New federal regulations set out how the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants must operate, discipline members, and compensate clients

Plain-language summary · AI-assisted · not legal advice

Canada has introduced comprehensive regulations governing the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (the College), which oversees licensed immigration and citizenship consultants. The rules establish a compensation fund for clients who suffer financial losses due to dishonest acts by a licensee — covering theft, fraud, misappropriation of funds, and knowingly providing false information in immigration or citizenship proceedings. Two new committees are created: a Compensation Fund Committee to process and pay claims, and a Capacity Evaluation Committee to assess whether a licensee's conduct stems from a health or capacity issue rather than misconduct. Detailed requirements are set for the College's register of licensees, annual reporting to the Minister, how complaints are investigated and referred to discipline, what disciplinary actions the Registrar and Discipline Committee may impose (including monetary penalties up to $50,000), and when the Minister may appoint a temporary administrator. Licensed consultants must comply with licence conditions, maintain accurate application information, co-operate with investigations, and follow dispute-resolution outcomes. The regulations also specify when the College may share personal information with law enforcement, foreign regulators, and other bodies.

Who this affects: licensed immigration and citizenship consultants · immigration consulting clients seeking compensation for financial loss · the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants · federal Minister of Citizenship and Immigration · foreign regulatory bodies and law enforcement agencies