The Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has released draft regulations aimed at reforming the immigration consulting industry in Canada.
These regulations focus on improving the oversight of immigration consultants, increasing penalties for fraud, and enhancing the integrity of the immigration system.
The proposed changes will affect the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC), which has been responsible for regulating the profession since 2021.
The regulations are open for public feedback before they are finalized and implemented later in 2025.
Immigration News Canada (INC) reports that the proposed regulations are part of a larger effort to combat fraud, increase accountability, and ensure public trust in the immigration process. Stakeholders, including immigration consultants, advocacy groups, and the general public, have the opportunity to provide feedback before the rules are finalized.
The CICC, established under the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants Act, plays a key role in regulating consultants.
The regulations will also give the Minister greater oversight, including the authority to intervene if the College’s governance fails to meet its responsibilities. “These measures will enhance the College’s capacity to safeguard public interest and uphold the integrity of the immigration consulting profession,” said an IRCC spokesperson.
The proposed changes include strict penalties for consultants found guilty of fraudulent or unethical behavior. Under the new rules, representatives who advise clients to misrepresent themselves could face fines of up to $1.5 million.
To ensure the regulations are effective, IRCC is soliciting feedback from a wide range of stakeholders, including consultants, advocacy groups, and the public. This inclusive approach will help ensure that the final regulations address the concerns and needs of all parties involved.
This is an essential step, as the immigration consulting industry impacts many individuals navigating Canada’s immigration system.
One of the driving forces behind these regulatory changes is the increasing problem of fraud and the rise of unlicensed consultants. Fraudulent consultants often prey on vulnerable immigrants, charging high fees for services that do not meet legal requirements.
This lack of awareness has contributed to the problem, and IRCC’s new regulations aim to reduce these risks by increasing transparency and accountability.
For applicants, the new regulations offer several benefits. The enhanced public register will help applicants verify the credentials of immigration consultants before seeking their services.
The draft regulations are open for public feedback until mid-2025. Afterward, the IRCC will finalize the rules and begin their implementation. The proposed changes aim to make Canada’s immigration system more secure, transparent, and accountable, reinforcing its position as a global leader in immigration.