When it comes to the “go to” country for migrants, Canada will definitely sit amongst the top countries. Available statistics show that between 2017 and 2018, net immigration accounted for 80 percent of Canada’s population increase, with the remaining 20 percent accounted for through natural increase. Canada’s population growth between 2018 and 2019, at 1.4 percent, was the highest rate of growth among G7 nations.
So my advice before I proceed with this business plan template is that, if you are a lawyer or someone who has background in immigration matters, and you intend starting a business, then you should consider starting an immigration consulting firm.
There are many migrants who are trapped simply because they don’t know who to talk to when they have challenges with immigration issues, that is why it is important to set up your own immigration consulting service. Your responsibilities as an immigration consultant or attorney resolves around helping your clients handle their immigration concerns, helping them become a citizen of Canada, defending your clients who have deportation cases with the government, etc.
You can also help them obtain work permits and equally start a business and handle any other immigration related issues. Interestingly, starting an immigration consulting firm is not too expensive except for the money required to rent and furnish an office space, secure your permits and licenses amongst others.
Running this type of business requires that you should be trained as a lawyer and it is indeed a very lucrative business in Canada because of the inflow of migrants. If you are truly convinced that starting an immigration consulting firm in Canada is the right business for you to do, then you need to write a business plan.
The essence of writing a business plan before starting any business is for you to have a roadmap of how you want to setup, manage and expand the business. So, ensure that you consider all the factors involved in the business when preparing your business plan. Below is a sample immigration consulting business plan template that will help you successfully write yours.
A Sample Immigration Consulting Business Plan Template
1. Industry Overview
Players in the immigration consulting industry offer services relating to the legal status of individuals, including permanent residency and visa services. These services include submitting visa applications, providing visa advice, preparing for and representing before a court of review authority in relation to visa applications and related matters.
Immigration lawyers and attorneys who are major players in this industry assist individuals in obtaining visas and gaining Canadian citizenship, defend their rights, navigate issues of illegal immigration and assist businesses in understanding immigration issues in a global marketplace.
In spite of high levels of immigration in Canada, the growth experienced in the industry was stifled due to falling per capita disposable income and corporate profit, causing individuals and corporations to find alternatives to industry services. Nevertheless, revenue is expected to rise as post – recessionary conditions benefit corporate profit and stricter federal and state immigration laws are implemented.
The Immigration Consulting Firms cum Immigration Lawyers & Attorneys Industry is indeed a large industry and pretty much active in Canada. Statistics has it that the CBA Section has approximately 1,000 members practicing all areas of immigration law.
Their members deliver professional advice and representation in the Canadian immigration system to thousands of clients in Canada and abroad. The industry is projected to grow going forward and it is important to state that there are no establishment in this industry that has a lion market share.
One thing is certain about starting an immigration consulting firm in Canada, if you are able to conduct your market research and feasibility studies, you are more likely not going to struggle to secure clients because there are always individuals, and corporate organization who need to hire your services from time to time.
2. Executive Summary
Sharon Greene® Immigration Consulting, LLP is a registered and licensed immigration consulting firm that will be based in 32 Victoria Street Toronto – Ontario, Canada. The firm will handle all aspects of immigration related services; such as assisting individuals in obtaining visas and gaining Canadian citizenship, defending the rights of immigrants, navigating the issues of illegal immigration and assisting businesses in understanding immigration issues in a global marketplace.
We are aware that to run a standard immigration consulting firm can be demanding which is why we are well trained, certified and equipped to perform. Sharon Greene® Immigration Consulting, LLP is a client – focused and result driven immigration consulting firm that provides broad – based services at an affordable fee that won’t in any way put a hole in the pocket of our clients.
We will offer a standard and professional immigration consulting service to all to our clients at the national and international level. We will ensure that we work hard to meet and surpass our clients’ expectations whenever they hire our services.
At Sharon Greene® Immigration Consulting, LLP, our client’s best interest would always come first, and everything we do is guided by our values and professional ethics. We will ensure that we hire professionals who are well experienced in the immigration consulting industry.
Sharon Greene® Immigration Consulting, LLP will at all times demonstrate her commitment to sustainability, both individually and as a firm, by actively participating in our communities and integrating sustainable business practices wherever possible.
