Who decides
IRCC states that using a representative will not draw special attention to an application and does not mean it will be approved. The same standard applies to every application; no "special channel" adds points or speeds processing.
The rules
- Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA), section 91: only members in good standing of a provincial law society (including paralegals), the Chambre des notaires du Quebec, or the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC) may represent or advise for a fee.
- CICC Code of Professional Conduct (SOR/2022-128), section 44(2): in marketing, a licensee must not make false, misleading or inaccurate representations, guarantee the success of an application, expression of interest or proceeding, or imply a relationship with the Government of Canada or a provincial government.
- Section 44(1): an advertisement must show the licensee's name as registered with the College at or near the beginning, and a written advertisement must include the address of the College's online public register.
Misrepresentation
IRPA section 40: directly or indirectly misrepresenting or withholding material facts that induces or could induce an error makes the applicant inadmissible for five years. Work history or documents shaped to fit a "guaranteed" result are the applicant's responsibility.
Compliant and non-compliant statements
| Compliant | Non-compliant |
|---|---|
| Based on your documents, you meet the requirements of this stream. | Sign with us and you will get PR. |
| Your CRS of 472 is below the 2026 CEC cut-offs of 507 to 523. | Approved within a year or your money back. |
| Processing times are as published by IRCC. | We have a special channel with IRCC. |
| Fees are charged for the services listed in the agreement. | 100% success rate, never refused. |
How to check a consultant
- Search the consultant's name on the CICC public register.
- Confirm the status is Active and the Entitled to Practise column shows Yes; both are required to provide services.
- Check the licence class: an RCIC may represent you in immigration and citizenship applications; representing you before the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) requires the RCIC-IRB class; a RISIA cannot represent you in an immigration application or complete immigration forms.
- If a written advertisement lacks the register address or promises approval, you can file a complaint with the CICC.