Foundational Knowledge Unit 1

Process of systematically identifying and addressing potential issues in any situation.

The ability to analyze and apply relevant laws, regulations, or policies to a specific situation.

Locating and using reliable resources for information, including statutes, regulations, case law, policies, and operational instructions.

Constructing a reasoned argument based on legal research and client facts.

The ability to provide expert advice and consultation in the Canadian immigration and citizenship field.

Assessing and mitigating risks related to business operations and client services.

Developing a strategic roadmap to achieve business goals.

Promoting services while adhering to ethical and professional standards.

Managing workload and prioritizing tasks to ensure efficient service delivery.

Maintaining open and accurate communication with clients and relevant stakeholders.

Applying principles of cultural awareness to build positive relationships with clients.

RCICs use plain language to avoid confusing clients with legal jargon.

Creating a comfortable and private environment for client meetings.

Helping clients articulate their problems, identify their interests, prioritize goals, and implement solutions.

Evaluating information for relevance and importance.

Focuses efficiently on relevant matters while respecting the client's time and fees.

Using both general and specific questions to gather all necessary information.

Understanding the client's situation without sharing personal experiences or transferring personal feelings.

Providing clients with access to additional resources and information.

Referring clients to other professionals when their emotional needs exceed the RCIC's scope of practice.

The principle of law that ensures government agencies act fairly and transparently, respecting individual rights and applying the law consistently. It includes concepts like procedural fairness, natural justice and judicial review.

The power given to administrative decision-makers to make choices within legal boundaries, applying their judgment to specific situations. This power needs to be exercised reasonably and fairly.

The process by which courts review decisions made by administrative bodies, ensuring they acted within their legal powers and followed proper procedures, respecting the principles of administrative law.

Basic rules of fairness, applied during legal proceedings to ensure a fair outcome. It includes things like proper notice, the right to be heard, and unbiased decision-making.

The law that governs who can enter and stay in Canada, including requirements, procedures and exceptions.

The main legal document governing immigration in Canada, outlining the responsibilities and obligations of Canadians and newcomers.

An individual's right to be free from arbitrary detention by the government, subject to specific exceptions and safeguards.

The legal process determining if a person is a refugee, based on their claims of persecution and the need for protection in their home country.

The formal process for assessing an individual's right to remain in Canada, considering factors like criminal history, security risks, and potential threats to public safety.

Actions taken by the government to remove someone from Canada due to inadmissibility, including detention and related processes. This can involve temporary or permanent removal.

The ability to guide and direct the work of staff, including assigning tasks based on skills and ensuring professional and ethical practices.

A written agreement outlining the scope of services and responsibilities between an RCIC and a registered immigration agent.

The process of ensuring the agent complies with all relevant laws, regulations, and professional standards.

The ability to manage emotions effectively in stressful situations, preventing conflicts from escalating.

Using persuasive communication skills to negotiate and resolve conflicts effectively.

Maintaining accurate and complete financial records in compliance with regulations.

A plan for ensuring continuous client service during emergencies, absences, or practice cessation.

Understanding the different divisions of the IRB and their specific jurisdictions, legal principles, and procedures.

Analyzing client eligibility for different IRB divisions based on their specific case.

Understanding the importance of time limits in different IRB submissions.

Develops strategies and tactics to proceed with a case within the IRB framework.

Identifying the need for expert testimonies or reports to support the client's case.

Preparing and presenting opening statements, examinations, and closing submissions.

Understanding and complying with the rules of evidence and procedure in an IRB hearing.

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) involves activities like workshops, seminars, and courses that RCICs participate in to maintain their professional skills and knowledge, ensuring they stay up-to-date with the latest regulations and best practices in immigration.

Accountability and Integrity for RCICs means taking responsibility for their actions and upholding ethical standards in all professional dealings. This includes being honest, transparent, and acting in the best interest of their clients.

RCICs must recognize their professional limits and seek advice from legal counsel or other RCICs when dealing with situations outside their expertise. This ensures clients receive the best advice and guidance.

RCICs are expected to manage client matters effectively and efficiently, aiming to minimize unnecessary costs while ensuring quality service. This involves proper planning, time management, and utilizing resources wisely.

Promptness is key for RCICs. They should respond to client inquiries and fulfill immigration authority requirements within a reasonable timeframe, ensuring smooth communication and timely progress.

