Maple News reports that newcomers to Canada should be vigilant when choosing an immigration representative to avoid becoming victims of immigration fraud. Despite Canada’s well-established regulatory framework, fraudulent consultants and unauthorized advisors continue to target individuals seeking to immigrate. In response to this ongoing issue, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) dedicates the month of March each year to immigration fraud prevention and awareness.
Hiring an immigration representative can offer valuable support—whether it’s helping you complete documents, advising on the best immigration path, or communicating with IRCC on your behalf. However, it’s crucial to ensure your representative is authorized to act on your case legally.
A legitimate immigration representative falls into one of the following categories: a lawyer or paralegal licensed by a Canadian provincial or territorial law society, a notary from the Chambre des notaires du Québec, or a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) registered with the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC). Only professionals who meet these qualifications are legally allowed to charge for immigration-related services.
It’s important to note that unpaid representatives—such as family members or trusted friends—can also legally assist you, provided they don’t receive compensation. Regardless of whether the representative is paid or unpaid, applicants are required to officially declare their use of a representative in their immigration application using the IMM 5476 form.
To verify the legitimacy of a paid immigration consultant or lawyer, individuals can check the official public registry provided by the CICC or relevant law societies. These databases contain up-to-date licensing information and public disciplinary records, helping applicants make informed decisions before proceeding with a consultation or contract.
Choosing an unauthorized representative not only puts your immigration status at risk but could also lead to application delays or denials. Maple News encourages all newcomers to do their due diligence and choose representatives who are in good standing with regulatory bodies.
Staying informed and vigilant is key to a safe and successful immigration journey to Canada. As fraudsters become more sophisticated, being proactive about verifying your representative’s credentials remains one of the most crucial steps any newcomer can take.