Retainer Agreement

An overview of how retainer agreements work at Unitia Immigration. Every file we accept is governed by a signed written retainer that specifies scope, fee, timeline, and the responsibilities of both parties. The CICC Code of Professional Conduct requires this written agreement before any work begins.

This page describes how retainers work; the specific retainer template is provided in writing at engagement.

What a retainer is

A retainer agreement is the written contract between you and Unitia Immigration that governs the work we will do on your immigration file. Under CICC Rule 4.1 (Written Service Agreement), no immigration work begins until you have signed a written retainer that specifies the scope of services, the fee, and the obligations of both parties. This protects both you and us.

What every Unitia retainer includes

  • Scope of services: exactly what we will do (which application, which steps, what is and is not included).
  • Professional fee and payment terms: the fee in Canadian dollars, payment schedule, and what triggers each payment. We offer two-payment installment plans on all Full Rep retainers at no financing charge.
  • Government fees and disbursements: clearly separated from our professional fee. Government fees (IRCC, ESDC, biometrics, etc.) are paid directly by you to the respective authority.
  • Timeline expectations: realistic estimates of how long IRCC will take, with explicit acknowledgment that government processing times are outside our control.
  • What success looks like: we define what constitutes completion of the engagement so you know when our work is done.
  • Your responsibilities: document delivery, deadline compliance, honesty in disclosure, and prompt response to our requests.
  • Termination clauses: how either party can end the engagement, what happens to fees paid, and the file handoff process.
  • Network RCIC disclosure: if any other RCIC will work on your file (via our professional network), their CICC registration number and the scope of their contribution is disclosed in writing before work begins.
  • Complaint and review mechanism: how to raise concerns with us first and, if necessary, with the CICC.

Five standard inclusions on every Full Representation retainer

Beyond the application work itself, every Full Rep retainer at Unitia includes the following at no additional cost:

  1. GCMS notes pull when prior refusal exists (saves the $150 standalone fee).
  2. One free resubmission if your application is refused on grounds that we could reasonably have prevented.
  3. Two-payment installment plan with no financing charge.
  4. Direct WhatsApp access to your RCIC with a 48-hour business-day response guarantee.
  5. Post-landing consultation for PR clients to walk through SIN, OHIP, banking, and future PR card renewal logistics.

See What’s included for the full breakdown.

The retainer process

  1. Consultation: we discuss your file, identify viable pathways, and agree on the scope of work that fits your situation. Free 15-minute eligibility check or paid full consultation depending on depth required.
  2. Retainer drafted: after consultation, we send you a written retainer specifying scope, fee, timeline, and responsibilities.
  3. Review and questions: you have time to read, ask questions, and request clarifications before signing.
  4. Signed retainer: both parties sign. Initial payment confirms engagement.
  5. Work begins: only after signed retainer and initial payment. No work happens on a handshake.

What happens if you want to terminate

You may terminate the retainer at any time. Fees for work already completed are non-refundable; fees for work not yet performed are refundable. We will provide a written accounting of the file status and return your documents promptly.

What happens if we terminate

We reserve the right to terminate a retainer if we discover misrepresentation, non-payment of fees, irreconcilable conflict, or scope drift outside our practice areas. In all cases we provide written notice and a reasonable opportunity to remedy where possible. Where termination is necessary, we provide a written file handoff and refund any fees for work not yet performed.

CICC-required disclosures in every retainer

Under the CICC Code of Professional Conduct, every retainer must include:

  • The RCIC’s licence number and CICC registration status.
  • A clear statement that no outcome is guaranteed.
  • The right to complain to the CICC if professional standards are not met.
  • Conflict-of-interest disclosure and the firm’s process for managing conflicts.

Get a retainer for your file

Retainers are issued after a consultation that establishes scope. Start with a free 15-minute eligibility check or a paid full consultation.

Book a consultation → See our fees