We will ensure that we hold ourselves accountable to the highest standards by meeting our client’s needs precisely and completely. Our plan is to position the business to become the leading brand in the immigration consulting industry in the whole of Toronto – Ontario, Canada, and also to be amongst the top 20 immigration consulting firms in Canada within the first 10 years of operation.
This might look too tall a dream but we are optimistic that this will surely be realized because we have done our research and feasibility studies and we are confident that Toronto – Ontario Province is the right place to launch our business. Sharon Greene® Immigration Consulting, LLP is founded by Sharon Melvin and Nick Greene, her business partner for many years.
The organization will be managed by both of them since they have adequate working experience to manage such business. Johnson Brownstone has over 5 years’ experience working at various capacities within the immigration consulting industry in Canada. Sharon Melvin and Nick Greene are Immigration Attorneys.
3. Our Services Offering
Sharon Greene® Immigration Consulting, LLP is going to offer varieties of services within the scope of the immigration consulting industry in Canada. Our intention of starting our immigration consulting firm is to favorably compete with leading players in the industry both in Canada and in the world at large.
We are prepared to make profits from the industry and we will do all that is permitted by the law in Canada to achieve our business goals. Our business offerings are listed below;
- Provide legal advice about the ability to reside in Canada and country of their choice
- Collect and submit appropriate documentation to prove a case
- Obtain the type of documentation needed to legally reside within the country
- Obtain immediate access to citizenship in emergency situations
- Represent our clients in court
- Assist with citizenship tests
- Defend a person’s case to prevent him or her from being deported
- Handle family-sponsored immigrants, employment-based immigrant visas, Diversity programs, Refugees and Asylees and other categories.
4. Our Mission and Vision Statement
- Our vision is to build an immigration consulting brand that will become the number one choice for both individual and corporate clients in the whole of Toronto – Ontario Province.
- Our mission is to position our immigration consulting firm to become the leading brand in the immigration consulting industry in the whole of Toronto – Ontario Province.
- We are committed to providing truthful, honest, competent and result-oriented service through advising and representing our clients in Canada and overseas in a wide range of immigration matters, which focuses on providing support, building dependable relationships and promoting success.
Our Business Structure
Normally we would have settled for two or three full-time staff members, but as part of our plan to build a standard immigration consulting firm in Toronto – Ontario Province, we have perfected plans to get it right from the beginning which is why we are going to ensure that we have competent, honest and hardworking employees to occupy all the available positions in our organization.
We will ensure that we only hire people that are qualified, honest, hardworking, customer centric and are ready to work to help us build a prosperous business that will benefit all the stake holders.
As a matter of fact, profit-sharing arrangement will be made available to all our senior management staff and it will be based on their performance for a period of five years or more depending how fast we meet our set target. In view of that, we have decided to hire qualified and competent hands to occupy the following positions;
- Chief Executive Officer
- Immigration Lawyers/Attorneys and Consultants
- Admin and HR Manager
- Marketing and Sales Executive
- Accountant
- Customer Care Executive/Front Desk Officer
5. Roles and Responsibilities
Chief Executive Office:
- Increases management’s effectiveness by recruiting, selecting, orienting, training, coaching, counseling, and disciplining managers; communicating values, strategies, and objectives; assigning accountabilities; planning, monitoring, and appraising job results
- Creating, communicating, and implementing the organization’s vision, mission, and overall direction – i.e. leading the development and implementation of the overall organization’s strategy.
- Responsible for fixing prices and signing business deals
- Responsible for providing direction for the business
- Responsible for signing checks and documents on behalf of the company
- Evaluates the success of the organization
Immigration Attorneys/Lawyers and Consultants
- Provide legal advice about the ability to reside in Canada
- Collect and submit appropriate documentation to prove a case
- Help obtain the type of documentation needed to legally reside within the country
- Obtain immediate access to citizenship in emergency situations
- Represent our clients in court
- Assist our clients with citizenship tests
- Defend a person’s case to prevent him or her from being deported
- Handle family-sponsored immigrants, employment-based immigrant visas, Diversity programs, Refugees and Asylees and other categories
Admin and HR Manager
- Responsible for overseeing the smooth running of HR and administrative tasks for the organization
- Design job descriptions with KPI to drive performance management for clients
- Regularly hold meetings with key stakeholders to review the effectiveness of HR Policies, Procedures and Processes
- Maintains office supplies by checking stocks; placing and expediting orders; evaluating new products.
