Canada introduces new rules for immigration consultants, i.e., Canada has confirmed July 15, 2026 as the launch date for major new rules affecting immigration consultants.
The changes will update the regulatory system for the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC), the body responsible for licensing immigration consultants in Canada.
Under Canadian law, anyone who accepts payment for immigration advice or prepares immigration applications must be licensed by an approved organization. This includes either a provincial or territorial law society or the CICC.
The federal government says the new rules will give stronger powers to deal with consultant misconduct and improve protection for immigration applicants.
The announcement was made in a government news release published on May 6, 2026.
Moreover, these regulations were first introduced as draft rules in the Canada Gazette in December 2024.
Compensation Fund For Victims
One of the biggest changes is the creation of a compensation fund.
This fund is meant to support clients who suffered financial losses because of dishonest actions by CICC-licensed consultants.
The compensation fund may apply in cases involving:
- Theft, fraud, or misuse of money
- Misrepresentation or advice involving misrepresentation
- Knowingly failing to report a claim or cooperate with professional liability insurance
To qualify, a person must first submit a formal complaint through the CICC complaints process.
The CICC discipline committee must then confirm that the financial loss happened because of a dishonest act committed by the consultant on or after November 23, 2021.
Moreover, it is important to note that the affected person must not have been involved in the dishonest activity.
The committee’s final decision must also be issued on or after July 15, 2026.
Complaints already closed before that date will not qualify. Duplicate complaints will also not be accepted.
The CICC says it will later release more details about:
- Who can apply
- How payments will work
- Application timelines
- The claims process
Other Changes Coming In July
The new regulations will also expand the information available in the CICC’s public register.
The public register is the official online list of licensed consultants, including:
- Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs); and
- Regulated International Student Immigration Advisors (RISIAs).
People can use the register to check whether a consultant is licensed and in good standing.
The register also shows whether a consultant has faced disciplinary action and includes related details where applicable.
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