UBC Certificate in Immigration: Laws, Policies and Procedures

Part-Time

The UBC Certificate in Immigration: Laws, Policies and Procedures (CILPP) prepares students to impart excellent service and sound advice to clients, organizations and interested groups. Accredited by the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC), the CILPP program is the first step towards becoming a regulated immigration consultant in Canada, and graduates have a high passing rate on the national regulatory exam.


A short overview of the UBC Certificate in Immigration: Laws, Policies and Procedures.

A wide range of professionals who work in the area of immigration will benefit from the program, including immigration practitioners, lawyers, paralegals and legal assistants, staff of non-profit organizations and human resources professionals.

Open sections below to view program information or contact program staff at 604.827.4203 or email.

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Benefits

The UBC Certificate in Immigration: Laws, Policies and Procedures offers many advantages to participants who want to gain the skills and knowledge required for informed and ethical immigration consulting practice to serve clients, fellow colleagues, and the wider Canadian society. The program features the following advantages:

Rhonda Williams, a CILPP instructor, describes the various types of job opportunities available for graduates.

Gabriel Chand, a CILPP instructor, discusses how the instructors are the greatest strength of the program.

  • a respected standard of education in immigration practice that meets the educational requirements of professional organizations and ICCRC
  • the practical, theoretical, and ethical understanding of what is required to start and operate a professional business practice in immigration consulting
  • provides the skills to be a self-directed learner while developing a network of fellow immigration consultants to draw upon in your professional practice.
Details and Fees

Program Format
The CILPP program is offered from September to July. Participants attend the program on a part-time basis. The program is delivered in a series of modules on specific topics in immigration. The modules are designed to be taken in sequence as each module builds upon knowledge gained in earlier ones. Emphasis is placed on developing skills and knowledge in how to access information in the field of immigration.

Sophie Aubugeau, a CILPP graduate and a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant, discusses why people take the program.

To obtain the UBC Certificate in Immigration Laws, Policies and Procedures, participants are required to complete seven modules. Each module is approximately six weeks in length and includes in-class sessions along with online discussions, assignments and a final exam. The in-class component is delivered Tuesday evenings from 6:30-9:30pm. Classes are held at the UBC Robson Square campus in downtown Vancouver.

Program Fees
The total tuition cost of the Fall 2013 CILPP program is $5,150. An additional non-refundable application fee of $150 is payable upon submission of a program application. Participants may choose to pay the tuition in one lump sum at the beginning of the program, or in two payments ($2945 payable at the start of the program; $2205 payable prior to Module 5). Fees are in Canadian dollars. All fees are subject to change. The withdrawal and cancellation policy is outlined in the program handbook (see Handbook section).

Assessment Methods
Program participants are assessed on each module according to UBC and ICCRC assessment guidelines to ensure successful acquisition of required skills and concepts.

As a means of encouraging integration and learning, learners will be evaluated on writing assignments and quizzes in Modules 1-6 and on practical assignments in Module 7. In addition, there is a written examination at the end of each module (Module 7 has a final project instead of an examination). Written assignments are evaluated on the basis of developing a case strategy and applying facts to immigration law and other criteria specific to each assignment. Marking is done by the program's instructional assistants.

Graduation Criteria
To graduate, learners must complete all seven required modules, take the final exams for Modules 1-6 and complete the final project for Module 7, earning an average of 70%. Upon graduation, learners receive a UBC Certificate in Immigration: Laws, Policies and Procedures.

Reading Requirements
The primary readings for the program are the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and Regulations. Students will need access to updated versions of both in the format of their choice. Additional required reading material for each class will be provided online along with links to both primary and secondary sources.

Technology Requirements
Broadband or wireless Internet connection is required to take this program. Computer operating systems must meet the following minimum specifications:
PC: Windows XP SP2 Home/Pro
Mac: Mac OS x 10.4.

Curriculum

This part-time program consists of seven modules.

