New federal rules take effect as clients and advocates question enforcement
The federal government has enacted new regulations governing immigration consultants that come into force today, aimed at increasing oversight and strengthening the role of the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC). The move follows a series of high-profile fraud cases in recent months, including schemes that targeted international students in Ontario and involved registered consultants.
Ottawa announced the regulatory changes in May, saying the measures would "enhance oversight" and "reinforce the role" of the CICC. The reforms are intended to curb dishonest practices by consultants who charge excessive fees, provide misleading advice or otherwise exploit clients seeking permanent residence or study permits.
Clients and lawyers remain doubtful about protection and enforcement
Despite the new rules, some clients and legal advocates say the changes may not translate into stronger protection on the ground. An international student who says he was defrauded after arriving in Canada in 2022 told OMNI News that a consultant demanded up to $100,000 for a route to remain in the country. He described feeling trapped after paying for services that failed to deliver.
“Sometimes I feel really sad that I have no options left,”
Civil litigation lawyer Eoin Logan, who represents complainants, said prospective complainants are often discouraged from filing reports because they fear repercussions to their immigration status. He also questioned whether the CICC is using existing powers, such as pre-complaint audits, to their full effect.
“If the College isn’t exercising these powers, is it because they don’t have the budget to do it? Their budget is $24 million a year. Is it that they don’t have the resources? Do they need to hire more staff to do it? Or is it that they don’t have the will to do it?”
What the changes mean locally
For Ottawa residents — particularly newcomers, temporary residents and families navigating immigration routes — the regulatory amendments are intended to offer clearer standards for consultants and stronger oversight by the regulator. But enforcement will be critical:
- Clients need accessible information on how to verify a consultant’s registration with the CICC and how to submit complaints.
- Community organisations and legal clinics will watch whether the CICC increases audits and proactive investigations.
- Victims of fraud require safe channels to report abuse without fear of immigration consequences.
The federal announcement did not alter existing concerns among some advocates that registration and rule changes alone will not deter bad actors unless accompanied by timely enforcement and resources for oversight. Logan and other lawyers have pointed to the CICC’s current powers — including the ability to audit consultants before complaints are filed — as measures that could be used more vigorously.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Regulatory action | Rules announced in May, effective today |
| Regulator reinforced | College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC) |
| Noted budget | $24 million per year (CICC) |
As the new regulations take effect, Ottawa-area service providers, settlement agencies and legal clinics will be monitoring whether the CICC increases proactive oversight and whether complainants feel safer coming forward. For many newcomers, the practical test of the changes will be whether they reduce the number of harmful interactions with unscrupulous consultants and improve outcomes for those who seek help navigating Canada’s immigration system.