- Ensures operation of equipment by completing preventive maintenance requirements; calling for repairs.
- Defining job positions for recruitment and managing interviewing process
- Carrying out induction for new team members
- Responsible for arranging travel, meetings and appointments
- Updates job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities; reading professional publications; maintaining personal networks; participating in professional organizations.
- Oversee the smooth running of the daily office activities.
Marketing and Sales Executive
- Identify, prioritize, and reach out to new partners, and business opportunities et al
- Identifies development opportunities; follows up on development leads and contacts; participates in the structuring and financing of the business
- Writing winning proposal documents, negotiate fees and rates in line with company policy
- Responsible for handling business research, market surveys and feasibility studies for the organization
- Responsible for supervising implementation, advocate for the customer’s immigration needs, and communicate with clients
- Document all customer contact and information
- Represent the organization in strategic meetings
- Help increase sales and growth for the organization
Accountant
- Responsible for preparing financial reports, budgets, and financial statements for the organization
- Create reports from the information concerning the financial transactions recorded by the bookkeeper
- Prepare the income statement and balance sheet using the trial balance and ledgers prepared by the bookkeeper.
- Provides management with financial analyses, development budgets, and accounting reports; analyzes financial feasibility for the most complex proposed projects; conducts market research to forecast trends and business conditions.
- Responsible for financial forecasting and risks analysis.
- Responsible for developing and managing financial systems and policies
- Responsible for administering payrolls
- Ensuring compliance with taxation legislation
- Handles all financial transactions for the company
- Serves as internal auditor for the organization
Client Service Executive/Front Desk Officer
- Welcomes guests and clients by greeting them in person or on the telephone; answering or directing inquiries.
- Ensures that all contacts with clients (e-mail, walk-In center, SMS or phone) provides the client with a personalized customer service experience of the highest level
- Through interaction with clients on the phone, uses every opportunity to build client’s interest in the company’s services
- Manages administrative duties assigned by the manager in an effective and timely manner
- Consistently stays abreast of any new information on the organization’s products, promotional campaigns etc. to ensure accurate and helpful information is supplied to clients
- Receives parcels / documents for the organization
- Distribute mails in the organization
- Handles any other duties as assigned the manager
6. SWOT Analysis
Sharon Greene® Immigration Consulting, LLP engaged the services of a professional in the area of business consulting and structuring to assist the firm in building a well – structured immigration consulting firm that can favorably compete in the highly competitive immigration consulting industry in Canada.
Part of what the team of business consultant did was to work with the management of our organization in conducting a SWOT analysis for Sharon Greene® Immigration Consulting, LLP. Here is a summary from the result of the SWOT analysis that was conducted on behalf of Sharon Greene® Immigration Consulting, LLP;
- Strength:
Our core strength lies in the power of our team; our workforce. We have a team of highly qualified immigration attorneys and support staff members that can go all the way to give our clients value for their money; a team that is trained, qualified and equipped to pay attention to details and to deliver excellent immigration consulting services. We are well positioned and we know we will attract loads of clients from the first day we open our doors for business.
- Weakness
As a new immigration consulting firm, it might take some time for our organization to break into the market and gain acceptance especially from big corporate clients in the already saturated industry in Toronto – Ontario; that is perhaps our major weakness. So also, we may not have the required cash to give our business the kind of publicity we would have loved to.
- Opportunities
The opportunities that exist in this industry is massive and the reason is not far-fetched. Canada is in the process of carrying out a managed, staged increase in its immigration levels that will see more than one million newcomers welcomed over three years in 2019, 2020 and 2022.
The Liberal government established 300,000 immigrants per year as the ‘new normal’ since coming to power in 2015. We are ready to take advantage of any opportunities that come our way.
- Threat
Some of the threats that we are likely going to face as an immigration consulting firm operating in Canada are unfavorable government policies that may affect the inflow of immigrants to Canada, the arrival of a competitor within our location of operation and global economic downturn which usually affects purchasing/spending power. There is hardly anything we can do as regards these threats other than to be optimistic that things will continue to work for our good.
