Tips for Working with a Canadian Immigration Consultant – How to Verify Legitimacy and Avoid Fraud
OTTAWA, ON – With Canada welcoming record numbers of newcomers, the demand for immigration consultants has soared. Unfortunately, so have fraud and unauthorized practice. Knowing how to choose a legitimate, regulated professional is essential to protecting your application and your finances.
The College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC) is the national regulatory body authorized by the Government of Canada. Below are official, actionable tips to help you identify a trustworthy consultant and avoid common pitfalls.
1. Always Verify Status on the Public Register
Before signing any contract or paying any fee, you must check the Public Register operated by the CICC.
- Look for an “active” status.
- The consultant should be listed as a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) or a Regulated International Student Immigration Advisor (RISIA).
If the status reads “Revoked” or “Suspended” , the consultant is not authorized to practise in Canada. Working with them puts your immigration file at serious risk.
2. Check Disciplinary Notices
An active license alone is not always enough. You should also review the Disciplinary Proceedings and Tribunal section of the CICC website.
- This section publishes past violations, penalties, and ongoing investigations.
- A history of disciplinary action is a major red flag.
3. Ask for References
A legitimate consultant will be happy to provide references from past clients.
- Ask for contact information of former clients who had a similar immigration situation.
- Follow up with those references directly.
4. Read Online Reviews
Search for the consultant’s name or firm on independent review platforms such as Google Reviews, Trustpilot, or the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
- Pay attention to patterns in feedback.
- Be cautious of consultants with many complaints about missed deadlines, hidden fees, or lack of communication.
5. Compare Fees
Immigration consulting fees vary widely, but they should be reasonable and transparent.
- Request a written fee agreement before paying anything.
- Compare the fee structure with at least two or three other active RCICs.
- Be very wary of any consultant who guarantees success or charges unusually low or excessively high fees.
6. Contact the Consultant Directly Using Public Register Information
Scammers sometimes impersonate legitimate consultants by using similar names or fake websites.
- Always use the email address and phone number listed on the official Public Register.
- Do not rely on contact details from social media ads, forwarded emails, or third-party websites.
7. Contact Your Prospective Employer or School Directly
If a consultant claims to have a job or study program arranged for you, do not take their word for it.
- Contact the employer directly using the official phone number or email on their corporate website.
- Contact the designated learning institution (DLI) directly to confirm your admission or enrollment.
If the employer or school has never heard of you or the consultant, you are likely dealing with a fraud.
What to Do If You Suspect Fraud
If you believe you have been contacted by an unauthorized or fraudulent immigration consultant:
- Do not pay any further fees.
- Do not sign any additional documents.
- Report the individual or firm to the CICC’s complaints department.
- Contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (1-888-495-8501).
Final Reminder: Only RCICs and RISIAs Are Authorized
Under Canadian law, only the following individuals can legally provide immigration advice or representation for a fee:
| Authorized Professional | Regulatory Body |
|---|---|
| Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) | College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC) |
| Regulated International Student Immigration Advisor (RISIA) | College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC) |
| Lawyer or Paralegal | Provincial or territorial law society |
| Notary (Quebec only) | Chambre des notaires du Québec |
Anyone else — including friends, relatives, or unlicensed consultants — is not authorized to represent you or advise you for a fee.
Slogan reminder: Your Future, Your Choice: Verify Before You Trust
Disclaimer: This article is based on official guidance from the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC) and the Government of Canada. For the most current information, always refer to the CICC website at college-ic.ca.