detainees

By Ben Doherty, The Guardian, September 6, 2017

Citizenship changes requiring tougher English levels labelled too tough by Senate committee

By Matthew Doran, ABC News (AU), September 5, 2017

DACA: Donald Trump puts heat on Congress to find solution for Dreamers in six months

By Zoe Daniel, ABC News, September 5, 2017

Europe’s Migrant Crisis Isn’t Over

By Pankaj Mishra, Bloomberg, September 5, 2017

Exclusive: 77 percent of voters in key states demand end to ‘sanctuary cities’ for illegal immigrants

By Paul Bedard, Washington Examiner, September 5, 2017

IRCC Program delivery update

Update to the instructions to reflect the amalgamation of the Centralized Processing Office in Winnipeg, the Centralized Processing Office in Vancouver and the Matching Centre into the new Resettlement Operations Centre in Ottawa

September 18. 2017

Update to the instructions on entrepreneurs and self-employed candidates seeking to operate a business in Canada [R205(a) – C11]

September 15, 2017

Canadian immigration in news

Mass-Migration: The Tiniest Dose of Reality Hits

By Douglas Murray, Gatestone Institute, September 19, 2017

Canada has its own ‘Dreamers,’ but no program to protect them

By Blair Sanderson, CBC News, September 18, 2017

Refugee groups expect surge in Salvadoran, Honduran asylum seekers

By Nick Eagland, Vancouver Sun, September 18, 2017

World opinion on migrants: Unease mounts

By Marc Montgomery, Radio International Canada, September 18, 2017

Canada needs a fuller house to thrive – but population growth isn’t enough

By Doug Sanders, The Globe and Mail, September 18, 2017

Caregivers hold rally seeking family reunification now

By Ethel Tungohan, rabble.ca, September 18, 2017

New passport processing system $75M over budget

By Dean Beeby, CBC News, September 17, 2017

Increasingly, foreign students are choosing Canada over US

By Laura Krantz, Boston Globe, September 16, 2017

Number of asylum-seekers crossing into Quebec doubled in August

By Nicholas Keung, The Spectator, September 15, 2017

8 sentenced in New Can Consultants immigration fraud case affecting over 1,600 clients

By Manjula Dufresne, Eric Rankin, CBC News, September 15, 2017

As Nova Scotia tries to lure immigrants, feds ‘scuttle’ German family’s plans

CBC News, September 15, 2017

Get Ready For A More Chinese Canada

By Sonny Wong, HuffPost, September 15, 2017

Systemic racism hearings: Quebec minister defends closed-door approach

Montreal Gazette, September 15, 2017

Global Study: Immigration a ‘Major’ Concern Across 25 Countries, Majority Doubt ‘Refugee’ Claims

By Liam Deacon, Breitbart, September 14, 2017

Canadians divided on granting entry to asylum seekers from U.S., poll finds

By Michelle Zilio, The Globe and Mail, September 14, 2017

Desperate Crossing: Cuban man risked his life to enter Canada through train tunnel

By Dan Taekema, CBC News, September 14, 2017

Time for real immigration strategies

By Guidy Mamman, Toronto Sun, September 14, 2017

Sons of Russian spies’ case comes to a head

By Michael Friscolanti, Maclean’s, September 14, 2017

Canada’s asylum claims are spiking dramatically. Will it restrict its welcome at last?

By Rebecca Hamlin, The Washington Post, September 14, 2017

Family facing deportation despite dad being highly skilled aviation mechanic

By Ellwood Shreve, Chatham Daily News, September 13, 2017

Foreign student says immigrants leaving N.L. because finding meaningful work too difficult

CBC News, September 13, 2017

Demanding access to public services without fear of deportation

By Scott Neigh, rabble. ca, September 12, 2017

Editorial: How Canada can help those fleeing Myanmar

Ottawa Citizen, September 11, 2017

World immigration in news

Dual citizenship laws rule out half the population, lawyers say

By Rosie Lewis, The Australian, September 19, 2017

Hungary: Battle over migration has only just begun

By Jacopo Barigazzi, Politico, September 18, 2017

Australia offers to pay Rohingya refugees to return to Myanmar

By Oliver Holmes & Ben Doherty, The Guardian, September 18, 2017

Congo Ban on Non-Biometric Passports Sparks Outcry

Reuters, September 18, 2017

Border security is tougher than ever, DHS report finds

By Nick Miroff, The Washington Post, September 18, 2017

Fall in migration after Brexit could push up inflation, says Carney

By Richard Partington, The Guardian, September 18, 2017

Seeking to Deport Rohingya, India Tells Court Has Evidence of Militant Links

By Suchitra Mohanty & Krishna N. Das, Reuters, September 18, 2017

Europe’s pushback against migrants enters new phase – with Libya’s help

By Nahlah Ayed, CBC News, September 18, 2017

Deportation and child removal threats – just for living legally in the UK

By Lisa O’Carroll, The Guardian, September 18, 2017

State Department Tightens Rules for Visas to U.S.

