1-800-891-8059
Request Free Info
Apply Now
Take the first step today!
×
I understand that by submitting this form, I consent to be contacted by email, phone, text message or any other form of communication by Vancouver Career College. My consent can be withdrawn at any time.
Main Programs and Courses Legal Programs Immigration Assistant

Immigration Assistant

Please check with the campus of your choice for program availability.

As an immigration assistant, you will possess professional knowledge of legal administrative support within Canadian immigration law firms and consulting practices.

 

This program will teach you both the theoretical knowledge and the practical skills you need. Students gain the foundation to begin successful careers working as legal assistants in a variety of legal firms.

 

Admission Requirements

 

High school graduation or equivalent* OR mature student status.**

 

*From an English language teaching institution.

**Must be 19 years of age upon starting classes, and pass the college’s English admissions test.

 

This program has been approved by the registrar of the Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB) of the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Training.


This program is 35 weeks in length.
  • Administrative Assistant

  • Legal Assistant

  • Legal Administrative Assistant

  • Legal Assistant - Immigration

  • Office Administrative Assistant

  • Immigration Case Processing Assistant

  • Clerical Assistant

  • Immigration Application Assistant

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR WELCOMING CAMPUSES

Our grads discuss what made their experience at Vancouver Career College outstanding.

Program Courses
IMA199 / Immigration Practicum

This five-week practicum allows students to practise what they have learned in the program in real-life settings such as law firms, immigration practices or government immigration services. This time allows students to apply theory and skills learned while also observing professional in practice.

CES4 / Career and Employment Strategies

This course builds on the skills learned in the Student Success Strategies course or its equivalent. It provides information on how to use the communication skills learned in order to make a successful presentation to a prospective employer. Students also learn how to uncover the hidden job market and identifyemployment opportunities. Self-assessment during this course allows students to identify their personal skills that are transferable to the work place and to describe these skills to a prospective employer. Students may be videotaped during a mock interview and will participate in the analysis of their performance in the “interview”.

IMA107 / Immigration Processes Capstone

This course is partly designed for the students to practice what they have learned throughout the entire immigration program. Students will apply their learned research skills, prepare submissions, and fill in various forms and applications. Additionally, students will learn how to properly interview clients, open their case files, and deal with the various required documentation and letters that are required to communicate with their clients and the various immigration departments. Labour Market Opinions and Labour Market Impact Assessments will also be discussed in detail.

IMA106 / Immigration Law Procedures

This course will introduce students to the applicable legislative and regulatory requirements that apply to the various applications, forms, and processes involved in assisting immigration lawyers, paralegals and immigration consultants in their practice. Students will explore temporary and permanent resident applications, family and economic classes and processes, provincial and territorial programs, and the processes involved for adopting children. Students will also research cases in each of the areas of immigration practice in order to gain a full comprehensive understanding of the various categories and classes of immigration.

IMA105 / Canadian Immigration Applications and Processes

During this course, students will explore the various aspects of refugee claims and other relevant processes involved in an immigration matter. Students will be exposed to humanitarian and compassionate applications while also exploring inadmissibility, permanent resident status, and how to complete application forms relating to inadmissibility under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations. Students will also perform research on a daily basis and will be shown how to research cases.

IMA104 / Ethics and Professional Conduct

The purpose of this course is to teach students the fundamentals and principles of ethics and professionalism in a Canadian legal environment with an emphasis on the rules and regulations specifying ethical conduct applicable to professionals assisting immigration lawyers, consultants and paralegals. Obligations around the use, collection and disclosure of personal information will be discussed. Students will gain an insight into the various codes of conduct, acts and legislation governing privacy and confidentiality at both the provincial and federal level.

IMA103 / Legal Research and Writing

This course is designed to give the students a clear overview of the skills required to perform legal research as an Immigration Assistant. Students will be introduced to various research concepts that include legal terminology, how to find the law and information related to it, and the sources used to perform the research. Emphasis will be placed on immigration statutes, regulations, and case law. Students will also be introduced to proper writing concepts in addition to presentation techniques for which they will be required to perform a presentation as part of the curriculum.

IMA102 / Administrative Tribunals

This module introduces students to the principles of administrative law in Canada and the tribunals that administer them. Students will be introduced to various administrative law concepts and will come to have a full understanding of tribunal processes. The various IRB application processes and duties will be explored and discussed in relation to the tasks applicable to the assistant.

IMA101 / Introduction to Canadian Immigration Law

This module introduces students to the Canadian immigration laws, rules, policies, and procedures that are enforced and developed through Canadian government agencies, courts, and tribunals. Students will be introduced to immigration concepts such as grounds for entry into Canada, inadmissibility, permanent residency, and refugee status. Citizenship will also be discussed in detail, including how to process a Citizenship application.

LAA100 / General Legal Office Procedures & Documentation

In this module, students learn the day-to-day organization, management and procedures of a legal office. Latest developments in office technology are presented and applied practically as students draft standard legal documents such as agreements, statements of claim and defense, letters, and memos. Law office trust accounting concepts and procedures are also covered.

In this module, students are also introduced to important skills such as timekeeping, filing, and the effective use of communication systems (telephone, fax, and e-mail). One of the most highly valued abilities of legal administrative assistants and paralegals is that of being able to prioritize, organize, and multitask workloads. Students learn these important skills in tandem with problem solving and critical thinking skills development.

In this program, students will use hands-on exercises and typing exercises as well as legal transcription to improve facility and speed with word processing and other computer functions.

BC2W / Business Computer Applications

This course presents an introductory look at using a Windows environment computer and the Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).   
 
It covers the fundamentals of organizing files and folders, drafting business documents, creating presentations, and reporting data in spreadsheets. Students will have the opportunity to integrate their new skills in office communications tools in assignments related to their program of study. This course relies heavily on practical hands-on activities that allow you to learn the concepts by practicing them on a regular basis. 

SSS4 / Student Success Strategies

Students will gain a better understanding of themselves through an exploration of their personal attributes, transferable skills and learning styles. This course will introduce techniques for time, conflict, and stress management and develop interpersonal communication skills. Fundamental study and motivation skills will be covered, preparing students to excel in their program of choice. Students will also prepare a professional resume and learn how to write effective cover letters.

Important Notice About Tax Forms
January 19, 2024
Attention all students! Vancouver Career College would like to remind you that to ensure a hassle-free tax season, it is required that you provide yo...
Read full story More news