7. MARKET ANALYSIS
- Market Trends
The immigration consulting industry in Canada is indeed very large. It is one industry that works for individuals and corporate organizations. The big catch in this industry is the fact that loads of people will give up anything to migrate and become legal citizens of Canada or to visit, study and do business in Canada. This is the chief reason why the immigration consulting industry is thriving in Canada
It is a bit challenging for new entrants to come into this industry, the primary barrier to entry is the stiff registration requirements applicable in most countries not just Canada. As a matter of fact, immigration consulting firms must comply with local licensing criteria set out by registration boards and professional associations.
This usually requires applicants to hold an accredited tertiary qualification before they can undertake written tests for skills, knowledge and abilities. Lastly, the geographic distribution of immigration consulting firms in Canada is based on population levels and business locations.
Immigration consulting firms tend to be located in areas with high population, as such areas tend to have higher migrant levels, which can lead to visa applications for family members and students. As businesses use immigration consulting firms for employer sponsored visa applications, many industry firms tend to locate near business regions.
8. Our Target Market
The demographic and psychographic composition of those who need the services of immigration consultants cut across individuals, families, small businesses and large corporations. Sharon Greene® Immigration Consulting, LLP will initially serve small to medium sized businesses, from new ventures to well established businesses, families and individual clients.
As a standard and licensed immigration consulting firm, Sharon Greene® Immigration Consulting, LLP offers a wide range of immigration consulting services hence we are well trained and equipped to service a wide range of clientele. Below is a list of the people and organizations that we specifically designed our services for;
- International Students
- Undocumented Migrants
- Sport Clubs
- Individuals
- Households and families from within and outside Canada
- Expatriates
- Multinational Organizations
Our Competitive Advantage
The level of competition in the immigration consulting industry in Canada depends largely on the location of the business and of course the business model. If you can successfully create a unique brand identity for your immigration consulting firm or carve out a unique market, you are likely going to experience less competition.
For instance, if you are one of the few immigration consulting firms in your location that has the most qualified and experienced immigration attorney under your payroll, you are likely going to have an advantage over your competitors.
Sharon Greene® Immigration Consulting, LLP might be a new entrant into the immigration consulting industry in Canada, but their management staff and owners of the business are considered gurus. They are licensed and highly qualified immigration attorneys and experts in Canada. These are part of what will count as a competitive advantage for us.
Lastly, our employees will be well taken care of, and their welfare package will be among the best in our category (startup immigration consulting firms) in the industry meaning that they will be more than willing to build the business with us and help deliver our set goals and objectives.
9. SALES AND MARKETING STRATEGY
We are mindful of the fact that there are stiff competition amongst immigration consulting firms in Canada, hence we have been able to hire some of the best business developers to handle our sales and marketing. Our sales and marketing team will be recruited based on their vast experience in the industry and they will be trained on a regular basis so as to be well equipped to meet their targets and the overall goal of the organization.
We will also ensure that our excellent job deliveries and positive results speak for us in the market place. Sharon Greene® Immigration Consulting, LLP is set to make use of the following marketing and sales strategies to attract clients;
- Introduce our immigration consulting firm by sending introductory letters alongside our brochure to migrant communities, sport clubs, multinationals and corporate organizations, households and key stake holders in Toronto and other cities in Ontario Province.
- Advertise our business in relevant immigration magazines, newspapers, TV and radio stations.
- List our immigration consulting firm on yellow pages’ ads (local directories)
- Attend relevant international and local business expos, seminars, and business fairs.
- Create different packages for different categories of clients (startups and established corporate organizations) in order to work with their budgets and still deliver quality immigration consulting services to them
- Leverage on the internet to promote our immigration consulting firm
- Engage in direct marketing approach
- Encourage word of mouth marketing from loyal and satisfied clients
- Join local chambers of commerce and industries with the aim of networking and marketing our services.
10. Sources of Income
Sharon Greene® Immigration Consulting, LLP is established with the aim of maximizing profits in the immigration consulting industry in Canada and we are going to ensure that we do all it takes to attract clients on a regular basis. Sharon Greene® Immigration Consulting, LLP will generate income by offering the following immigration consulting services;
- Provide legal advice about the ability to reside in Canada and any other country of their choice
- Collect and submit appropriate documentation to prove a case
- Help obtain the type of documentation needed to legally reside within the country
- Obtain immediate access to citizenship in emergency situations
- Represent our clients in court
- Assist with citizenship tests
- Defend a person’s case to prevent him or her from being deported
- Handle family-sponsored immigrants, employment-based immigrant visas, Diversity programs, Refugees and Asylees and other categories
11. Sales Forecast
One thing is certain, there would always be undocumented migrants, international students, individuals, sport clubs, expatriates and corporate organizations et al who would need our services.
