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Mon Nov

Canada’s new regulatory College marks a new era in the Canadian immigration consultation industry

Syed Khan – November 23, 2021

The launch of the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants is a major change to the regulation and working of Canada’s immigration consultation industry which helps immigrants move and settle down comfortably.

This modern administrative College has improved powers for permitting, oversight, examination, and authorization of migration and citizenship experts in Canada and abroad. It sets instructive, educational, proficient practice and upholds an ethical benchmark for all its licensees. It is the institution that guarantees competent and ethical counsel for all immigrants and sets a standard for authorized immigration consultants to be commendable of their trust.

The College’s role, its statutory authority, and its powers are set out in:

Anyone who wants to provide Canadian immigration or citizenship advice or representation for a fee (or for any other benefit) must be one of the following:

If someone is not already a lawyer or a notaire, they must have a license from the College to work as a Regulated Canadian immigration consultant.

History of the College:

The College is the self-regulatory organization that has now replaced the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC).

ICCRC was started in 2011 by the Federal Minister of Citizenship and Immigration under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and the Citizenship Act.

The College is governed by a Board of Directors comprising 4 licensees of the College and 5 public representatives appointed by the Minister.

Regulation of practice of the RCIC’s and RISIA’s:

The College regulates the practice of RCICs and RISIAs in the public interest and ensures clarity and transparency in their working. All immigration consultants who provide immigration, citizenship, or visa services, in Canada or abroad, must comply with the rules and regulations of the College.

The RCICs (Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants) and RISIAs (Regulated International Student Immigration Advisors) who are current members will automatically become licensees of the new establishment. Under the new College, licensees will be required to undergo a CPD (Continuing Professional Development) and practice assessment every year in order for the College to determine the standard upheld by the licensee.

Under the new rules, starting from July 2022, an RCIC-IRB class of license is also required for those who wish to represent clients during tribunals held by the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada.

Quote by John Murray, President & CEO of the College:

“The federal mandate of the College is based upon the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants Act (S.C. 2019, c. 29, s. 292) and is a result of months of research, consultation, and preparation in addition to an Act of Parliament. It is the dawn of a new era in regulation of the immigration consulting profession”

Quote by the Honorable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship:

“The Government of Canada works to protect the integrity of our immigration system. Part of this means ensuring consultants are properly licensed so that applicants who use their services can count on high-quality advice. The opening of this College is an important milestone, and I look forward to its success in supporting the renewal of Canada’s population and workforce.”

The College will continue to regulate by:

  • Licensing and authorizing immigration consultants that provide immigration, citizenship or visa services.
  • Providing a latest and up to date Public Register of licensees that can be used by immigrants all over the world to access information on RCICs and RISIAs registered with the College.
  • Supporting learning of RCIC’s and RISIA’s by providing resources to foster ongoing education
  • Investigating complaints registered against RCICs and RISIAs whose conduct fails to meet the standards of the College and disciplining those who breach the Code of Professional Conduct by sanctioning licensees.
  • Establishing a Compensation Fund which aims to help people that have been adversely affected by the activities of a licensee.
  • Undertaking public awareness to promote the role of the College and the regulation of the profession to the public, the media and to stakeholder organizations across Canada and abroad.
  • Working with the federal government to continually strengthen regulation in the public interest.

The College works on a principle of self-regulation. This is to protect the interests of Canadians and newcomers to Canada by ensuring that Canadian immigration and citizenship consultants operate ethically and competently. It also helps Canada facilitate immigration and provide protection to refugees.

If you are looking to Study, Work, Visit or Migrate to Canada, talk to I Can Help Immigration Services, Canada's No.1 Immigration & Visa Company to get the best help you need

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