Tips for a Successful RCIC Practice Series
Our first article focused on the importance of staying abreast of immigration policies. Let’s explore now how this knowledge is provided to your clients.
When asked how their consulting practice has changed over the years, Ben Fok who has been practising for 11 years, talked about their shift from a procedural to an empathetic approach. After years of working with other immigration lawyers prior to having their own practice, Fok established that clients want to know their file is cared for and that a consultant’s actions are transparent and accountable.
What does this mean in day-to-day interactions with clients? “Breaking down the necessary steps and your knowledge into digestible pieces for the ‘everyday’ mind,” Fok explained. “It is best to provide simple steps and timelines without necessarily getting too deep into the specifics of IRPA sections; otherwise you might muddle an already complex process for the client.”
As you assist your client with their immigration or citizenship needs, demonstrating patience, true empathy and compassion will go a long way as you learn about their past education, marriages, divorces, moves, lost documents and successful and failed businesses. “A business class immigration file can have content just as ‘interesting’ as a spousal sponsorship file,” states Fok. “Licensees will realize that clients have experienced a lot in their lives, and they all have a story to tell.”
Beyond transparency, accountability and an empathetic approach, the Complaints and Professional Conduct Practice Management Education (PME) course advises that being a good listener and aware of different communication styles are both integral to an empathetic approach to consulting. Of course, other basic business traits are equally important to prevent issues in the client-licensee relationship and to maintain a successful business. These include but are not limited to:
- Providing clear communication, particularly with regards to
o timelines
o which tasks are yours and which are your clients
- Adhering to deadlines
- Demonstrating competency
- Knowing your client’s needs
- Setting and managing client expectations
- Being organized, careful and documenting diligently
Navigating the immigration system can be daunting and challenging. Having someone they can trust to guide them is invaluable for clients. Applying the approach above will help you build and maintain that trust. Finally, combining that approach with your knowledge of Canada’s immigration system will ensure your clients are not only well served but also feel respected and cared for as an individual.