We are well positioned to take on the available market in Toronto – Ontario Province and other key cities in Canada and we are quite optimistic that we will meet our set target of generating enough income / profits from the first six months of operation and grow the business and our clientele base beyond Toronto to other cities in Ontario Province and other provinces in Canada.
We have been able to critically examine the immigration consulting market, we have analyzed our chances in the industry and we have been able to come up with the following sales forecast. The sales projections are based on information gathered on the field and some assumptions that are peculiar to similar startups in Toronto – Ontario Province.
Below are the sales projections for Sharon Greene® Immigration Consulting, LLP, it is based on the location of our business and the wide range of immigration consulting and advisory services that we will be offering our clients;
- First Fiscal Year (FY1): $250,000 (CAD)
- Second Fiscal Year (FY2): $400,000 (CAD)
- Third Fiscal Year (FY3): $550,000 (CAD)
N.B: This projection is done based on what is obtainable in the industry and with the assumption that there won’t be any major economic meltdown and drastic change on immigration policy in Canada within the period stated above. Please note that the above projection might be lower and at the same time it might be higher.
Our Pricing Strategy
Hourly billing for immigration consulting services is a long – time tradition in the industry. However, for some types of services, flat fees make more sense because they allow clients to better predict consultancy costs.
As a result of this, Sharon Greene® Immigration Consulting, LLP will charge our clients a flat fee for basic services such as assisting individuals in obtaining visas and gaining Canadian citizenship, defending the rights of immigrants, navigating issues of illegal immigration and assisting businesses with immigration issues.
At Sharon Greene® Immigration Consulting, LLP we will keep our fees below the average market rate by keeping our overhead low and by collecting payment in advance. In addition, we will also offer special discounted rates to startups, nonprofits, cooperatives, and small social enterprises.
- Payment Options
The payment policy adopted by Sharon Greene® Immigration Consulting, LLP is all inclusive because we are quite aware that different customers prefer different payment options as it suits them but at the same time, we will ensure that we abide by the financial rules and regulation of Canada.
Here are the payment options that Sharon Greene® Immigration Consulting, LLP will make available to her clients;
- Payment via bank transfer
- Payment with cash
- Payment via credit cards
- Payment via check
- Payment via bank draft
In view of the above, we have chosen banking platforms that will enable our clients make payment for our services without any stress on their part. Our bank account numbers will be made available on our website and promotional materials.
12. Publicity and Advertising Strategy
Any business that wants to grow beyond the corner of the street or the city they are operating from must be willing to utilize every available means to advertise and promote the business. We intend growing our business which is why we have perfected plans to build our brand. Below are the platforms we will leverage on to boost our brand and to promote and advertise our business;
- Place adverts on international newspapers, radio and TV stations.
- Encourage the use of word of mouth publicity from our loyal customers
- Leverage on the internet and social media platforms like; YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Snapchat, Pinterest, Google+ and other platforms to promote our business.
- Ensure that we position our banners and billboards in strategic positions all around Toronto – Ontario Province
- Distribute our fliers and handbills in target migrant areas
- Contact migrant communities, sport clubs, and corporate organizations et al by calling them up and informing them of Sharon Greene® Immigration Consulting, LLP and the services we offer
- Advertise our business in our official website and employ strategies that will help us pull traffic to the site.
- Brand all our official cars and trucks and ensure that all our staff wear our branded shirt or cap at regular intervals.
13. Financial Projections and Costing
When it comes to calculating the cost of starting an immigration consulting firm, there are some key factors that should serve as a guide. Below are some of the basic areas we will spend our startup capital in setting up our immigration consulting firm in Canada;
- The total fee for incorporating the Business in Canada – $750 (CAD).