All modules provide opportunities to practice critical thinking as well as develop oral and written communication skills, including filling out immigration application forms, relevant to the field of immigration consulting. To enhance the shared learning experience and create a dynamic learning community, each module includes online group discussions and assignments. The goal is to encourage peer-to-peer learning and to develop a strong community of inquiry among participants.

You must successfully apply for the program (see the How to Apply section) before you can register for the modules.

Module Upcoming Dates and Times (2013-2014)  
Mandatory Orientation Tue, Sep 3, 2013 6:00-6:30pm
Module 1: Introduction to Immigration Law, Policy and History 5 Tue, Sep 3-Oct 1, 6:30-9:30pm
Final Exam: Tue, Oct 8, 6:30-9:30pm
More
Module 2: Temporary Entry to Canada 5 Tue, Oct 15-Nov 12, 6:30-9:30pm
Final Exam: Tue Nov 19, 6:30-9:30pm
More
Module 3: Economic Classes, including Provincial Nominee Programs 5 Tue, Nov 26-Jan 7, 2014 (no classes Dec 24 and Dec 31), 6:30-9:30pm
Final Exam: Tue Jan 14, 2014, 6:30-9:30pm
More
Module 4: Family Classes 4 Tue, Jan 21, 6:30-9:30pm
Final Exam: Tue Feb 14, 6:30-9:30pm
More
Module 5: Humanitarian and Compassionate Applications, Appeals and Detentions 5 Tue, Feb 25, 6:30-9:30pm
Final Exam: Tue, April 1, 6:30-9:30pm
Module 6: Refugee Protection 6 Tue, April 8-May 13, 6:30-9:30pm
Final Exam: Tue, May 20, 6:30-9:30pm
Module 7: Practical Skills 6 Tue, May 27-July 8, 6:30-9:30pm
Final Assignment Deadline: Tue, July 8
Handbook

Before applying to this program you must read and understand the terms and conditions in the program handbook. Please download and read the handbookPDF carefully as it contains important information about the program and its policies.

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Instructors

The UBC Certificate in Immigration: Laws, Policies and Procedures is taught by lawyers and practitioners highly experienced in the field of immigration. UBC's instructors are members in good standing of the Canadian Bar Association or of ICCRC and have a broad scope of experience and knowledge in their area of immigration law, policy and procedures. They are able to draw upon a depth of examples, cases and practical experience from actively managing and conducting responsible and ethical practices of their own.

Instructional Assistants
How to Apply

Program Admission
The admissions process helps to ensure that the needs, intentions and expectations of participants are adequately matched to the program's objectives and capabilities. Applicants should read and thoroughly understand the program handbook before applying to the program. Please download and read the handbook carefully as it contains important information about the program and its policies.

Admission into the program requires all of the following four-steps. Please note that the submission of online application form and application fee does not guarantee a seat in the program if it has filled to capacity before the four-step application process is completed.

The next offering of the program will be September 2013. Prospective students are encouraged to apply early, as the program fills quickly.

Withdrawal and Cancellation Policies
Learners who withdraw from the CILPP program 60 days before the program start date will receive a full refund, less a $150 cancellation fee.

If you withdraw with less than 60 days notice, you should notify UBC Continuing Studies in writing of the reasons for the withdrawal. After this date, tuition fees are non-refundable, except for serious reasons such as bereavement or a documented medical condition (supported by a doctor's letter from a practicing medical physician of the British Columbia Medical Association), in which case the refund will be processed on a pro-rated basis for the unfinished portion of the program. The refund will be pro-rated from the time the doctor's letter is received by the administrative staff and the $150 cancellation fee will apply.

Should the learner decide to return to complete the remainder of the program subsequent to his/her withdrawal, applicable tuition fees will be in accordance with the most current tuition fees, and not that of the cohort for which he/she first registered. Students are expected to complete the CILPP program within three years. Otherwise, upgrading of knowledge may be required to meet the education requirements of ICCRC.

