Canada is implementing significant changes in the regulation of immigration consultants as of today, responding to rising skepticism regarding the efficacy of these new rules in protecting immigrants. The government of Ottawa unveiled these regulations in May, pledging to enhance oversight and bolster the authority of the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC).
This move comes in light of recent immigration fraud cases, including a notable scheme targeting international students in Ontario, that involved registered consultants. Abhishek, an Indian national who claims to have been scammed by one of these consultants, expressed his frustration, stating, “The consultants are not doing their role properly. They need to guide people, but instead... they are selling their products.” He relocated to Canada in 2022 and alleges that he was coerced into paying nearly $100,000 for assistance with his immigration status.
Abhishek’s experience is far from isolated, as many others share similar tales of distress. Eoin Logan, a civil litigation lawyer based in British Columbia, represents individuals who have lodged complaints against consultants through the CICC. He noted that many clients often feel disheartened and fearful about filing complaints due to potential repercussions on their immigration status. “I have clients who made a complaint against one consultant here, and she actually filed a fraud tip to the Canada Border Services Agency against her own individual clients,” he remarked, highlighting the fear that victims face.
Despite these ongoing issues, Logan remains optimistic about the potential positive outcomes of the new regulations. However, he raised concerns regarding why the CICC has not previously utilized existing powers that allow the auditing of consultants prior to receiving a complaint. “It’s what I like to call the $24-million question,” Logan said, referencing the organization's annual budget of $24 million. He questioned whether the lack of action is due to insufficient resources, staffing challenges, or perhaps a lack of commitment to enforcement.
Data from the CICC indicates that between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025, the College received 1,211 new complaints but only enacted 15 disciplinary actions. The previous year saw an even lower figure, with only 11 disciplinary actions taken. In response to these concerning statistics, Ottawa asserts that the newly implemented measures are intended to increase transparency in misconduct investigations, grant the CICC the authority to impose higher penalties on rule-breaking consultants, and establish a compensation fund for those who lodge complaints.
Logan referred to the creation of the compensation fund as a potential game changer for victims of consultant misconduct. Nevertheless, uncertainties linger about whether this fund will effectively enable victims to recover any financial losses incurred due to the actions of errant consultants. The ongoing discussions reflect a significant concern within the immigrant community over the integrity and accountability of immigration consultants, amid calls for improved protection and support systems for vulnerable immigrants navigating the complex immigration landscape in Canada.
