Terms of Service

Please read these terms carefully before using our services. By engaging HFX Consultancy, you agree to be bound by these terms and conditions.

Last Updated: July 19, 2025

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing our website, engaging our services, or entering into a service agreement with HFX Consultancy ("Company," "we," "our," or "us"), you ("Client," "you," or "your") acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms of Service and all applicable laws and regulations.

These terms constitute a legally binding agreement between you and HFX Consultancy. If you do not agree to these terms, you must not use our services or access our website.

⚠️ Important: Immigration laws and regulations are complex and subject to change. These terms do not guarantee any specific outcome for your immigration application.

2. Definitions

For the purposes of these Terms of Service, the following definitions apply:

Services

Immigration consultation, application preparation, document review, and related advisory services provided by HFX Consultancy.

Client

Any individual or entity that engages HFX Consultancy for immigration-related services.

RCIC

Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant licensed by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC).

IRCC

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, the federal department responsible for immigration matters.

Agreement

The written service agreement between HFX Consultancy and the Client, including these Terms of Service.

Confidential Information

All personal, financial, and immigration-related information provided by the Client to HFX Consultancy.

Government Fees

Official fees charged by IRCC or other government agencies, separate from our service fees.

Force Majeure

Events beyond our reasonable control including natural disasters, government actions, or changes in immigration law.

3. Our Services

3.1 Scope of Services

HFX Consultancy provides immigration consultation and application services including:

🎯 Consultation Services

  • • Immigration eligibility assessments
  • • Pathway recommendations
  • • Strategic planning
  • • Case evaluation and analysis

📋 Application Services

  • • Form completion and review
  • • Document preparation
  • • Application submission
  • • Progress monitoring

📞 Support Services

  • • Regular status updates
  • • Government correspondence
  • • Query resolution
  • • Post-submission support

🔧 Additional Services

  • • Document translation coordination
  • • Educational credential assessment
  • • Tax filing services
  • • Settlement guidance

3.2 Service Limitations

🚫 What We Cannot Do:

  • Guarantee Outcomes: We cannot guarantee approval of any immigration application
  • Legal Representation: We do not provide legal representation in court proceedings
  • Fraudulent Documentation: We do not assist with false or misleading information
  • Government Decisions: We cannot influence or control government processing times or decisions
  • Regulated Activities: We cannot perform activities reserved for lawyers or other regulated professionals

4. Client Obligations

As our client, you agree to the following obligations:

Truthful Information

Provide complete, accurate, and truthful information at all times. Any misrepresentation may result in application refusal and termination of services.

Timely Documentation

Submit all required documents and information within specified deadlines. Delays may affect processing times and outcomes.

Payment Obligations

Pay all fees according to the agreed schedule. Government fees are separate and payable directly to authorities.

Communication

Maintain open communication and respond promptly to our requests for information or clarification.

Compliance

Comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and immigration requirements throughout the process.

⚠️ Important: Failure to meet these obligations may result in delays, additional costs, application refusal, or termination of services without refund.

5. Fees and Payment Terms

5.1 Service Fees

Service Type Professional Fee Government Fee* Payment Terms
Visitor Visa $299 - $499 $100 CAD 50% upfront, 50% on submission
Student Visa $499 - $799 $150 CAD 50% upfront, 50% on submission
Work Permit $599 - $999 $155 CAD 50% upfront, 50% on submission
PR Application $899 - $1,999 $1,365 CAD 30% upfront, 40% milestone, 30% submission
Family Sponsorship $699 - $1,499 $1,080 CAD 50% upfront, 50% on submission

*Government fees are subject to change and payable directly to IRCC

5.2 Payment Terms

Payment Methods

  • • Credit/Debit Cards (Visa, Mastercard)
  • • Bank transfers
  • • Certified cheques
  • • Online payment platforms

Payment Schedule

  • • Initial consultation: Due upon booking
  • • Retainer: Due before work begins
  • • Milestone payments: As specified in agreement
  • • Final payment: Before submission

Late Payments

  • • 2% monthly interest on overdue amounts
  • • Work suspension after 30 days
  • • Collection fees may apply
  • • No application submission until paid

Additional Costs

  • • Translation services (if required)
  • • Courier and mailing fees
  • • Third-party assessment fees
  • • Rush processing charges

💰 Refund Policy

Refunds are considered on a case-by-case basis. Generally, fees are non-refundable once work has commenced. See Section 9 for detailed termination and refund terms.

  • • Full refund if services not commenced within 14 days
  • • Partial refund may apply for early termination
  • • No refund for government fees or third-party costs
  • • Refusal of application does not guarantee refund

6. Professional Standards

Our Professional Commitments

HFX Consultancy is committed to maintaining the highest professional standards in accordance with the regulations of the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC).

Ethical Standards

  • • Maintain professional competence and knowledge
  • • Act in the client's best interests
  • • Provide honest and accurate advice
  • • Respect client confidentiality
  • • Avoid conflicts of interest
  • • Comply with all regulatory requirements

Service Standards

  • • Respond to client inquiries within 48 hours
  • • Provide regular case updates
  • • Maintain accurate records
  • • Use secure communication methods
  • • Provide clear fee structures
  • • Deliver services in a timely manner

📋 CICC Registration: All our immigration consultants are registered with the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants. You can verify our registration at college-ic.ca

7. Limitation of Liability

⚠️ Important Disclaimers

Please read this section carefully as it limits HFX Consultancy's liability and affects your legal rights.

