The Question Every Parent Asks First

Before booking a Canadian summer camp or language school for their child, most parents ask the same question: "Will using an agent cost me more money? Is it cheaper to book directly?"

The answer is more nuanced than a simple yes or no — because agency fees in the education consulting industry come in several different models, and not all consultants are upfront about how they work. This article explains each model, and lists the questions every parent should ask before choosing a consultant.

A note on transparency: Sky Lantern is the author of this article and one of the consultant options available to you. We've tried to present the industry honestly. We encourage you to compare multiple consultants before deciding.

How Canadian Education Agents Make Money

Model 1: No direct fee to families (commission model)

Many education agents don't charge families a service fee. Instead, they earn a referral commission from the school — a percentage of the tuition you pay. Your total cost is identical to booking directly. The advantage is clear: no extra outlay for the family. The risk is that some agents favour schools that pay higher commissions over schools that are the best fit for your child. Always ask what their commission structure looks like and whether they work with all schools or only a fixed list.

Model 2: Fixed service fee charged to families

Some agents charge families a flat service fee (commonly HKD $3,000–$12,000 or equivalent) on top of the school tuition. In theory, this model is more objective — the agent's income doesn't depend on which school they recommend. In practice, service quality varies enormously. Parents need to assess whether the service fee is genuinely worth it.

Model 3: Hybrid (fee from families + commission from schools)

A minority of agents collect both a family service fee and a school commission simultaneously. This isn't necessarily problematic, but transparency is essential. Ask directly whether both income streams apply to your engagement.

✅ Signs of a trustworthy agent

  • Clearly explains how they earn their income
  • Presents multiple school options with pros and cons
  • Doesn't pressure you to decide immediately
  • Provides a clear contract or written confirmation
  • Holds verifiable RCIC or industry credentials
  • Tuition quoted matches the school's official price

⚠️ Red flags to watch for

  • Refuses to explain whether commissions are involved
  • Only recommends 1–2 schools with no comparison
  • Pressures you to pay a deposit immediately
  • Fees are suspiciously below market with no explanation
  • Cannot provide credentials or company registration
  • Operates only via social media with no physical office

What Is an RCIC and Why Does It Matter?

RCIC stands for Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant — a government-recognised credential administered by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC). Holders must pass exams, maintain continuing education, and adhere to a strict code of conduct.

For families planning a study programme, choosing a consultant with RCIC credentials provides meaningful protection:

Legal accountability for visa advice: Only RCIC-licensed consultants can legally provide immigration and visa advice in Canada. Anyone without an RCIC licence who advises on visas is technically acting illegally, with no accountability if the advice is wrong.

Current visa knowledge: RCIC holders must stay current on Canadian immigration policy — vital given how quickly entry requirements can change.

A complaints process: If an RCIC consultant acts improperly, you can file a formal complaint with the CICC. You can verify any RCIC licence at college-ic.ca.

Important: Many consultants in Hong Kong and Taiwan call themselves "immigration consultants" or "education advisors" without holding a Canadian RCIC licence. Before engaging any consultant for visa-related matters, ask for their RCIC licence number and verify it on the CICC website.

3 Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Consultant

  1. 1 Do you have a licensed RCIC consultant? What is the licence number?

    If the consultant will be advising on visas, an RCIC licence is a legal requirement. Verify the number at college-ic.ca.

  2. 2 Which schools do you work with, and why are you recommending these particular ones?

    A trustworthy consultant should explain the reasoning behind their recommendations, not simply hand you a fixed school list. If they can't articulate why they're recommending a school for your child specifically, that's a warning sign.

  3. 3 If my child has a problem during their stay (illness, homestay issues), what support do you provide?

    A good consultant stays engaged after the booking. If the answer is "none" or vague, the service value drops significantly.

Sky Lantern's commitment: no agency fees — your cost is identical to booking directly

Sky Lantern earns a referral commission from partner schools at transparent rates. Families pay exactly what they would booking directly. Our RCIC-licensed consultant recommends the programme best suited to your child — not the one that pays the highest commission. If we judge that a school isn't the right fit, we'll say so.

Learn more about our advisory service →

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Canadian study abroad agents always charge extra fees?
Not always. Many agents earn commissions from schools rather than charging families directly, meaning the tuition you pay is the same as booking direct. Sky Lantern uses this model — no agency fees charged to families.
If an agent earns commission from schools, won't they just recommend the highest-paying schools?
This is a real industry risk. The way to protect yourself is to ask the agent to explain their recommendations in terms of your child's specific situation. If they can't give you a reasoned answer beyond "it's a good school," look elsewhere.
What is an RCIC and why is it important?
RCIC (Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant) is a government-accredited credential. Only RCIC holders can legally provide visa and immigration advice. For families navigating Canadian entry requirements, working with an RCIC-licensed consultant gives you legal recourse if advice is incorrect — something unlicensed agents cannot offer.
Should I choose a local Hong Kong/Taiwan agent or a Canada-based one?
Both have merits. Local agents speak your language and understand local family expectations. Canada-based agents have first-hand knowledge of schools, the local environment, and visa processing. Sky Lantern is based in Vancouver but serves Hong Kong and Taiwan families — offering both perspectives.