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“The flexibility of the class schedule — with evening classes that suited my time zone — made it feasible to balance both commitments effectively. In addition, Ashton’s practical, career-focused approach to learning made it the perfect fit for someone like me who already had field experience but was seeking academic validation and a pathway to professional designation.”
From Hong Kong to Canada
I began my career in immigration while living in Hong Kong. I worked in Hong Kong for four years as an Immigration Caseworker in immigration consulting firms. This experience sparked a deep interest in the field and gave me a strong foundation in case management, document preparation, and client communication. After immigrating to Canada, I felt a strong desire to continue in the same profession. However, I quickly realized the importance of acquiring Canadian education and local experience to enhance my credibility and competitiveness in the job market. Although much of my knowledge came from hands-on experience, I wanted to pursue structured, formal education in immigration practice. This would not only help refine my skills but also demonstrate to potential employers that I am well-versed in Canadian immigration systems and regulations. Enrolling in the program was also a strategic step toward my ultimate goal: studying the regulated program and becoming a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC). I saw this educational journey as a way to assess my academic readiness while paving a clear path toward professional accreditation.
At the time I was seeking further education, I had just begun working remotely as an Immigration Caseworker in Canada. Therefore, it was crucial for me to find a program that could accommodate a full-time work schedule. Ashton College stood out for several reasons. First, the college has a strong reputation among alumni for delivering high-quality education. The online format was ideal for my situation, allowing me to continue working while pursuing my studies. The flexibility of the class schedule — with evening classes that suited my time zone (Toronto, Ontario)— made it feasible to balance both commitments effectively. In addition, Ashton’s practical, career-focused approach to learning made it the perfect fit for someone like me who already had field experience but was seeking academic validation and a pathway to professional designation.
I worked full-time while taking the program. The schedule — two to three evenings per week — fit my routine due to the time zone difference. I could attend after work with no conflicts. I kept a weekly schedule and used weekends for review and assignments. The program’s clear structure and relevant content kept me engaged. Many topics applied directly to my job, reinforcing my learning. Support from instructors and classmates in the small online setting kept me motivated.
One of the most memorable aspects of the program was the small class size. This created an engaging and supportive learning environment where everyone had the opportunity to participate, ask questions, and receive personalized attention from instructors. The collaborative atmosphere also made it easier to build connections with classmates and benefit from shared experiences and perspectives.
Every instructor is great, if I have to choose one, I would say Ms. Rebeca Tripp left a lasting impression on me as an instructor. She stood out not only for her depth of knowledge and clear communication but also for her genuine dedication to student learning. What I appreciated most was her willingness to dive into the finer details of complex topics and ensure that we understood the fundamental concepts — not just at a surface level, but thoroughly and confidently. She consistently encouraged questions and created a supportive space where students felt comfortable engaging in discussions.
The online format worked well for me. Post-COVID, remote learning and virtual meetings are widely accepted, making the shift to online education easy. A key benefit was no commuting, saving time and energy. It also helped me attend consistently, even on busy days. Recorded sessions let me review and avoid missing important points. While online learning needs self-discipline, Ashton College’s structure and support made it a success.
Being detail-oriented, responsible, and solution-focused is essential in immigration work. Clients rely on professionals to handle their cases accurately and ethically, so a strong sense of accountability and the ability to solve problems strategically are key. The program at Ashton College helped me develop these skills through case-based discussions and practical assignments. We were encouraged to ask questions and apply concepts to real-life scenarios — much like how future clients would expect clear, thoughtful answers. These experiences trained me to think critically, pay attention to detail, and maintain a professional attitude.
The program provided comprehensive course materials that I regularly revisit to reinforce my knowledge. I particularly appreciated the accounting course, which gave me valuable insights into the workflow and practices common in law firms. Most importantly, the program deepened my understanding of immigration policies and procedures, which remains the foundation of my daily work.
I brought curiosity and commitment to continuous learning. The program gave a solid immigration foundation, but I knew staying current needs ongoing education. I treated each client’s case like my own, staying detail-focused and client-centered, prioritizing quality and timeliness. Being organized helped me balance work and study, supporting my success.
From my experience, not all employers in the immigration field provide on-the-job training. Some expect new hires to arrive with a solid foundation in immigration law and procedures. That’s why it’s important for prospective students to equip themselves with the right knowledge, mindset, and basic skills before entering the workforce. Taking this program shows initiative and commitment — it can make you a more competitive candidate and increase your chances of being trusted with meaningful responsibilities early on. I would encourage anyone considering the Immigration Legal Assistant Diploma program to view it as an investment in their future. It gives you both the confidence and competence to succeed in this specialized field.
One challenge I’m proud of overcoming is developing the ability to work independently and take ownership of client files. As a Caseworker, once you’re trusted to handle the paperwork and case preparation on your own, your contributions directly impact the outcome of the case — with the RCIC or lawyer serving as the final reviewer. I’m proud that I’ve been able to identify and correct potential issues — such as missing documents or eligibility concerns — before submission. Catching and resolving these problems early has helped me build trust with my team and ensures that clients’ cases are handled professionally and accurately. It’s a responsibility I take seriously, and it has significantly helped me grow in both confidence and competence.
Completing the program while working full-time remotely was a major milestone for me. It demonstrated my discipline, time management, and dedication to professional growth — qualities that others quickly recognize and respect when I share my experience. These efforts have helped me build credibility and trust within the industry. On a personal level, the program gave me a solid academic foundation that continues to benefit me today. The course structure and learning style closely mirror what I now experience in my current studies at Queen’s University, making the transition much smoother. It was a valuable stepping stone, both professionally and academically.
My main goal is to finish at Queen’s University and pass the Entry-to-Practice Exam to become a licensed Immigration Consultant. I set this goal over 7 years ago. Despite licensing changes and delays, I stayed committed. Now, I’m close to achieving it and excited for future opportunities, including specializing in complex cases or advocacy.
I’m open to further studies. Continuous learning is vital for RCICs to stay effective. If I specialize, I’ll get extra training to be fully prepared.
The information contained in this post is considered true and accurate as of the publication date. However, the accuracy of this information may be impacted by changes in circumstances that occur after the time of publication. Ashton College assumes no liability for any error or omissions in the information contained in this post or any other post in our blog.
