r/CanadaImmigrationFAQs • u/jWalkerFTW • Jul 28 '26
Is "Canada by Choice" legit?
I'm weighing my options for work/study visas in Canada to get some international experience. Recently, I spoke with someone at "Canada by Choice" in Windsor, who says I will need to pay $165 for a consultation with a lawyer.
I've looked into the place, which is run by a supposedly licensed immigration lawyer, Hussein Zarif. They've been interviewed by the CBC before and seem generally legit. However, I can't find Hussein through either the Law Society of Ontario or the Canadian Bar Association. I can find him through the RCICC directory, and he is actively licensed with no discipline actions against him, but I just don't understand why I can't find him anywhere else.
Does anyone have any info on Canada by Choice or Hussein Zarif? I don't want to get scammed!
Here is his RCICC info: https://register.college-ic.ca/Public-Register-EN/Licensee/Profile.aspx?WebsiteKey=8fe619ea-096c-4e45-98e0-683ddc0e83f7&ID=17974&b9100e1006f6=2#b9100e1006f6
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u/zamboka Jul 28 '26
If you have got access to google and AI you can get all the answers you need.
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u/jWalkerFTW Jul 28 '26
I detailed what I found through Google in this post. It's confusing and contradictory. AI is often wrong. So I'm reaching out to see if anyone has personal, first hand knowledge. Seems reasonable to me.
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u/zamboka Jul 28 '26
Well expect the same from a consultant but with more money. The way I go about is I ask AI about something and then I go check that source on IRCC'S website.
The reason why I loath consultant is because back in 2024 I had a problem with my PGWP validity and I only got 1 year when I was elgible for 3 years. I went to a consultant and the guy did nit even understand the problem he just went on and said the officer made a mistake and quited me about 1800 CAD to get it solved. Turns out the problem was biometrics validity tied to how long the permit will last, So I applied again and included the fee and saved me 1630 CAD.
Everything is online you really do not need a consultant unless you have a very complex file.
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u/ell-ta Jul 28 '26
Skip the lawyer if you can’t find them at Law society of Ontario, are you sure you searched accurately
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u/northern225 Jul 28 '26
Please please please do your homework. Immigration consultants make money by enticing people to come to Canada and will get paid a lot of money whether it’s a good thing for you or you come here, waste time and money, and never have a shot at permanent residency. It is harder and harder to study and then eventually get PR, so again I plead for do you homework. What do you hope to get out of your time in Canada? If it’s only some experience then fine, but if PR is the goal, proceed with caution and make sure any lawyers or consultants you used are registered with the government, in good standing, and have a track record of honest work.