Canada strengthens regulation of immigration and citizenship consultants

Current rules

New regulations enhance the oversight of immigration and citizenship consultants. These measures allow the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants to strengthen its complaints and discipline process, including through increased penalties for consultants who break the rules. They require more information on the College’s public register of licensed consultants (beginning April 2027), add new reporting requirements for the College, improve the College’s investigation process by clarifying rules, give the minister power to appoint someone to take over board duties if the board fails, and establish guidelines for the College’s compensation fund for victims of financial loss caused by dishonest acts.

Overview

The Government of Canada has announced new regulations to strengthen the oversight of immigration and citizenship consultants. These regulations, effective 15 July 2026, empower the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants to improve its disciplinary processes, increase penalties for rule-breakers, and enhance transparency. The goal is to protect individuals seeking immigration and citizenship advice from fraud and misconduct.

What changed in the latest version

This policy change is important. It aims to give stronger protection to people seeking immigration and citizenship advice in Canada. The government plans to reduce fraud and bad behaviour by making consultant control and accountability stronger. This will make sure applicants get services that are more reliable and open. The higher fines and the new compensation fund deal directly with worries about dishonest representatives. They offer a way for victims of financial loss to get help. These measures aim to build public trust in the immigration and citizenship consulting system.

Explained simply

Imagine you're getting help with your immigration paperwork. Sometimes, the people who offer this help might not be doing a good job or might even try to trick you. Canada is putting new rules in place to make sure these helpers (called consultants) are honest and follow the rules. If they don't, they'll face bigger fines, and there will be a fund to help people who lose money because of bad consultants. This makes it safer for everyone who needs immigration advice.

Frequently asked

Version history

1. v1Effective 15 Jul 2026AnnouncementHigh impact
   Canada strengthens regulation of immigration and citizenship consultants

   Canada will use new rules from 15 July 2026. These rules will make the control of immigration and citizenship consultants stronger. The new rules let the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants improve how it handles complaints and discipline. This includes setting higher fines for consultants who break the rules. From April 2027, the public register of licensed consultants must show more information. The College must also meet new reporting rules. There will also be rules for a fund to pay back victims who lose money. The Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship will also be able to step in if the College's board does not do its job.

Timeline

1. Takes effect

   15 Jul 2026

   New regulations enhance the oversight of immigration and citizenship consultants. These measures allow the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants to strengthen its complaints and discipline process, including through increased penalties for consultants who break the rules. They require more information on the College’s public register of licensed consultants (beginning April 2027), add

2. Announced

   6 May 2026

   The Government of Canada has announced new regulations to strengthen the oversight of immigration and citizenship consultants. These regulations, effective 15 July 2026, empower the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants to improve its disciplinary processes, increase penalties for rule-breakers, and enhance transparency. The goal is to protect individuals seeking immigration and citi