Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) come from many different backgrounds — for Anne Lui, her own experiences in the system led her to the profession as a way to help others. "As a newcomer to Canada myself, I went through an immigration journey that took seven years," she says. Having seen the risks posed by unregulated consultants, she recognized how vulnerable immigration applicants could be. "After spending more than 20 years in the financial industry, I felt a strong calling to start a second career where I could make a meaningful difference."

Lui recently celebrated the first anniversary of her own immigration consulting practice, Hopeway Immigration, a Toronto-area practice that focuses on economic immigration such as Express Entry and provincial nominee programs, as well as family class sponsorships, and also permanent residence applications. "My background as a Hong Kong native gave me a natural connection to that community, which helped me earn the trust of my first clients," she says. "I'm familiar with the challenges that immigration applicants face, and I've used that knowledge to build from my initial base of Hong Kong clients to serve various nationalities from across the globe."  

While focused on specific areas of immigration, Lui appreciates the day-to-day variety the job brings. "Every case is different. I help clients understand the legislation and legal requirements behind immigration decisions so they can make informed choices throughout the process. Each client has a unique story, and being able to guide them through a complex system and see them achieve their goals in Canada is incredibly rewarding."  

Lui's background in finance gave her the rigour and work ethic to pursue the Graduate Diploma in Immigration and Citizenship Law, which she found challenging and rewarding. "I came from a completely different background with no formal legal education, so the learning curve was steep. The program was excellent preparation for real-world practice. Immigration consulting requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work under pressure. It helped me build and solidify those skills."

The program's course on running an immigration practice, ICL 890, was particularly helpful. "It focused on the practical side of managing an immigration practice," she explains. "Learning about case management, client relations, and the business aspects of consulting helped bridge the gap between academic learning and professional practice. The instructor, Burcu Akyol, was very generous in showing us how things work in her business set-up and in sharing tips."  

Ultimately, Lui feels she and other RCICs have a national role to play in Canada. "Immigration professionals play an important role in shaping how immigration is perceived in society," she says. "At a time when immigrants are sometimes blamed for economic or social problems, it’s important for professionals in this field to uphold strong ethical standards and help ensure that the system is fair and transparent."

"I hope to continue building my practice while contributing to the profession — by mentoring newcomers to the field, sharing knowledge, or advocating for responsible and ethical immigration practices. My goal is to help people achieve their dreams in Canada while strengthening the integrity of the profession."