You can organize your own immigration file. IRCC says you do not have to hire a representative. Forms and instructions are free on the government site.
Self-organization means following the official Express Entry list when you create a profile. Software can help you line entered facts up against published criteria. It cannot advise you, choose a program for you, or act as you with IRCC.
Paid advice is restricted. IRPA section 91 limits who may represent or advise someone for consideration to lawyers and Quebec notaries in good standing, other law-society members including paralegals, and members in good standing of the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants.
If you pay someone, they must be authorized. Check the official registers. IRCC may return or refuse an application that uses an unauthorized paid representative. Using a representative does not guarantee approval or special attention.
IRCC publishes a form to appoint, update, or cancel a representative. You are not obliged to hire one. You can appoint only one representative at a time for each application.
Move to a licensed professional when you need advice, a program choice, or someone to deal with IRCC for you. Until then, organize against the published list.
Sources and method
This article is a source-led reference. Each material public-rule claim is linked to its source and checked on the date shown. It does not assess an individual’s eligibility or replace licensed professional judgment.
- IRCC: Learn about representatives · checked 2026-08-17
- IRCC: Choose a representative · checked 2026-08-17
- IRCC: Authorized representatives · checked 2026-08-17
- IRCC: Use of a Representative (IMM 5476) · checked 2026-08-17
- IRPA section 91 · checked 2026-08-17
- IRCC: Express Entry documents · checked 2026-08-17
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Software can help you line entered facts up against published criteria. It cannot advise you, choose a program for you, or act as you with IRCC.
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See the working with professionals cluster →Navisa publishes public-information and product-workflow references. Navisa is not a lawyer, RCIC, or immigration representative; no Insight article gives legal advice or guarantees an immigration outcome.