Short answer: A trustworthy Canada immigration consultant in Nigeria is someone licensed by Canada's regulator (an RCIC, or a lawyer), who signs a written contract, gives you receipts, never guarantees visa approval, and lets you verify their licence online. If any of these is missing, walk away.
Every year, many Nigerians lose money to fake agents, fake job offers and "guaranteed" visas. Whether you live in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt or abroad, these nine checks will protect you before you pay anyone.
1. Is the consultant licensed to represent you?
Only licensed Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs), Canadian lawyers and Quebec notaries may charge a fee to represent you before IRCC. RCICs are regulated by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC). Ask for the consultant's full name and licence number, then search for them on the CICC public register yourself. If they are not listed, do not pay them.
2. Do they guarantee approval?
No one can. IRCC officers make the decision on every application. Anyone promising a 100% visa, or claiming a "connection inside the embassy", is a red flag. An honest consultant talks about your eligibility and the risks, not guarantees.
3. Do they give you a written contract?
A legitimate consultant provides a service agreement listing fees, what is included, what happens if the application is refused and how either side can end the contract. Never pay on a verbal promise.
4. Are fees transparent, and do you get receipts?
Ask for a breakdown that separates professional fees from government fees (IRCC fees, biometrics, medicals, ECA). Pay into a registered business account, never a personal account, and keep every receipt. Be cautious of anyone who refuses to put the total in writing.
5. Will they let you see your own application?
You should receive copies of everything submitted on your behalf and know the status of your case. If a consultant refuses to share your file, treat it as a warning sign.
6. Do they have a real, verifiable office?
Check the address, visit it, and confirm the phone number and email match their website and Google Business Profile. A genuine firm is easy to find and easy to contact.
7. Are the reviews and results real?
Look for Google reviews from named people, dated testimonials and explained case outcomes, not just pictures of stamped passports. Ask how the consultant handled refused cases, because every honest practice has some.
8. Do they ask for your honest history?
A good consultant asks about past refusals, gaps in your history and your source of funds, because hiding them can lead to a misrepresentation finding and a ban of up to five years. If someone tells you to "fix" documents or invent a job offer, leave.
9. Do they explain the process in plain language?
You should understand the pathway, the timeline and the risks before you pay. If you leave a consultation confused or pressured, that is a signal to look elsewhere.
How APT Immigration approaches this
APT Immigration is a team of Canadian immigration consultants based in Lagos. We assess your eligibility honestly, explain the risks before you commit, and walk you through each step in plain language. We would rather tell you a route is not right for you than sell you a weak application.
Our offices are at Ikota Shopping Complex, Lekki, and Ikeja Town Square Mall, Lagos. If you are in Abuja or elsewhere in Nigeria, we can also work with you through online consultations.
Ready to talk to a licensed consultant? Book a consultation or chat with us on WhatsApp. You can also read about our Permanent Residency service or browse all our immigration services.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use a consultant in Lagos or Abuja for a Canadian application?
Yes, as long as they are licensed to represent you. Most applications are handled online, so you can work with a consultant in a different city.
How much does a Canada immigration consultant cost in Nigeria?
Fees depend on the programme and how complex your case is. Whatever the amount, ask for professional fees and government fees to be listed separately, and get the total in writing before you pay.
How do I verify an RCIC?
Search the consultant's name or licence number on the CICC public register. If they are not listed, they are not authorised to charge you for representation.
What should I do if I have been scammed?
Stop all further payments, keep every receipt, message and document, and report it. You can report to the CICC if the person claimed to be a licensed consultant, to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, and to the Nigerian police or the EFCC.