
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions? Here are answers to some of the most common things people ask us about our services and approach.
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We only work with people who are already in Canada, whether they are students, workers, families, or individuals navigating complex situations. We also support Canadian businesses looking to retain international staff or meet immigration compliance standards.
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We bill at an hourly rate of $160/hour for our initial consultations. Our immigration service fees vary by application and complexity. You’ll always know the cost upfront, and there are no hidden fees.
We believe that expert immigration support should be accessible, and we design our services to offer value, clarity, and peace of mind. If price is a barrier, please contact us and let us know.
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Yes. We support people who are already in Canada on valid study permits, many of whom have made significant sacrifices to pursue education and opportunity here. We recognize that international students are part of our communities: they study, work, volunteer, and contribute to Canadian life every day. Our role is to support them with dignity and integrity—through permit extensions, post-graduate work permits, and pathways to permanent residence—so they can continue to thrive where they’ve already begun to put down roots.
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Refugee protection is reserved for people who have a well-founded fear of persecution in their country of origin based on their race, nationality, membership in a particular social group, religion, or political opinion. Those who are at genuine risk of persecution, torture or cruel and unusual punishment or treatment may also be granted protection.
A refugee claim is not an option to remain in Canada because a person is ineligible for another pathway or to avoid returning to one’s country of origin at the end of a visit or educational program.
Seeking asylum in Canada is a once in a lifetime option for protection. Making a false refugee claim can have serious and lasting impacts that may lead to removal and being unable to re-enter Canada at any point in the future.
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No one can guarantee a successful outcome—decisions are made by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). What we can promise is that your application will be prepared with precision, care, and current legal knowledge, giving you the best possible chance of success.
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Our lead consultant is a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (R1034337), bound by the professional standards of the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC). As a social enterprise of a registered charity, we go beyond legal compliance—we’re committed to transparency, client protection, and community accountability at every level.
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Yes, and we encourage it. Many of our clients begin with a simple consultation to ask questions, understand their options, or get a second opinion. You can book online and fill out a short intake form so we can make the most of our time together. We’re here to help, not pressure you.
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COMPASS Immigration Solutions is a related business (social enterprise) launched by COMPASS Refugee Centre, a registered Canadian charity with over 35 years of experience supporting newcomers. While the Centre continues to offer free support for refugee claimants, our paid services through COMPASS Immigration Solutions are open to anyone in Canada navigating immigration processes. All revenue supports the Centre’s charitable programs, meaning your support helps others too.
(As COMPASS Immigration Solutions grows, it will become a separately incorporated business, owned entirely by COMPASS Refugee Centre and providing revenue for the Centre's charitable programs)
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COMPASS Refugee Centre offers free, charitable programs specifically for refugee claimants. COMPASS Immigration Solutions provides professional, paid immigration consulting for anyone in Canada who needs support. While the two services are distinct, both share a common mission: to help people navigate immigration with dignity, care, and expert guidance.
COMPASS Immigration Solutions also offers immigration consulting services to people whose refugee claims have been approved and now need further immigration services at a sliding scale. This is part of our commitment to better serving refugee claimants and those seeking a better life in Canada.