Diploma Program
This program can be offered at the campus(es) below. Please contact the campus of your choosing for program availability and delivery methods.
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Calgary North, AB
Edmonton City Centre, AB
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In Person (On Campus)
Distance (Online)
Combined
The Immigration Assistant program will teach you the ins and outs of the Canadian Immigration Application Processes. The program provides you with hands-on training in legal administrative work, theoretical knowledge, and practical skills - all of which prepare you for a successful career working as a legal assistant in a variety of legal firms.
CDI College Alberta programs are licensed under the Private Vocational Training Act in the province of Alberta.
You will be placed in an actual legal work setting, and you are expected to act as a regular employee for the duration of the practicum to gain the valuable real-world experience that so many employers seek.
Request InformationYou can graduate from this program in only 35 weeks! During this time, you will learn how to navigate the Canadian immigration system so that you can consult people on this subject and make a difference!
Student Success Strategies [SSS4]
The purpose of this course is to provide students with the knowledge, skills and study techniques to help foster effective learning and a positive educational experience. This course explores two components of learning styles, Multiple Intelligence-based theory and Personality Spectrum – MBTI-based theory, and how learning styles and personality types affect learning. The course will cover the importance of values, their relationship to goals and goal setting. Strategies for setting personal goals, prioritizing tasks, managing time, and the stress that results from study or work situations will be explored and practiced through active participation in learner-centred activities. Effective study habits, techniques for preparing for tests and productive note taking strategies are key topics of this course that will provide the students with the necessary skills and attitudes to be successful in school. Having a sound understanding of financial, money, credit and debt matters and their implication on our lives is critical knowledge to have. Students taking this course will benefit from completing the Financial Management Workshops, which provides comprehensive coverage of financial and money management skills that will allow them to better save, budget, and manage their money and financial situations.
Introduction to Business Computer Applications [BC2W]
This course presents an introductory look at the Microsoft 365 productivity applications Word, PowerPoint and Excel, and the Windows environment in which they run. It covers the fundamentals of organizing files and folders, of drafting business documents, of creating presentations, and of reporting data in spreadsheets. This course relies entirely on practical hands-on activities that allow you to learn the concepts by practicing them on a regular basis and obtaining feedback immediately.
General Legal Office Procedures & Documentation [LAA100]
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 the 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.
Introduction to Canadian Immigration Law [IMA101]
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.
Administrative Tribunals [IMA102]
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.
Legal Research and Writing [IMA103]
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.
Ethics and Professional Conduct [IMA104]
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.
Canadian Immigration Applications and Processes [IMA105]
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.
Immigration Law Procedures [IMA106]
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.
Immigration Processes Capstone [IMA107]
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.
Career & Employment Strategies [CES4]
In addition to learning career-oriented skills, students learn how to get a job in their chosen profession. Our Employment Services department will assist the graduate in resume writing, as well as preparing for job interviews. Our staff is sensitive to current job market trends and the needs of employers in each local market.
Our graduates receive guidance and training to use career tools that help job seekers build a better resume and cover letter, manage an online portfolio, hone interviewing skills, and develop a personal brand online.
Students will have the use of a computer lab which has unlimited Internet access, as well as job search resources. Facilitators will also be made available to advise on job finding resources, interview skills and techniques and to carry out mock interviews.
This course also looks at the planning, preparation, execution, and follow-up stages of an interview:
Immigration Practicum (5 weeks) [IMA199]
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.
Immigration Assistant Capstone Project [IMA-CSP]
This is the capstone project component of the Immigration Assistant program, which is the opportunity for students to apply their knowledge and skills from the classroom portion of the program to practical situations typically encountered in an immigration environment. The variety of tasks to perform as part of the capstone project will be aligned to a typical working environment and real-life situations.
Admission
Benefits of this program
Employment Opportunities
Admission
Benefits of this program
Employment Opportunities
Our extensive network and reputation for excellence ensure that graduates are in high demand in today's competitive job market. Prepare to excel in sought-after roles with renowned companies and unlock limitless career opportunities.
I was on the fence about going back to school for a little while. I finally took the step and reached out to CDI College for information about their Immigration Assistant program. They made the enrolling process so easy and made sure to check in with me.
Kassidi B.
Legal Program Graduate
My experience with CDI College's Immigration Assistant program has been the best schooling experience I have had so far. The instructors are very knowledgeable, understanding and they truly want you to be successful in your future. I am very glad I applied to CDI College and will be recommending them to everyone.
Chantell L.
Legal Program Graduate
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