Frequently Asked Questions

A Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) is a licensed professional authorized to provide immigration advice and formally represent clients before Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Under Canadian law, only RCICs, immigration lawyers, and Quebec notaries may provide these services for a fee. Working with a licensed RCIC means you have professional protection, ethical accountability, and a qualified advocate on your side.

Yes. Drew holds RCIC license R1054024, issued by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC). His license is active and in good standing. You can verify this directly on the CICC public register.

Unfortunately, not everyone who advertises immigration services online is licensed to provide them. Unlicensed consultants—sometimes called 'ghost consultants'—operate illegally and have no regulatory oversight. Drew is regulated by the CICC under a strict Code of Professional Conduct (SOR/2022-128), which means he is accountable for his actions, required to hold client funds in a separate trust account, and bound to act in your best interests at all times.

Both allow temporary entry to Canada, but they apply to different people. A Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa) is required for nationals of countries that are not visa-exempt—such as Colombia, China, India, and many others. An eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) is required for nationals of visa-exempt countries (like most EU nations) when travelling to Canada by air. Your citizenship determines which document you need.

The Super Visa is a multi-entry visa designed specifically for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents. Unlike a standard visitor visa (which typically allows stays of up to 6 months), the Super Visa allows the holder to stay in Canada for up to 5 years at a time. It's valid for up to 10 years. To qualify, the sponsoring child or grandchild in Canada must meet a minimum income threshold, and the applicant must obtain Canadian private medical insurance.

A TRP allows someone who is otherwise inadmissible to Canada to enter for a specific reason and period of time. Common reasons for inadmissibility include a criminal record (including DUI convictions), previous deportation, health grounds, or prior immigration violations. TRPs are discretionary—an officer weighs the reason for entry against the risk. A thorough, well-documented application significantly improves your chances.

Yes, absolutely. A prior refusal does not mean you are permanently barred from applying. Drew will review the refusal letter, identify what led to the decision, and work with you to build a stronger, more compelling application that directly addresses those concerns. Many clients who were previously refused successfully obtain their visas with better preparation.

Processing times vary depending on your country of residence, the volume of applications IRCC is receiving, and whether any additional steps (like biometrics or a medical exam) are required. Drew will advise you on current estimated timelines during your consultation. You can also check IRCC's official processing time tool at any time.

Requirements vary by individual, but generally include: a valid passport, proof of financial support, evidence of strong ties to your home country (employment, property, family), the purpose of your visit, a travel itinerary, and medical insurance. Drew will prepare a customized document checklist for your specific situation so nothing is missed.

A refusal is disappointing, but it is not the end of the road. IRCC provides a refusal letter with the reasons for the decision. Drew can review this letter with you, identify weaknesses in the original application, and help you prepare a new, stronger submission that addresses those specific concerns.

Most Canadian visitor visa applications are decided based on the written application and supporting documents—no in-person interview is required. However, IRCC does have the discretion to request an interview in certain cases. If an interview is requested, Drew will help you prepare.

Consultations are conducted via Zoom or another video platform at a time convenient for you. Prior to the meeting, you'll sign a Consultation Agreement and the $200 CAD fee is collected. During the session, Drew reviews your situation, discusses your options, assesses your eligibility, and answers all your questions. There is no obligation to proceed with a full service after the consultation.

The initial consultation fee is $200 CAD. This covers a thorough assessment of your situation and a strategy discussion. If you decide to proceed with a full application, service fees are discussed and agreed upon in a Service Agreement before any work begins. Fees vary depending on the application type and complexity—Drew will give you a clear, transparent quote during or after your consultation.

Drew is a native English speaker. However, the client portal supports questionnaires in multiple languages including Spanish, which makes it easier to gather information from Spanish-speaking clients. Drew has a personal connection to the Spanish-speaking community through his own family and is committed to making the process accessible. During your consultation, accommodations for language needs can be discussed.

Payment is currently accepted via Interac e-Transfer or wire transfer. All payments are deposited into a dedicated client trust account first, and funds are only transferred to Drew's operating account once they have been earned. A credit card payment option is being added to the client portal for additional convenience.

No immigration consultant or lawyer can legally or ethically guarantee a specific outcome—IRCC visa officers make independent decisions based on the evidence presented. What Drew can guarantee is a professionally prepared, complete, organized, and compelling application package that gives your file the strongest possible chance of a positive decision.

Drew Hall Immigration Consulting is 100% online. There is no physical office requirement—you can access services from anywhere in the world. All meetings take place via Zoom or similar video platforms, and all documents are exchanged securely through the client portal.