IMMIGRATION MINISTER PROPOSES ENHANCED REGULATIONS TO COMBAT FRAUDULENT CONSULTANTS

Canada’s Immigration Minister has unveiled plans to introduce stricter regulations aimed at bolstering the authority of the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC). These enhanced measures would grant the College greater enforcement powers, enabling it to mandate compensation for migrants who have been defrauded and to impose substantial financial penalties on consultants who violate professional and ethical standards.

The proposed reforms come in response to a series of high-profile investigations into consultant misconduct, including one case involving fraudulent work permits and job-selling schemes that left numerous foreign nationals in precarious situations. Such incidents have raised serious concerns about the integrity of Canada’s immigration advisory sector and the protection of vulnerable applicants.

Advocates for reform have voiced differing opinions on the best path forward. Some legal experts argue that immigration representation should be restricted exclusively to licensed lawyers, citing the more rigorous governance and disciplinary mechanisms within Canada’s legal profession. Others support maintaining the current consultant framework but with significantly reinforced oversight, as proposed by the Minister.

The government’s position is clear: the goal is not to dismantle the existing system but to modernize and strengthen its regulatory foundation. By empowering the CICC with broader investigative authority, enhanced disciplinary tools, and clear restitution mechanisms, the Minister aims to restore public confidence and ensure that newcomers receive fair, ethical, and competent representation.

If adopted, these measures could mark one of the most significant overhauls in Canada’s immigration consulting sector in recent years, setting a precedent for stronger accountability and safeguarding the rights of those pursuing a future in Canada.

If you are planning to immigrate to Canada and want to avoid falling victim to fraudulent representation, contact us today. Our licensed immigration professionals can provide trusted guidance and protect your interests every step of the way.