By Gardiner Harris, The New York Times, September 18, 2017

RAISE Act: Global panel of scholars explains ‘merit-based’ immigration

By Alex Reilly, Kevin Johnson & Mireille Paquet, Los Angeles Times, September 18, 2017

Indian IT Professionals Face Tough Time With Visa Restrictions

Little India, September 17, 2017

Australia’s conflicted relationship with its vast and growing immigrant family

The Sydney Morning Herald, September 16, 2017

EU deadline on refugee pledges misses mark

By Nikolaj Nielsen, EU Observer, September 14, 2017

Turkey and Italy most anti-immigration while Britain positive, poll says

By Zoe Tabary, Reuters, September 14, 2017

Why America’s elites like DACA, and so many American workers don’t

By Lawrence Solomon, Financial Post, September 15, 2017

IRCC Program delivery update

Update to Labour Market Impact Assessment exemption codes page

September 21. 2017

New instructions for the temporary entry of business persons under the Canada-European Union (EU) Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA)

September 21, 2017

Update to the instructions related to super visas

September 21, 2017

Update to the instructions on the Temporary Resident Program

September 20, 2017

Upfront medical examinations are no longer available for family class applicants

September 20, 2017

Ministerial instructions – Express Entry draw # 72

September 20, 2017 – Number of ITA: 2,871 – CRS: 433 points

Canadian immigration in news

Canada blocks Chelsea Manning visit, citing ‘treason’ (PHOTO)

Newsline, September 25, 2017

Liberals face fears over more rural office closures, amid backlash in Alberta

By Marie-Danielle Smith, National Post, September 25, 2017

Cap on refugee sponsorships means Syrians in Canada remain separated from family members

By Nicholas Keung, The Star, September 25, 2017

Conrich couple face human trafficking charges after allegedly exploiting foreign worker

By Ryan White, Calgary CTV News, September 22, 2017

Tensions in Quebec reflect challenges faced by multicultural Canada

By J. J. McCullough, Press Herald, September 22, 2017

Aussie living in Kingston fears being kicked out of Canada

By Morganne Campbell, Global News, September 22, 2017

Foreign workers sue over bogus job promises

By Laura McQuillan, HRM Online, September 21, 2017

The Canada-European Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement

By Steven Meurrens, Meurrens on Immigration, September 21, 2017

Foreign Worker Program Driving Down Wages, Breaking Alberta Law, Unions Charge

By Jeremy J. Nuttall, The Tyee, September 22, 2017

Extradition of B.C. mother, uncle for alleged honour killing halted by last-minute ruling

By Tom Blackwell, National Post, September 21, 2017

Opinion: Reflecting on Japanese-Canadian redress

By Paul Kariya, Vancouver Sun, September 21, 2017

‘Crying your guts out’: some international students fear seeking help for burnout

By Melanie Green, CBC News, September 21, 2017

Changes Coming to Parent and Grandparent Immigration?

By Kelly Toughill, New Canadian Media, September 20, 2017

Canada border agent detentions of Mexicans surge to highest levels in decade

By Colin Perkel, Times Colonist, September 21, 2017

Newcomers to Canada could fill northern Ontario’s employment gap, rural job agency says

CBC News, September 21, 2017

Rights group loses battle to help former child refugee

By Andrea Gunn, The Chronicle Herald, September 20, 2017

White South Africans denied refugee status in Canada

By Marc Montgomery, Radio Canada International, September 20, 2017

Could migrants be the solution to Quebec’s growing labour shortage?

By Catherine Solyom, Montreal Gazette, September 20, 2017

NDP slam Liberal government for lack of action on ending ‘discriminatory’ immigration policy

By Andrew Russell & Brian Hill, Global News, September 19, 2017

Mass-Migration: The Tiniest Dose of Reality Hits

By Douglas Murray, Gatestone Institute, September 19, 2017

World immigration in news

U.S. Supreme Court signals it may dismiss challenge to Trump’s immigration ban

By Andrew Chung & Mica Rosenberg, The Globe and Mail, September 25, 2017

Borders are back, and a new great game looms

By Niall Ferguson, The Globe and Mail, September 25, 2017

EU citizens will not be fingerprinted or need ID cards, say officials

By Lisa O’Carroll, The Guardina, September 25, 2017

Visa crackdown: Australians treated like criminals at US border

New Zealand Herald, September 25, 2017

The Term ‘Illegal Immigrant’ Is Fine

By Adam Ozimek, Forbes, September 23, 2017

Germany’s jubilant far-right has Merkel in its sights

By Michelle Martin, Reuters UK, September 24, 2017

New Spanish migrant route sees three times as many migrants caught at British port

Telegraph UK, September 24, 2017

Bank immigration checks ‘nightmare’ warning from expert

BBC News, September 22, 2017

EU rebels Hungary and Poland reaffirm anti-immigrant alliance

By Daniel McLaughlin, The Irish Times, September 22, 2017

Greek Court Says Syrian Refugees Can Be Returned to Turkey

By Fanis Karabatsakis, U.S. News, September 22, 2017

Trump weighing refugee limits even lower than the 50,000 he set this year

Japan Times, September 21, 2017

‘Stupid’ Australia refugee deal that Trump hates goes ahead

By Joshua Berlinger & Tain Kopan, CNN, September 21, 2017

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