Canada has a multitude of different immigration pathways. Whether you are seeking to visit as a tourist, make a move to come and live in Canada, or a business looking to hire foreign workers, it is not always easy to navigate the various options available. Working with a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) means you have sound advice and expert knowledge of Canadian immigration paths.
Why Does Canada Have RCICs?
Canada has RCICs to ensure that individuals or businesses seeking immigration advice and services receive professional, ethical, and accurate guidance. RCICs are regulated by the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC), which ensures that consultants follow strict guidelines and adhere to legal and ethical standards.
RCICs have education and training in immigration law and immigration services. They are required to pass a rigorous exam which allows them to apply for a license. Only licensed RCICs can legally provide immigration advice. RCICs help clients with numerous immigration processes such as applying for visas, permanent residency or citizenship. There will always be a personal and financial commitment whether you are travelling or moving to Canada.
Individuals who are pursuing their goal can be exploited by shady businesses that appear to offer Canadian immigration advice but are not licensed to do so. Using a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant means clients looking for immigration advice can feel safe knowing that they will not be exploited. The regulation of RCICs not only helps protect clients from exploitation or fraudulent practices; it also provides accountability and a mechanism for clients to report unethical or illegal behaviour by consultants.
How an RCIC Can Help You
With all the immigration and visitor options available to come to Canada, determining the best course of action is not always straightforward. An Immigration Consultant should work with you to evaluate your goals so that your application has the best chance of success. In order to do this, the Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant needs to become familiar with you in your current situation as well as your past. Information about your education, residency background, language skills, employment, and other activities all help to provide insight into immigration pathways that are appropriate for you.
After signing an agreement, information can be collected through questionnaires and consultations. The key point to understand is that all information you provide should be correct and true. Misrepresentation has serious consequences such as being banned from entering Canada. An RCIC is bound by confidentiality so you can feel comfortable sharing your facts.
New Regulations for RCICs
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is implementing new rules to penalize authorized and unauthorized paid representatives who violate the law while assisting applicants with immigration or citizenship applications. These new regulations include fines up to $1.5 million for advising clients to misrepresent themselves. Furthermore, details about the individuals found guilty of violations will be posted on the department’s website and will include information about the nature of the violation, the amount of the fine and whether the penalty has been paid.
The draft regulations are currently open for stakeholders to review and comment. The regulations would expand on the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consults’ authorities under the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants Act (College Act) in areas such as:
- Maintaining the public register of immigration consultants
- Managing the complaints and disciplinary processes
- Overseeing investigations conducted by the college
- Establishing a compensation fund for victims of unethical immigration consultants
- Clarifying the minister’s authority to appoint someone to take over board duties if the board fails to fulfill its responsibilities under the College Act
The new regulations aim is to encourage paid representatives to act with integrity and proper authorization while tackling fraud. They will also serve to enhance the robustness of the immigration system and reinforce Canada’s commitment to border security.
What Can You Do?
Check the Status and Compliance of Your RCIC
To check if an RCIC is licensed and in good standing, you can follow these steps:
- Visit the ICCRC website at www.iccrc-crcic.ca.
- On the ICCRC website, there is a search tool called “Find an Immigration Consultant”. You can use this tool to look up an individual RCIC by their name, registration number, location or even the company name.
- Verify their status by looking at the search results. The results will show the immigration consultant’s status (i.e. whether they are in good standing, suspended, or disqualified). It will also indicate if they are currently authorized to provide immigration advice and services.
- Check for compliance by making sure their license is active and not under suspension or revoked.
Remember: Only immigration consultants in good standing are legally allowed to provide immigration advice and services in Canada. Always verify that your consultant is properly licensed to avoid potential scams or illegal practices.
Be Clear and Honest
- Always provide truthful and precise details about your background, work history, family and other required information. Misinformation or omissions, whether intentional or not, can lead to delays or even the refusal of your application.
- Clearly explain your reasons for wanting to immigrate to Canada. Whether it’s for work, family, study, or other reasons, you must show genuine intent.
- Ensure the documents requested of you are authentic and correctly translated, if needed.
- Disclose any past immigration issues, criminal records or legal matters. Hiding such information can severely impact your credibility and immigration application outcome.
- If you are unsure about any part of the process, consult with an accredited RCIC to help you navigate the process and ensure you are providing the correct information.
- Respond to requests for additional information or documents promptly and transparently.
Remember: Honesty and clarity show you respect Canadian immigration laws and demonstrate your genuine interest in becoming part of the country. It is also the best way to avoid complications down the road.
