How to Check if Your Immigration Consultant Is Licensed — and Avoid Ghost Consultants

Key takeaways

• Under Canadian law, only licensed consultants (RCICs), lawyers, Quebec notaries and Ontario paralegals can charge for immigration advice or representation.
• Pay only a representative authorized for the work they are offering. A local recommendation or overseas location does not replace checking their licence and permitted scope.
• You can verify any RCIC for free on the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC) public register.

Verify in two minutes

• Ask for the consultant's full name and license number (it starts with "R").
• Go to college-ic.ca/find-a-consultant and search the name or number.
• Confirm the status is active and they are entitled to practice.
• Check the College's published disciplinary decisions.
• Make sure the name on the register matches the person you are talking to and the name on your agreement.

What a licensed RCIC must give you

• A written consultation agreement before an initial immigration or citizenship consultation, including a pro bono consultation, as required by the Code.
• A written service agreement before any further work, listing services, estimated fees, timelines and the refund policy.
• Advance payments held in a client trust account, with receipts.
• Honest advice, including a written opinion if your case has little chance of success.

Red flags of a ghost consultant

• Red flag: "Guaranteed visa" or "100% approval"; Why it matters: Licensed consultants are prohibited from guaranteeing success; only IRCC decides
• Red flag: Claims of a special contact at IRCC or an embassy; Why it matters: Licensees cannot imply a government relationship
• Red flag: Will not give a licence number or written agreement; Why it matters: Both are mandatory for RCICs
• Red flag: Asks you to sign blank forms or leave them off as your representative; Why it matters: Hiding a paid representative can lead to refusal or a misrepresentation finding
• Red flag: Sells you a job offer or an LMIA; Why it matters: Buying a job offer is illegal and puts you at risk
• Cash without receipts: lack of a clear payment record is a warning sign. Cash payment alone does not establish whether a trust account exists.

Why it matters to you, not just to them. If IRCC finds misrepresentation in your file, you can be barred from applying for five years, even if a ghost consultant wrote the false information.

The College's public register and published disciplinary information help you check current entitlement to practise. A website badge is not a substitute for that check.

If you suspect fraud, keep receipts, messages and documents. Use the official IRCC reporting and College complaint channels appropriate to the situation.

FAQ

Can I pay an agent overseas for Canadian immigration help? Only use a representative authorized under Canadian rules and acting within their permitted scope. Check the relevant College or law-society register.

What is an RCIC? A Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant, licensed by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants.

Can a licensed consultant guarantee my visa? No. The CICC Code of Professional Conduct prohibits guaranteeing success.

Check the public register and understand the written scope and fee before engaging a representative.

General information, not legal advice. Not affiliated with IRCC, the CICC or any government.