7.1 No Guarantee of Outcomes

HFX Consultancy does not guarantee the approval of any immigration application. Immigration decisions are made solely by government authorities based on their assessment of your case according to applicable laws and regulations at the time of processing.

7.2 Limitation of Damages

Our total liability to you for any claim arising from our services shall not exceed the total amount of professional fees paid to us for the specific service giving rise to the claim. We shall not be liable for:

  • Indirect, consequential, or punitive damages
  • Lost profits, opportunities, or business
  • Emotional distress or mental anguish
  • Government processing delays or decisions
  • Changes in immigration laws or policies
  • Third-party actions or decisions
  • Force majeure events

7.3 Professional Insurance

HFX Consultancy maintains professional liability insurance as required by CICC regulations. Claims may be covered by our insurance subject to policy terms and conditions.

8. Confidentiality

🔒 Your Privacy is Protected

We are committed to protecting the confidentiality of all information you provide to us in accordance with professional standards and applicable privacy laws.

What We Protect

  • • Personal identification information
  • • Financial records and statements
  • • Immigration history and documents
  • • Family and relationship details
  • • Employment and education records
  • • Medical information (if applicable)
  • • All communications with our office

Permitted Disclosures

  • • To government authorities as required
  • • With your written consent
  • • To our authorized service providers
  • • As required by law or court order
  • • To prevent fraud or illegal activity
  • • For quality assurance purposes (anonymized)
  • • To our professional insurance provider

📄 Data Retention: We retain your information for a minimum of 7 years after the completion of services as required by professional regulations. See our Privacy Policy for complete details.

9. Termination

9.1 Termination by Client

You may terminate our services at any time by providing written notice. Upon termination:

  • You are responsible for all fees incurred up to the date of termination
  • We will provide copies of all documents and work completed
  • Any refund will be calculated based on work remaining
  • Government fees and third-party costs are non-refundable
  • We will cease all work immediately upon notice

9.2 Termination by HFX Consultancy

We may terminate our services in the following circumstances:

With Notice

  • • Non-payment of fees after 30 days
  • • Failure to provide required documents
  • • Breakdown in client-consultant relationship
  • • Change in circumstances affecting service

Immediate Termination

  • • Providing false or misleading information
  • • Requesting fraudulent documentation
  • • Threatening or abusive behavior
  • • Conflict of interest situations

9.3 Post-Termination Obligations

Upon termination, both parties remain bound by confidentiality obligations. We will transfer your file to another consultant if requested and ethically appropriate.

10. Intellectual Property

Our Property

  • • Website content and design
  • • Proprietary forms and templates
  • • Business processes and methodologies
  • • Training materials and resources
  • • Software and technology systems
  • • Trademarks and brand materials

Your Property

  • • Personal documents and information
  • • Photographs and identity documents
  • • Educational and professional certificates
  • • Financial records and statements
  • • Work products created for your case
  • • Completed application forms

You grant us a limited license to use your information and documents solely for the purpose of providing immigration services. We do not claim ownership of your personal documents or information.

11. Dispute Resolution

11.1 Internal Resolution Process

1

Direct Discussion

Contact your assigned consultant to discuss the issue and seek resolution.

2

Management Review

If unresolved, escalate to our management team for review and resolution.

3

Formal Complaint

Submit a written complaint outlining the issue and desired resolution.

11.2 External Options

CICC Complaints

Professional conduct complaints can be filed with the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants.

File a Complaint

Mediation/Arbitration

Disputes may be resolved through binding arbitration in Toronto, Ontario.

ADR Chambers Rules Apply

12. Governing Law

These Terms of Service are governed by the laws of the Province of Ontario and the federal laws of Canada applicable therein. Any legal proceedings shall be conducted in the courts of Toronto, Ontario.

Applicable Laws

  • • Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA)
  • • College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants Act
  • • Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA)
  • • Consumer Protection Act (Ontario)

Jurisdiction

  • • Primary: Ontario Superior Court of Justice
  • • Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
  • • Alternative: Binding arbitration
  • • Language: English

13. Changes to Terms

HFX Consultancy reserves the right to modify these Terms of Service at any time. Changes will be effective immediately upon posting on our website. We will notify existing clients of material changes by:

  • Email notification to registered clients
  • Prominent notice on our website
  • Direct notification during service interactions
  • Update to the "Last Updated" date

⚠️ Continued Use: Your continued use of our services after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the modified terms. If you do not agree to changes, you must discontinue use of our services.

📋 Agreement Confirmation

By engaging our services, signing our service agreement, or using our website, you acknowledge that you have:

Read and understood these Terms of Service in their entirety
Agreed to be bound by all terms and conditions
Understood the limitations and disclaimers
Confirmed your authority to enter into this agreement

Effective Date: These terms become effective upon your first use of our services or acceptance of our service agreement, whichever occurs first.

Your Privacy Matters to Us

We're committed to protecting your personal information. If you have any questions about our privacy practices, don't hesitate to reach out.