An Immigration Consultant is a professional who provides support, advice and legal help to people who wants to come to a country for study, work, travel or business purpose or immigrate to a specific country and obtain the country’s citizenship. Today we have had the opportunity to feature Shafoli Kapur, a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant, who is licensed by Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council to practice Canadian Immigration. She is an expert in all fields of Canadian Immigration Law including the Canadian Express Entry programs, Family and Spousal Sponsorships, Work Permits and LMIA, Student and Visitor visas, Business Immigration, Humanitarian and Refugee claims and appeals. She answers key questions on what it takes to become an Immigrant consultant, starting her own consultancy company and gives significant information for potential future immigrants.
How did you start TDOT Immigration Service? Have you started by yourself?
Being an immigrant of Indian origin myself to this country of opportunities, I was always awed by how Canada was so open to immigrants. I also had come across many people who aspired to call this beautiful country home, but due to lack of resources or lack of awareness or simply put because of being duped by the “so-called-immigration-consultants” I had the desire to get into this industry to help the vulnerable. To help those aspiring individuals live their Canadian dream.
Since, in Canada, to practice Canadian Immigration legally, one needs to obtain a license. I underwent the necessary training and got my license to practice the profession.
I started TDOT Immigration by myself. Of course, in the backend, I always had the support of my family but TDOT Immigration is solely my baby.
Can you share a few steps that are needed before launching an immigration services company?
Well, I guess the first and foremost step is to understand what are the requirements to launch such a company. Almost every country has a regulation/law set up around immigration and to comply with that regulation is the first step to launching the company. In addition, it is mandatory to obtain the necessary education and licensing required to practice this profession.
What 5 tips do you have for anyone who is looking to immigrate to another country?
- First, check your eligibility
- Find the best program that suits your profile
- Be aware, don’t let any cheat or dupe you
- Seek help if required – But only from legitimate and professionals authorized to practice the profession
- Last and not least, prepare yourself for a few years of struggle, and perseverance when you move to a new country. Remember, Rome was not built in a day.
What are the first steps someone has to go through to apply for immigration in any country?
Checking your eligibility against the possible programs under which one can immigrate is the first step. The second step would be to arrange the documentation required to apply for such a program.
What are the common mistakes people make when they want to immigrate to another country, how can they avoid this?
The common mistakes people make are 1. To save money, hire an unauthorized consultant, completely rely on another person’s knowledge, and do no research of their own, thinking that moving to another country will change their life without putting any effort.
These mistakes can be avoided but first, ensuring that they only deal with an authorized and licensed professional. To ensure they have done enough research on the program they will eventually be applying under, asking questions from the consultant they have hired. And lastly, preparing themselves for hard work, and patience when moving to a new country.
What would you say are the key elements for starting a new life in a different country?
- Hard work,
- Networking – going out and meeting people. Not staying in their own cocoon.
- Perseverance,
- Learning new skills
- Open to change not only in jobs/ sector but also in lifestyle
- Mindset change
As an entrepreneur, what is it that motivates and drives you?
The joy and smile on my client’s faces upon getting success in their application is what motivates me and drives me.
I get up each morning looking forward to bringing a smile on my client’s faces and giving them that joy and ray of a better future.
What aspects of your role do you enjoy the most?
Helping people especially the vulnerable. Some people are genuinely in need of help such as refugees and people looking to immigrate under humanitarian grounds. In addition, temporary workers and international students at times face abuse from their employers. This profession gives me the power to assist the vulnerable. That’s what I enjoy the most about my job.
What activities do you enjoy outside of work?
Working out is my biggest stress buster. Other than that spending time with my kids and joining them in their activities such as rollerblading, swimming, etc gives me joy. Any time I spend with my kids is what I enjoy the most outside of work.
To what do you attribute your success?
My family. I am a mother of two young kids. I wouldn’t have been able to achieve an iota of what I have so far without the support and encouragement of my husband and parents. My husband’s trust in me is my strength.
What sacrifices have you had to make during life?
I have struggled extremely hard in my prime years 25-35. I sacrificed a lot of joys that my friends and counterparts were enjoying being in corporate careers. I did not have the financial flexibility. I would work around the client servicing my clients. But when I look back on the time today, I think the rate at which I have grown professionally is uncomparable.