The new penalties
| Violation | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Giving paid advice or representation without authorization | $5,000 |
| Knowingly giving false or misleading information for an applicant, or helping them do it | $15,000 |
| Not providing documents during an inspection | $10,000 |
| Repeat violations and more serious cases | Can rise, up to $1.5 million in total |
Extra penalties may apply if an application was approved based on false information. IRCC will also publish names and violations in an online registry, which it expects to launch in 2027.
Who is allowed to charge you
Anyone who takes money or any other compensation for immigration advice must be authorized. In Canada, that generally means:
- a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) in good standing with the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC)
- a lawyer or paralegal in good standing with a Canadian law society, or a notary in Quebec
A family member or friend can help you for free. Travel agents, recruiters and "education agents" can't charge you for immigration advice unless they're licensed.
How to check a consultant in 3 steps
- Get their full name and licence number. A real RCIC will give you both without any trouble.
- Search the public register on the CICC website, or on the law society's site for a lawyer. Check their status is active.
- Make sure the person you're dealing with is the licensed person, or works under them. Ask who signs your Use of a Representative form (IMM 5476).
You can check our licensed consultant too: Manu Sharma, RCIC. You should check everyone, including us.
Warning signs
- They guarantee a visa, a draw or approval
- They offer to sell a job offer or an LMIA
- They tell you to leave out a refusal, or to change dates or job duties
- They won't put your name on the application, or won't show you what they file
- They use only WhatsApp or cash and give no written contract
- They ask for your IRCC account password
Why this matters for you
If false information goes into your file, you can face the consequences, even if someone else wrote it. That can mean a 5-year ban for misrepresentation. IRCC also says that if you use an unauthorized paid representative, it may return or refuse your application.
Always read your forms before you sign them, keep copies, and ask for a written contract that lists the services and the fee.
What to do if something's wrong
- Stop paying, and keep every message and receipt.
- Ask for copies of your file and check your IRCC account yourself.
- File a complaint using IRCC's process. Complaints about a licensed RCIC can also go to the CICC.
- Get advice from a licensed representative about any false information already filed.
FAQs
What is a ghost consultant?
It's a common name for someone who charges for immigration advice without a licence, often without putting their name on the application.
Do I have to hire a representative?
No. You can apply yourself, and IRCC treats you the same. A representative is your choice.
Can a licensed consultant get a penalty too?
Yes. The rules apply to licensed consultants, lawyers and other authorized representatives as well as unauthorized ones.