Immigration consultant (RCIC)
Statutory definition
The College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants Act (SC 2019) establishes the CICC as the sole regulatory body for immigration consultants in Canada. Only CICC-registered RCICs may represent clients before IRCC, CBSA, and the IRB. Authorised representatives also include members in good standing of a Canadian provincial or territorial law society or the Chambre des notaires du Québec. A consultant using a ghost consultant or allowing an unregistered person to represent clients commits a regulatory offence.
Explanation
An RCIC must hold a valid CICC license to provide paid immigration advice. Clients should verify an RCIC's registration on the CICC's public register before engaging their services. The CICC sets professional standards including education requirements, continuing professional development, and ethical obligations. The registration number (RCIC number) should be displayed on all correspondence. Immigration consultants who are not CICC-registered may not charge fees for immigration advice — doing so is an offence under federal law.