This module begins by reviewing the constitutional and judicial framework that shapes Canadian immigration policy. You explore past and present issues involving immigration procedures as a way of assessing the driving factors that have gone into creating our current immigration policy.

From there, the module moves into an overview of the Canadian judicial system and legislature, including the hierarchy governing legislation, case law and immigration policy. The issue of admissibility factors will also be introduced in this module; subsequent modules will delve further into specific issues in this topic.

You are also introduced to the ethical and fiduciary duties imposed on immigration consultants in Canada. This theme is carried throughout the course, and a component of the exam at the end of each module.

Module 2 focuses on temporary entry to Canada building upon your ability to read and interpret legislation gained in Module 1. This is a broad module, covering all aspects of temporary status relating to foreign nationals.

Specifically, this module breaks down "temporary status" into the following areas:

• visas and visitor status, including temporary resident conditions, visa requirements and being visa exempt, where visa applications are made, the medical examination requirement, preparing visa applications, family members, status applications, extension of status, and dealing with complications by way of temporary resident permits
• the concept of "work" and Labour Market Opinions (LMO), including work permit conditions, being work permit-exempt (including business visitors), and an in-depth analysis of the relevant factors related to an LMO
• work permit considerations, including introduction to work permits, where work permit applications are made, preparing work permit applications, family members, and extension of status
• confirmation-exempt work permit categories, including work permit categories and the temporary foreign worker units
• students and study permits, including study permit conditions, study permit requirements and being study permit-exempt, where study permit applications are made, preparing study permit applications, family members, extension of status, dealing with complications by way of temporary resident permits.

Module 3 focuses on the economic routes for immigration to Canada. There are several categories and special programs like the Canadian Experience Class and Provincial Nominee Programs, all of which use particular election criteria to evaluate applicants. The overall goal of these programs is to help attract and retain immigrants who can contribute to Canada's economy and whose background will enable them to establish themselves economically in Canada.

The module looks at the federal Foreign Skilled Worker Program (FSW), which has undergone significant changes over the past several years that restricts its scope, yet it is still a sought-after route to permanent residency in Canada. As with all economic classes for immigration, selection criteria for evaluating applicants in the FSW category include education, skills and experience, as well as financial resources. Other economic categories include, but are not limited to, investors, entrepreneurs, self-employed persons, and live-in caregivers. Recent and important changes in the investor category will be explained. Inadmissibility is a continual theme throughout this course, and it will be examined in light of processing applications for Canada's various economic immigration programs.

Module 3 also reviews the National Occupational Classification (NOC) as a key tool in skilled worker assessment and evaluation, specifically, the use of NOC occupational descriptions in analyzing an applicant's work experience and qualifications. Emphasis will be placed on the Arranged Employment and Adaptability Factors, bringing in material covered in Module 2 on work and study permits.

The Provincial Nomination Programs (PNP), which provide a variety of immigration streams to help provinces augment their skilled labour force, are also covered in Module 3. The BC PNP is explored in some depth and practitioners also learn how they can assist with citizenship applications. The Quebec Immigration Program is introduced including recent regulatory changes that have made it more cumbersome for certified immigration consultants to process Quebec-bound applicants.

The module concludes with a review of the principles of ethical conduct and conflicts of interest for immigration practitioners, along with a detailed look at the purpose, organization and structure of the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC). The purpose and requirements to become a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) are outlined, and ICCRC's Code of Professional Ethics, required of all RCIC’s in their professional immigration practice are reviewed.

Module 4 is divided into three parts. In the first part, you develop a preliminary understanding of who can sponsor, who can be sponsored, and the basic steps involved in the application process for sponsoring members of the Family Class and what family members can be sponsored. Following this, the module looks at the proper legal tests and applicable policies for sponsored applicants under the in-Canada Spouse or Common-Law Partner Class and for applicants on humanitarian and compassionate grounds.

The second part of the module examines the policy guidelines that define appeals against refusals of sponsored applications for landing made by members of the Family Class. Then the module looks at how to properly launch an appeal--including the preparation, presentation and follow-up steps once a decision is rendered. The procedures surrounding admissibility hearings and the roles of the individuals involved, along with the types of evidence that can be used at the hearing, are presented. Factors involved in identifying situations in which a client may be detained by immigration officials are examined, as well as the specifics regarding bonds and other methods to ensure compliance with any release orders. Explore how to prepare documentary evidence, how to prepare clients for appearances at admissibility and/or detention hearings and reviews, and how to counsel clients as to what to expect at the hearing. Examine cases involving the removal of permanent residents of Canada and the appeal process available to them. Module 4 also looks at the process available to permanent residents to renew their permanent resident cards and the rights of appeal that are available to them if their applications for a travel document or permanent resident card are refused.

Finally, reference will be made to the ethical obligations of counsel, as well as the possible penalties for aiding and abetting a misrepresentation.

Module 5 provides an overview of Canada's refugee protection system. It covers Canada's relevant philosophy and objectives, the relevant statutory requirements contained in the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and the Regulations, and selected decisions of the Federal Courts of Canada and the Supreme Court of Canada, on the Refugee Convention. The module will also introduce you to the new Balanced Refugee Reform Act which will come into effect in mid-2012 and implement major changes in the way Canada handles refugee claims. The rules, policies and procedures of the Refugee Protection Division of the Immigration and Refugee Board are looked at, as are a variety of practical skills for representing refugee claimants, convention refugees and other persons in need of protection. The module also highlights research techniques useful when dealing with refugee cases.

Finally, but of utmost importance, you review the ethical considerations, including the ICCRC's Code of Professional Ethics, that must be followed.

The following is a list of the general topics that will be examined in the module:

• eligibility and access to the refugee protection system
• refugee defined
• procedures for making a claim
• how to conduct research to support the claim
• case law
• hearing procedures and standards of proof
• the decision and consequences
• exclusion, cessation, vacation of protection
• convention refugees and other protected persons
• convention refugees and humanitarian-protected persons abroad
• pre-removal risk assessments
• the role of ethics and professional conduct in assisting refugees.

In Module 6, you move from the academic phase of the program into the practical skills phase of running an immigration consulting business. In-class discussions and off-line assignments help you to prepare yourself for the real world of an immigration consulting practice. Tools for practice are introduced and tried out. The module covers the basics of working with third parties, working with clients, how to represent clients, set up and manage client files and basic interview skills. In-class assignments includes practice in writing retainer agreements, letters of submission, and conducting a client interview. Issues surrounding confidentiality, competence, responsibilities and advocacy are discussed.

The regulatory requirements of this profession are further analyzed and discussed in terms of compliance with professional rules of conduct, continuing professional development and education, and maintenance of accreditation. This module covers the basic skills that all immigration consultants will need to run a business — including practical "how-to’s" when it comes to such things as costing, interviewing, and handling difficult situations and clients.

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

• a completed application form by downloading the pdf program handbook (see Handbook section)
  
  
• 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 packages 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)

A non-refundable application fee of $150 must accompany your application package. 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, submit with your application package a bank draft payable to UBC.

Please send your completed application package to:

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

CILPP program staff will review completed application packages in the order they are received. Applicants will be notified by email if their application packages 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.

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.