New federal immigration regulations strengthen oversight of consultants
Rules taking effect July 16 give Canada's College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants stronger powers to discipline bad actors and protect applicants from fraud.
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New federal regulations aimed at protecting immigration applicants from fraud and misconduct take effect July 16, strengthening the oversight of immigration and citizenship consultants across Canada.
The measures, announced by Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab in May and now coming into force, reinforce the role of the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants and expand its powers to discipline rule-breakers. "People looking to build their future in Canada deserve access to honest and reliable immigration and citizenship advice," Diab said. "These changes reflect our commitment to protecting applicants from fraud and misconduct."
The new rules allow the College to increase penalties for consultants who violate regulations and strengthen its complaints and discipline process. Beginning April 2027, the College's public register of licensed consultants will include more information to increase transparency and help the public identify authorized representatives.
Additional changes include new reporting requirements for the College, clarified rules for its investigation process, and authority for the immigration minister to appoint someone to take over board duties if the board fails to meet its responsibilities. The regulations also establish guidelines for a compensation fund created to reimburse victims of financial loss caused by dishonest consultant conduct.
The announcement comes shortly after the Canada Border Services Agency laid 12 criminal charges against two Ontario men in an immigration fraud case. The men allegedly defrauded international students of an estimated $126,000 by falsely promising that funds would be used to pay tuition fees.
