Lawseph Retainer

Retainer Agreement – Terms & Conditions

Effective Date: January 1, 2024

Company: Lawseph & Associates Inc.

Website: https://www.lawsephandassociates.com

About Us

Lawseph & Associates Inc. (“the Firm”, “we”, “our”, “us”) is a Canadian immigration consultancy incorporated in Ontario in 2001. For over 25 years, our licensed Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) have represented individuals, families, and employers in connection with applications submitted to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and other Canadian government authorities.

Acceptance of Terms

By accessing, browsing, or using this website or any related online portal (including the IRCC Portal links we provide), you agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions and by our Privacy Policy. If you do not agree, please discontinue use of our site and services immediately.

Nature of Information on This Website

All content published on this website—including articles, blog posts, FAQs, checklists, and sample forms—is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. While we strive for accuracy, immigration regulations and IRCC policies change frequently. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for personalized legal consultation with a licensed RCIC or lawyer.

Professional Representation and Retainer Requirement

Professional immigration representation is provided only after a Retainer Agreement has been executed between the client and the Firm and the required retainer fee has been received and cleared through our secure payment system.

  • Retainers are non-interest-bearing trust deposits that authorize our consultants to begin work on your matter.
  • No consultant–client relationship exists until a signed Retainer Agreement is in place and payment is confirmed.
  • Work performed prior to execution of a Retainer Agreement—including preliminary eligibility assessments, free consultations, or automated form submissions—does not create any obligation between the parties.

Scope of Services

Upon activation of a retainer, the Firm’s RCICs may provide, as applicable:

  • Assessment of immigration eligibility under current IRPA/IRPR regulations.
  • Preparation and electronic submission of IRCC forms and supporting documents.
  • Correspondence with IRCC, CBSA, or provincial authorities on the client’s behalf.
  • Ongoing procedural guidance, status monitoring, and post-decision support.

The exact services, professional fees, and government charges will be detailed in the individual Retainer Agreement specific to each file.

Payments and Refunds

All professional fees are quoted in Canadian dollars (CAD) and are subject to applicable taxes. Government filing fees, biometrics, medical examinations, courier costs, and third-party expenses are the client’s responsibility unless otherwise stated. Refunds are governed strictly by the signed Retainer Agreement and applicable law. Payments made by unauthorized or third-party credit/debit cards will be voided and reported to the issuing institution.

Client Responsibilities

Clients agree to:

  • Provide truthful, accurate, and complete information to the Firm and to IRCC.
  • Disclose promptly any change in circumstances (address, marital status, employment, criminal charges, etc.).
  • Supply documents in required formats before published IRCC deadlines.
  • Respond to consultant communications within reasonable time frames.

Failure to cooperate may result in delay or termination of representation.

Compliance and Licensing

All immigration representation is carried out by RCICs in good standing with the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC) under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) and Citizenship Act. Our consultants operate in accordance with the CICC Code of Professional Conduct and applicable Canadian consumer-protection laws.

Confidentiality and Privacy

Client information is protected under Canadian privacy legislation, including the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA). Personal data collected through this website or by our consultants is used solely for immigration-service delivery, compliance, and communication. For full details, please refer to our Privacy Policy.

Use of Website and Online Forms

You agree not to misuse or interfere with our website or its data-collection systems. You must not submit false applications, use automated scripts, or attempt to access restricted staff portals. All electronic submissions made through our webforms are logged with IP and timestamp for verification and security purposes.

Intellectual Property

All materials on this website—including text, graphics, logos, and downloadable templates—are the property of Lawseph & Associates Inc. or are used with permission. You may not reproduce, distribute, or modify any content without prior written consent.

Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by Canadian law, Lawseph & Associates Inc. shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, or consequential damages arising from the use of this website or reliance on its contents. The Firm’s total liability in any matter related to professional services shall be limited to the amount of fees paid under the applicable Retainer Agreement.

Third-Party Links and IRCC Platforms

This website may include hyperlinks to external government resources such as the IRCC Portal, CIC forms, or other official sites. These links are provided for convenience only. Lawseph & Associates Inc. has no control over, and assumes no responsibility for, the content, security, or accuracy of third-party websites.

Governing Law and Jurisdiction

These Terms and Conditions are governed by the laws of the Province of Ontario and the federal laws of Canada applicable therein. Any disputes shall be resolved exclusively in the courts of Ontario, Canada.

Changes to These Terms

We may update these Terms and Conditions at any time without prior notice. Revised versions will be posted on this page with an updated effective date. Continued use of our website after such changes constitutes acceptance of the new terms.

Immigration Abuse

Implications for Your RCIC Practice: Protecting Your Immigration Firm From Refund Abuse

Refund disputes and withdrawal requests are becoming increasingly common in the Canadian immigration industry. Many are legitimate, but others follow recognizable patterns used by abusive clients or even organized networks attempting to exploit RCICs and legal service providers. This guide outlines the professional, ethical, and procedural implications for your RCIC practice and provides actionable safeguards to protect your firm.

Implications for the Client

Clients often assume that withdrawal from an application entitles them to a full refund. In reality, under IRCC rules and your signed retainer agreement, this is not the case.

