How to Verify if Your Immigration Consultant is Authorized by the Canadian Government

Immigration processes to Canada are increasingly complex, prompting many people to hire the services of an immigration professional for guidance. However, it is essential to ensure that the professional you hire is authorized under Canadian law. Below, we explain how you can verify your consultant's authorization and provide key information to protect your rights.

How to Know if a Consultant is Authorized

According to Section 91 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA), only the following individuals are allowed to provide immigration advice for a fee:

• Immigration consultants who are members of the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC).
• Lawyers who are members of a Canadian provincial or territorial law society.
• Notaries who are members of the Chambre des notaires du Québec.

Any other individual or entity providing immigration consulting services without meeting these requirements is breaking the law!

Steps to Verify

1. Visit the CICC website: https://www.college-ic.ca/protecting-the-public/find-an-immigration-consultant
2. Enter the consultant’s name, surname, or registration number (RCIC).
3. Click “Search.”
4. Verify that the consultant’s status is “Active.”

Specific Cases: Quebec and Saskatchewan

While the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act sets general rules, Quebec and Saskatchewan have additional specific requirements:

• Quebec: Only consultants registered in the Registry of Quebec Consultants, Quebec notaries, or lawyers with special authorization can provide immigration advice in this province. You can verify a consultant by visiting this link: https://www.quebec.ca/immigration/consultants-immigration/trouver-consultant
• Saskatchewan: Consultants must be registered with the province in addition to meeting the general requirements mentioned above.

Any consultant failing to meet these rules is acting illegally.

The Risks of Working with Unauthorized People (i.e., Ghost Consultants)

When navigating the complexities of immigration processes, working with an unauthorized consultant can lead to serious consequences. These individuals lack the proper training and accreditation, which can result in incomplete or incorrect applications, delays, or even outright refusals.

Worse, if they provide false information or documents on your behalf, you could face bans from reapplying, penalties, or legal action.

Authorized immigration consultants, like Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs), are licensed professionals who adhere to strict ethical standards and are knowledgeable about the latest immigration laws and procedures. Choosing an authorized professional ensures your application is handled with integrity, increasing your chances of a successful outcome.

Trust Immigria

At Immigria, all our immigration consultants are certified and fully regulated. We strictly adhere to Canadian immigration laws to ensure ethical and high-quality service. You can trust us to handle your processes professionally and responsibly. We are here to assist you every step of the way in your immigration journey!

Source: IRCC

Adapted by Immigria Editorial Team