New IRCC penalties for unauthorized immigration representatives: how to check a consultant before you pay

By Deepika Minhas, Class L3 RCIC-IRB (CICC licence R706527) · Published November 5, 2026 · Last reviewed November 5, 2026

Quick answer: Since October 28, 2026, IRCC can fine people who give paid immigration or citizenship advice without authorization ($5,000) or who knowingly give false or misleading information on an applicant’s behalf ($15,000), with penalties for repeat violations reaching up to $1.5 million in total. Before you pay anyone, check that they are a licensed immigration consultant, a lawyer or notary, or (in Ontario) a licensed paralegal, in good standing.

What changed on October 28, 2026?

• $5,000 penalty for providing paid immigration or citizenship advice or representation without authorization.
• $15,000 penalty for knowingly providing false or misleading information on an applicant’s behalf, or helping an applicant do so.
• Higher penalties for repeat violations, up to $1.5 million for all violations combined. More penalties may apply if an application was approved based on false or misleading information.
• IRCC will publish the names of those penalized and details of their violations. IRCC expects the online registry to launch in 2027, after the first penalties are given.
• The rules apply to paid representatives, including licensed immigration consultants and lawyers, and to anyone giving paid advice or representation without authorization. IRCC said the final regulations would be published in the Canada Gazette, Part II on November 4, 2026.

Who is allowed to charge for immigration advice?

IRCC says anyone you pay, with money or any other kind of compensation, must be authorized and in good standing:

• a member of the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC);
• a lawyer or notary who is a member of a Canadian provincial or territorial law society, or a notary of the Chambre des notaires du Québec;
• in Ontario only, a paralegal licensed by the Law Society of Ontario.

If you use a paid representative who isn’t authorized, IRCC may return or refuse your application.

How do I check an immigration consultant’s licence?

1. Ask for their full name and licence number.
2. Look them up with the College’s Find an immigration consultant tool.
3. Check that they are a member in good standing. IRCC says that if they are not, you should not use their services.

What should I ask before I sign?

• A written contract that lists every service and the agreed fee. Read it before you sign.
• Clear answers to your questions. IRCC says to be careful of someone who won’t answer them.
• Their training and experience. Ask how long they have been in business and for references.
• Honest filing only. No one may advise you to give incomplete or misleading information.

What if I think a representative broke the rules?

IRCC explains how to file a complaint against a representative. Anyone who is penalized and believes it was a mistake can ask for a review through IRCC’s formal process.

How UW can help

Deepika Minhas is a Class L3 RCIC-IRB, CICC licence R706527. You can check her licence on the College’s public register before you book. Paid consultations are available in English, Punjabi and Hindi, in person in Greater Vancouver or online. Request a consultation.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to use a representative to apply?

No. IRCC lets you apply on your own or choose a paid or unpaid representative. The authorization rules and the new penalties apply to people you pay. IRCC’s “How to choose a representative” page explains the options.

Where can I check a lawyer instead of a consultant?

With the law society of the province or territory where they are a member, or the Chambre des notaires du Québec for notaries. IRCC’s page on authorized representatives links to each of them.

Sources (checked November 5, 2026)

• IRCC news release, New penalties for fraudulent and unauthorized immigration and citizenship representatives (October 28, 2026)
• IRCC, What happens if you break the rules when giving advice or representation
• IRCC, Find out if your representative is authorized
• IRCC, How to choose a representative
• CICC, Find an immigration consultant

General information only, not legal advice. Penalty amounts and rules can change; check IRCC’s pages before relying on them. IRCC decides all applications and no outcome is guaranteed.