If you’re thinking about moving to Canada—whether as a student, skilled worker, or investor—you’re definitely not alone. Many Nigerians and other Africans dream of starting a new life in Canada, and for good reason. But as you begin your journey, it’s very important to be careful about who you trust to guide you.
Over the last 10 years here at Loft Immigration, we’ve helped hundreds of clients from Nigeria and across Africa move to Canada the right way—legally, professionally, and successfully. And along the way, we’ve seen too many sad stories of people who were scammed or misled by the wrong so-called “agents.”
So, if you’re searching for a trusted Canadian immigration consultant, or you’re currently in the process of choosing a Canadian immigration consultant, please take a few minutes to read this. It may save you money, stress, and even your chance at a better life.
Let’s talk about 5 red flags to watch out for when choosing a Canada immigration consultant—especially for those of you in Nigeria and across Africa.
1. They’re Not Licensed by the Canadian Government (CICC)
Let’s start with the most important one.
Every Canada immigration consultant must be licensed by the Canadian government through an official regulatory body called the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC). If someone claims to be a consultant but their name is not on the CICC register, they are not legally allowed to handle your immigration application.
No matter how friendly they seem, or how many people they say they’ve helped—if they’re not licensed, they are not qualified.
📝 What you should do: Ask them, “Are you registered with CICC?” and request their license number. Then, check their name on the official CICC website.
✅ At Loft Immigration, we are a fully licensed Canadian immigration consultant based in Toronto, and we’ve proudly helped hundreds of Nigerians successfully relocate to Canada. You can also learn more about our journey and values from this article on 5 lessons from our 10 years of providing successful Canadian immigration services.
2. They Promise You a Guaranteed Visa or Job in Canada
Have you ever heard this?
“Your visa is guaranteed.”
“We’ll get you a job in Canada, no stress.”
“We know someone inside the embassy.”
🚩 If someone tells you this, be very careful.
No Canada immigration consultant—not even a licensed one—can promise you a visa or job. The decision to approve your application belongs to IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) and is based on your documents, eligibility, and Canadian immigration rules.
Anyone promising guaranteed visas or jobs is either lying or trying to scam you.
💡 Genuine Canadian immigration consultants in Nigeria or anywhere else will never make such false promises.
To improve your chances, we recommend reading what successful clients actually do to get their Canadian visa.
3. They Don’t Offer a Written Agreement
In Nigeria, many people are used to doing business by word of mouth. But immigration is not something you should handle that way.
Any reliable Canadian immigration consultant in Nigeria or in Canada should give you a written agreement. This contract should explain:
The exact services they will provide
How much you’ll pay
What you should expect
Your rights as a client
If someone says, “Don’t worry, we don’t do contracts—just trust me,” or “Let’s do it sharp-sharp,” that’s a big red flag. Without a written agreement, you have no protection.
At Loft Immigration, we always provide a clear agreement before starting. That way, both sides are protected and there are no surprises.
Also, make sure you have all the important documents ready before beginning your process. We’ve written about the top 6 documents required for successful Canadian immigration that you should start preparing now.
4. They Ask for Big Money Upfront Without Explaining Why
Some agents or “consultants” ask people to pay a lot of money upfront—but they won’t tell you exactly what the money covers.
They might say things like:
“Send the money now before the opportunity closes.”
“Pay quickly so we can start processing.”
That’s another red flag.
A good Canada immigration consultant should explain what every naira or dollar is for. Are you paying for school applications? Visa processing? Government fees? Translation or legal services?
Also, be careful if they ask you to send money to a personal account or insist on cash only.
At Loft Immigration, we give you a proper invoice, break down all costs, and receive payment only through our registered business account.
By the way, if you’re considering business immigration as your route, make sure to read our popular guide on the 8 things you need to know about Canadian residency through business.
5. They Are in a Hurry or Don’t Answer Your Questions Properly
Some fake consultants are always in a rush. They’ll tell you to pay quickly, not to ask too many questions, or to “just trust them.” But immigration is a serious process that requires time, planning, and proper understanding.
If they avoid answering your questions or always sound unsure, that’s a red flag.
A good Canadian immigration consultant in Nigeria or Canada should:
Take time to explain your options
Be patient with your questions
Offer honest advice based on your situation
Never rush you into payment or decisions
🗣️ At Loft Immigration, we treat every client with care and respect. You’re not just a number to us—you’re a real person with real goals.
If you’re exploring different immigration options, especially from Nigeria, you’ll want to see these 4 recommended ways to move from Nigeria to Canada in 2025.
So, What Should You Do Instead?
Choosing a Canadian immigration consultant is not something you should rush. This decision can shape your future, your family’s future, and even your finances.
So take your time. Do your research. Ask questions.
And when you’re ready to work with a team that’s licensed, experienced, and has over 10 years of successful results, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Let’s talk about your plans to move to Canada. Whether it’s to study, work, invest, or live permanently, we’ll help you choose the best pathway based on your unique situation.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. How do I know if a Canadian immigration consultant is licensed and legit?
To confirm if a Canadian immigration consultant is legit, ask for their CICC license number (College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants). Every licensed consultant is registered with CICC and can be verified on the official CICC website. Avoid anyone who cannot show proof of registration or insists on doing things “off the record.”
2. Can a Canadian immigration consultant guarantee me a visa or job in Canada?
No, they can’t. Beware of any Canada immigration consultant—whether in Nigeria or elsewhere—who promises a “guaranteed visa” or job. Only IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) can approve your visa, and no consultant can influence or guarantee the outcome.
Instead of false promises, we focus on guiding you through the right process. Here’s what our successful clients actually do to get approved.
3. What should be included in a written agreement with a Canadian immigration consultant?
A good immigration consultant should give you a clear, written agreement that covers:
The exact services they will provide
Total costs and payment structure
Expected timelinesYour rights and responsibilities
This protects you from surprises and fraud. Never work with a consultant who refuses to sign a contract.
📝 Learn more about the key documents you’ll need for a successful Canada immigration journey.
4. What are the red flags to watch out for when choosing a Canadian immigration consultant in Nigeria?
Some major red flags include:
No CICC license
Promises of guaranteed visa or job
No written agreement
Vague payment requests or personal account details
Rushing you to pay without explaining the process
5. Can I move to Canada as a Nigerian business owner or entrepreneur?
Yes, you can! There are multiple immigration pathways for Nigerian business owners, such as the Canada Start-up Visa and other business immigration programs.
If you’re considering this option, check out our detailed guide on the 8 things you need to know about Canadian residency through business and how to avoid costly mistakes.
6. What are the most reliable ways to move from Nigeria to Canada in 2025?
Some of the top ways include:
Studying in Canada
Skilled Worker programs
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)
Business or Startup Immigration
Caregiver Programs
Explore these 4 recommended ways to move from Nigeria to Canada in 2025 and see which path is best for your goals.
7. Why should I choose Loft Immigration as my Canada immigration consultant?
Loft Immigration is a licensed Canadian immigration consulting firm based in Toronto. We’ve helped hundreds of Nigerians and other Africans successfully move to Canada in the last 10 years. We offer honest advice, personalized immigration plans, and full support throughout your journey.
👉 Ready to start your journey with one of our licensed consultants today?
