Retainer agreement is contract between a client & the professional service provider which in this case is an Immigration Consultant. The quick understanding about retainer agreement is that a client hires an Immigration Consultant to provide certain services, well mentioned in the retainer agreement.
Retainer agreement is contract between a client & the professional service provider which in this case is an Immigration Consultant. The quick understanding about retainer agreement is that a client hires an Immigration Consultant to provide certain services, well mentioned in the retainer agreement. Another important thing about retainer agreement is that client pays upfront for the services agreed upon, by both parties (the Client and Immigration Consultant) mentioned in the agreement. In exchange, that professional agrees to make him available to that client for a certain number of hours within a predetermined timeframe. Retainer agreement not only protects clients from any fraud but also protects RCIC in case of any misrepresentation of facts or documents.
In Canada, CICC (College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants) is the National Regulatory Body for the Immigration Consultants. CICC promotes & protects the public interest by overseeing regulated immigration and citizenship consultants and international student advisors. CICC maintains good ethical practices of immigration consultants. Guidelines for retainer agreement are laid down by CICC.
What a retainer agreement includes?
Fee of the consultant
Usually, a consultant will require a new client to sign a retainer agreement he will act for the client. It is considered best practice to have a contract between both parties.
Paying the fee at one time or in installments would depend on many factors, such as, how much work needs to be done on a file, how long would it take, and how intricate the matter is. One should consider confirming the terms of the agreement with the consultant in writing in order to avoid any misunderstanding between you and the consultant. Important terms of the agreement may be confirmed by the way retainer agreement is implemented. The content of the retainer agreement will vary depending on the client and the nature of the case.
Scope of Services
Fees & Disbursements
Communications with the Client
Withdrawal from Representation
The above mentioned are general guidelines for a retainer agreement. Retainer agreement could be client specific & work specific. It is suggested to have a retainer agreement formed in a well understood & well drafted manner by both the client and consultant. Signing the retainer confirms that the terms, as mentioned in the retainer agreement, are well understood and accepted by the client & he agrees to work up on those terms.