Canada tightens rules for immigration consultants to combat fraud
Canada’s immigration minister, Lena Metlege Diab, has announced new rules to tighten oversight of immigration and citizenship consultants. The changes, introduced on 6 May, aim to protect applicants from fraud and misconduct while improving system integrity. The regulations will take effect on 15 July 2023. They include stronger disciplinary measures for consultants who break the rules and a formal framework to compensate victims of dishonest acts. Federal oversight of the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC) will also increase.
From April 2027, the public register will expand to help verify the credentials of licensed consultants. This will make it harder for unlicensed individuals to operate undetected. The expanded register will also serve as a tool for education agents working with legitimate consultants.
The new rules do not specifically target education agents but will change the environment in which they work. Under existing law, anyone paid to prepare immigration applications or provide advice must hold a licence. The updated regulations will apply from mid-July this year. They are designed to deter fraud, improve transparency, and ensure only qualified consultants assist applicants. The expanded register will launch in 2027 to further support these goals.
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