A client’s withdrawal does NOT entitle them to a refund if you have already provided any of the following:

  • Consultations
  • Eligibility assessments
  • Document checklists
  • Strategy development
  • Form reviews
  • Document list preparation

Once these services have been delivered, the fees associated with them are earned and non-refundable. A client may withdraw their application, but they cannot undo the professional work already performed.

Implications for Your Firm (Lawseph & Associates Inc.)

As an RCIC-led practice, you hold important ethical and professional responsibilities. These include:

  • A duty of confidentiality
  • A duty to protect client data
  • A duty to maintain professional conduct

However, you also have clearly defined protections. Your firm has:

  • NO obligation to refund legitimate services already completed
  • NO obligation to tolerate harassment, extortion, or defamatory threats

Under the CICC Code of Professional Conduct, you are permitted to:

  • Enforce your retainer agreement
  • Bill for work performed
  • Terminate representation when the client is abusive

Practical Safeguards to Prevent Refund Abuse

A. Release Checklists and Forms Only After Non-Refundable Milestones

Be cautious about providing high-value deliverables prematurely, such as:

  • Full document checklists
  • Form guides
  • Portal instructions
  • Sample affidavits
  • Strategy roadmaps

Instead, divide your workflow into stages:

  • Stage 1 (Non-Refundable):
    • Eligibility assessment
    • Strategy meeting
    • Signed retainer
    • High-level requirements (not full checklists)
  • Stage 2:
    • Checklists
    • Draft letters
    • Portal setup
    • Document uploads

Clients only receive high-value deliverables after Stage 2 fees are paid and identified as non-refundable.

Updated Retainer Agreement

Lawseph retainer includes clauses that clearly block refund manipulation:

  1. Non-Refundable Deposit Clause:
    “The initial fee covers consultation, assessment, and creation of personalized document checklists. It is non-refundable once work has commenced.”
  2. Deliverables Clause:
    “Checklists, templates, drafts, and legal strategy constitute deliverables. Receipt of any deliverable means the service has been rendered.”
  3. Withdrawal Clause:
    “Clients may withdraw at any time. Withdrawal does not entitle the client to a refund for services already completed.”
  4. Chargeback Fraud Clause:
    “Unauthorized chargebacks will be considered a breach of contract and forwarded, with evidence, to financial institutions and relevant authorities.”
  5. Defamation Protection Clause:
    “False public statements intended to damage the reputation of the firm are a breach of contract.”

All of these clauses help prevent abuse and provide legal & financial protection.

Maintain Digital Proof for Every Deliverable

Every deliverable is traceable. Use:

  • Officio CRM
  • Email with timestamps
  • Portal-based logs
  • PDF checklists on your letterhead

This documentation ensures success in any bank dispute or CICC complaint.

Require ID of the Payment Holder

This is crucial when payments originate from high-risk jurisdictions, such as:

  • Pakistan
  • UAE
  • India
  • Philippines
  • UK making payments on behalf of Pakistan

Always request:

  • Photo ID of the payer
  • Signed authorization
  • A declaration confirming the payer approves the transaction

This prevents “unauthorized payment” scams.

Lawseph Uses E-Signatures with IP Logging

Platforms such as:

  • Adobe Sign
  • DocuSign
  • PandaDoc

These platforms automatically record:

  • IP address
  • Geolocation
  • Timestamp
  • Device identifier
  • Consent logs

This information is accepted by banks and legal institutions as strong evidence.

“Cooling-Off Period” Clause

“There is a 24–48 hour window for refunds before any work begins.”

Once work begins, no refunds are available.

Pre-Screen for Red Flags

Take payments only from the client directly (never relatives) if you observe:

  • A relative overseas paying the fee
  • Inconsistent stories or repeated address changes
  • Aggressive refund behaviour early in the engagement
  • Urgent requests for templates before payment
  • Client demanding checklists immediately

Maintain Evidence for Defamation Protection

Keep:

  • Signed retainer agreements
  • All communications
  • All deliverables with timestamps
  • Payment proofs
  • CRM activity logs

This evidence protects you with:

  • CICC
  • Google Reviews
  • Small Claims Court

What Lawseph & Associates Inc. Implements as Safeguards

1. A New Intake Process

  • No checklists until the “Service Start Fee” is paid
  • No forms until Stage 2 fee is paid
  • No submission until Stage 3 fee is paid

A Non-Refundable Initial Fee Structure

  • $300 consultation (credited toward full retainer)
  • $800–$1000 Stage 1 document preparation (non-refundable)

A Client Education Statement

Make it clear to clients that:

  • Immigration consulting is not “pay-per-submission”
  • Legal strategy itself is a paid deliverable
  • Withdrawals do NOT equal refunds

Staff Training

  • Do not release internal templates unless authorized
  • Document all client instructions
  • Handle refund demands professionally and consistently
  • Respond to review threats using firm policy

© 2001-2025 Lawseph & Associates Inc. All rights reserved.

Best regards,

Lawseph & Associates Inc.
Licensed RCIC Immigration Consultants
432-100 Richmond St. W., Toronto, ON, M5H-3K6
📞 416-962-3334 | 🌐 lawsephandassociates.com