If you’re looking for immigration and citizenship advice in Canada, the federal government is set to introduce stronger regulations to improve “access to trustworthy, quality representation.”
In May, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced new rules that would strengthen the oversight of immigration and citizenship consultants in the country.
“People looking to build their future in Canada deserve access to honest and reliable immigration and citizenship advice. They need to have confidence that our government is taking effective steps to improve integrity,” stated Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab.
“These changes reflect our commitment to protecting applicants from fraud and misconduct, and to supporting a system where consultants are held to high standards.”
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These new measures will reinforce the role of the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants and ensure applicants have access to more reliable, transparent, and accountable services.
According to the IRCC, the new regulations, which come into effect on Wednesday, July 15, will:
- Allow the College to strengthen its complaints and discipline process, including through increased penalties, for consultants who break the rules
- Require more information on the College’s public register of licensed consultants beginning April 2027, to increase transparency and protect the public from unauthorized representatives
- Improve transparency by adding new reporting requirements for the College
improve the College’s investigation process for misconduct by clarifying the rules - Give the minister the power to appoint someone to take over board duties if the board fails to meet its responsibilities
- Establish guidelines for the College’s compensation fund, created for victims of financial loss caused by the dishonest acts of consultants
“These regulations will strengthen the integrity of immigration and citizenship consulting and play an important role in protecting people from dishonest representatives,” stated the announcement in May.
These regulations will kick in just over a week after the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) laid 12 criminal charges on two Ontario men in an immigration fraud case.
The two men allegedly defrauded international students of an estimated $126,000 by falsely promising that funds would be used to pay their tuition fees.
Check out other new laws and regulations that are kicking in this July.