RCICs must always use their professional titles and designations accurately and consistently, reflecting their qualifications and expertise. This promotes transparency and ensures clients are aware of their credentials.

RCICs, just like all professionals, are expected to acknowledge the sources of their ideas and work, properly citing the original authors. This upholds academic integrity and ethical research practices.

Transparency and honesty are central to the RCIC profession. All communications, written or verbal, should be accurate and truthful, building trust with clients and the immigration authorities.

RCICs should only proceed with providing client services after careful consideration and discussion with the client, ensuring mutual understanding and agreement on the course of action.

When a conflict of interest arises and cannot be resolved appropriately, it is essential for RCICs to withdraw from representing their client. This prevents potential biases and protects the client's best interests.

The initial stage of the immigration process, where the RCIC evaluates the client's needs and determines the proper course of action.

The process of gathering enough information from the client during the initial assessment to decide whether to initiate services, decline the case, or refer the client to another professional.

The RCIC carefully examines their own expertise and abilities to ensure they can adequately fulfill the client's specific immigration needs.

A crucial step where the RCIC ensures the client fully understands the services offered, potential risks, and the terms of the agreement.

The RCIC assesses the client's ability to comprehend the given information, and if needed, identifies a substitute decision-maker for clients who are deemed incapable.

The RCIC provides the client with various options available, along with the related potential barriers and risks, and explores alternative courses of action.

The RCIC communicates a realistic timeline with key milestones to guide the client's expectations regarding the immigration process.

The RCIC explains their areas of expertise, limitations, and how their services can be applied to the client's specific situation.

The RCIC clarifies the fees, payment structure, and potential cost adjustments to provide the client with a clear understanding of the financial aspects of the services.

The RCIC informs the client about their responsibilities, particularly regarding truth-telling, and the potential consequences of not fulfilling these obligations.

The RCIC carefully ensures the client comprehends the contents of the service agreement and acknowledges their commitments in the professional relationship.

The RCIC collects appropriate and genuine documents to support the client's case during the application process.

The RCIC conducts a comprehensive interview with the client and relevant individuals to collect information related to the immigration process and potential factors affecting the case.

The RCIC carefully reviews the documentation to confirm the accuracy of the information provided by the client, ensuring consistency.

The RCIC assembles the necessary documents for the immigration application, ensuring compliance with legal requirements and government policies.

RCICs must be aware of potential cultural biases that might affect a client's application and take appropriate action to address them.

RCICs must gather information about a client's gender orientation without prejudice, as it might be relevant to the application process.

RCICs must prioritize obtaining consent from clients before collecting, sharing, and using their personal information.

RCICs must minimize the risk of personal information being exposed or misused, following strict security measures.

RCICs must implement measures to ensure that client's personal health information is secure from unauthorized access, loss, or theft.

RCICs must take appropriate action if they discover unauthorized access, use, or disclosure of client information.

RCICs must follow safe and secure methods to destroy personal information, preventing its misuse.

RCICs must follow legislation and regulations when required to disclose client information.

RCICs must notify clients if their personal information has been lost, stolen, or accessed without authorization.

RCICs must establish and monitor compliance with privacy and confidentiality policies in accordance with legislative requirements.

RCICs use emotional intelligence to manage difficult situations effectively, preventing conflicts from escalating.

The historical, social, and political factors that shape how Canada decides who can immigrate to the country, reflecting policies that are influenced by global situations and what Canada considers important for society.

The rights and freedoms Canadians have are different from those of non-citizens, such as permanent residents, because they are directly connected to the country's laws and have a say in shaping its future.

RCICs must document all efforts made to obtain acknowledgement of receipt for client property, even when such acknowledgement is not provided.

Invoices should clearly describe the services provided to clients, ensuring accuracy and transparency.

Based on identified issues and factors, RCICs must prioritize research questions and determine if additional information is necessary.

RCICs must use government websites and databases effectively to access immigration resources, including applications, instructions, and guidelines.

RCICs must develop a business plan that outlines the company's purpose, vision, and operational budget, ensuring financial stability.

The level of evidence required to convince a court that a claim is likely true. It varies depending on the type of legal case.

The responsibility to present evidence to support a claim or assertion. The party making the claim has this obligation.

A standard of proof often used in civil cases, where the evidence must be more probable than not. It's a lower standard than "beyond a reasonable doubt".