Course Cancellations
UBC Continuing Studies may sometimes cancel courses due to insufficient enrolment or other reasons. If this occurs, a refund is processed and mailed automatically. UBC Continuing Studies does not guarantee that a particular course will be offered at a particular time.

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Step 1: Receipt of a Completed Online Program Application

To apply to the UBC Certificate in Immigration: Laws, Policies and Procedures, please submit the following:

  • a completed online application form

  • one of the following proof of Canadian citizenship, or permanent residency status:
    • Birth certificate (if born in Canada)
    • Canadian Citizenship Card (front and back)
    • Permanent Resident Card (front and back)
    • Certificate of Indian Status Card (Canada, front and back)

  • one of the following:

    1. Canadian or foreign university degree, or the equivalent of two years of Canadian post-secondary education.* Applicants with Canadian degrees are required to provide the original transcript or degree document showing that graduation requirements have been met. Applicants with foreign degrees are required to provide ICES basic report (see below),

      *Foreign degrees or diplomas (i.e., from any educational institution outside of Canada) must be evaluated by an accredited institution, and the original evaluation document must be forwarded to UBC Continuing Studies. Contact the International Credential Evaluation Service (ICES) for a basic report, at 3700 Willingdon Avenue, Burnaby, BC. Telephone: 604.432.8800 or Email: icesinfo@bcit.ca. Processing time may take four to six weeks.

      or

    2. A letter from a supervisor indicating that the applicant has a minimum of two years' related Canadian work experience in the field of immigration. The letter must specifically outline the applicant's duties, and what the applicant has learned through this work. Applicants must submit an original letter, on letterhead, signed by the employer. Reference letters will be verified by UBC.

    NOTE: Application materials will not be reviewed until all required admissions documents have been received, including the ICES report, if applicable.

  • Proof of English Language Proficiency

    As of April 2011, an English language test and minimum score are required of all CILPP applicants. This requirement helps ensure that learners are prepared to succeed in our rigorous academic program. Please note that membership in ICCRC may also requires a minimum language score. Please see ICCRC's website for membership requirements.

    Below are the CILPP-Approved Language Tests and minimum scores for entry into the program. Note CILPP does not accept other English language tests such as the Language Proficiency Index. Application packages will not be reviewed until all required admissions documents have been received, including the ICES report, if applicable.

    Assessment Test Minimum Score for Each Competency
    International English Language Testing System (IELTS -Academic) Overall band score of 5.5 with a minimum score of 5.0 in each component
    Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL) Minimum score of 50 in each component (Reading; Listening; Speaking; Writing)
    Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP-A)* Minimum score of 4L in each component (Reading; Listening; Speaking; Writing)
    Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB) 81 (Composition; Listening; Grammar, Cloze, Vocabulary, Reading; Speaking)
    CANTEST 4.0 in each component (Listening and Reading, Writing, Speaking)
    *applicants to the CILPP program are eligible for a $50 discount on the CELPIP-A test registration fee. Click here for details.
Step 2: Payment of Application Fee with Application Submission

A non-refundable application fee of $150 must accompany your application. It is preferable to make your payment online using Visa or Mastercard. Please indicate on your application form the transaction number of your online payment if you use this method. Otherwise, a bank draft payable to UBC with your application materials can be mailed to the following address.

Certificate in Immigration: Laws, Policies and Procedures
Centre for Intercultural Communication
UBC Continuing Studies
410-5950 University Boulevard
Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3
Canada

Step 3: Review and Acceptance of Completed Application Materials

CILPP program staff will review completed application materials in the order they are received. Applicants will be notified by email if their application materials are accepted or declined. An application may be declined if staff concludes that the applicant does not meet the language proficiency or other prerequisites of the program, as indicated by the applicants' submitted materials.

Step 4: Tuition Payment

Approved applicants will be advised of tuition payment options by email within two weeks of receipt. Your seat will not be guaranteed until tuition is received. We cannot guarantee a seat in the course until steps one to three above have been completed.

 

 

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