- The total cost for payment of insurance policy covers (general liability, workers’ compensation and property casualty) coverage at a total premium – $9,400 (CAD)
- The amount needed to acquire a suitable Office facility in a business district 6 months (Re – Construction of the facility inclusive) – $40,000 (CAD)
- The total cost for hiring Business Consultant – $2,500 (CAD)
- The cost for equipping the office (computers, software applications, printers, fax machines, furniture, telephones, filing cabins, safety gadgets and electronics et al) – $ 5,000 (CAD)
- Marketing promotion expenses for the grand opening of Sharon Greene® Immigration Consulting, LLP in the amount of $3,500 and as well as flyer printing (2,000 flyers at $0.04 per copy) for the total amount of $3,580 (CAD).
- The cost for purchase of the required software applications (Visa tracking Software, Payroll Software, CRM software, and Accounting Software et al) – $10,500 (CAD)
- The cost of launching our official Website – $600 (CAD)
- Budget for paying at least three employees for 3 months plus utility bills – $10,000 (CAD)
- Additional Expenditure (Business cards, Signage, Adverts and Promotions et al) – $2,500 (CAD)
- Miscellaneous: $1,500 (CAD)
Going by the report from the market research and feasibility studies conducted, we will need over one hundred and fifty thousand (150,000) Canadian dollars to successfully set – up a small scale but standard immigration consulting firm in Canada.
Generating Funds/Startup Capital for Sharon Greene® Immigration Consulting, LLP
No matter how fantastic your business idea might be, if you don’t have the required money to finance the business, the business might not become a reality. No doubt raising startup capital for a business might not come cheap, but it is a task that an entrepreneur must go through.
Sharon Greene® Immigration Consulting, LLP is owned and managed by Sharon Melvin and her business partner Nick Greene. They are the financiers of the firm, but may likely welcome partners later which is why they decided to restrict the sourcing of the startup capital for the business to just three major sources.
- Generate part of the startup capital from personal savings
- Source for soft loans from family members and friends
- Apply for loan from my Bank
N.B: We have been able to generate about $50,000 (CAD) (Personal savings $40,000 (CAD) and soft loan from family members $10,000 (CAD) and we are at the final stages of obtaining a loan facility of $100,000 (CAD) from our bank. All the papers and documents have been duly signed and submitted, the loan has been approved and any moment from now our account will be credited.
14. Sustainability and Expansion Strategy
The future of a business lies in the number of loyal customers they have, the capacity and competence of their employees, their investment strategy and business structure. If all of these factors are missing from a business, then it won’t be too long before the business close shop.
One of our major goals of starting Sharon Greene® Immigration Consulting, LLP is to build a business that will survive off its own cash flow without injecting finance from external sources once the business is officially running.
We know that one of the ways of gaining approval and winning customers over is to offer our immigration consultancy and advisory services a little bit cheaper than what is obtainable in the market and we are well prepared to survive on lower profit margin for a while.
Sharon Greene® Immigration Consulting, LLP will make sure that the right foundation, structures and processes are put in place to ensure that our staff welfare are well taken of. Our company’s corporate culture is designed to drive our business to greater heights and training and retraining of our workforce is at the top burner of our business strategy.
We know that if that is put in place, we will be able to successfully hire and retain the best hands we can get in the industry; they will be more committed to help us build the business of our dreams.
Check List/Milestone
- Business Name Availability Check: Completed
- Business Incorporation: Completed
- Opening of Corporate Bank Accounts various banks in Canada: Completed
- Opening Online Payment Platforms: Completed
- Application and Obtaining Tax Payer’s ID: In Progress
- Application for business license and permit: Completed
- Securing a standard office facility (renovation of the facility inclusive): Completed
- Purchase of All form of Insurance for the Business: Completed
- Conducting Feasibility Studies: Completed
- Generating part of the startup capital from the founder: Completed
- Applications for Loan from our Bankers: In Progress
- Writing of Business Plan: Completed
- Drafting of Employee’s Handbook: Completed
- Drafting of Contract Documents: In Progress
- Design of The Company’s Logo: Completed
- Printing of Promotional Materials: Completed
- Recruitment of employees: In Progress
- Purchase of the needed software applications, furniture, office equipment, electronic appliances and facility facelift: In progress
- Creating Official Website for the Company: In Progress
- Creating Awareness for the business (Business PR): In Progress
- Health and Safety and Fire Safety Arrangement: In Progress
- Establishing business relationship with vendors and key players in the industry: In Progress.