Canada’s regulatory framework for immigration consultants has been updated to allow clients to seek compensation for losses caused by dishonest conduct dating back to November 23 2021.
The new regulations, which came into force on July 15 2026, create a compensation fund administered by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC). The fund is intended for clients of CICC‑licensed professionals who suffered losses as a result of a licensee’s dishonest acts.
Eligibility and Scope
- Eligible clients are individuals who hired a CICC‑licensed consultant (RCIC or RISIA) or can demonstrate that the consultant had agreed to provide services, provided the client did not voluntarily participate in the misconduct.
- The regulations cover dishonest acts committed on or after November 23 2021, the date the CICC assumed regulatory responsibility.
- “Dishonest act” is defined to include:
- Knowingly providing false or misleading information, or advising a client to do so;
- Theft, fraud, or misappropriation of funds;
- Violations of professional liability‑insurance requirements.
Compensation Mechanism
- Payments to victims will be drawn from a separate fund maintained by the CICC.
- The College may pursue the responsible licensee to recover disbursements, fees, and expenses incurred by the fund.
Governance Changes
- The regulations restructure CICC governance, establishing a Discipline Committee, Complaints Committee, and Capacity Evaluation Committee.
- The College must submit an annual report to the federal government detailing:
- Cases involving the compensation fund;
- Complaints against licensees;
- Financial statements;
- Membership composition.
- The Canada immigration minister is authorized to appoint an executive administrator to replace the College’s board if necessary.
Legislative Timeline
- The regulations were published in the Canada Gazette on April 16 2026 and became effective after a 90‑day period, on July 15 2026.
- They stem from draft regulations first released on December 21 2024 in the Gazette.
Legal Context
Under Canadian law, anyone receiving payment for immigration advice must be licensed either by a provincial/territorial law society (as an immigration lawyer) or by the CICC (as a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant or Regulated International Student Immigration Advisor). The CICC operates as an independent, self‑governing body under the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants Act.
These measures aim to provide recourse for clients harmed by unethical practices and to strengthen oversight of immigration consultants in Canada.
Source article: www.cicnews.com
