ARCHIVED – Backgrounder — Transitioning to a proposed new regulator for immigration consultants

Proposed recognition of the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC) as the regulator of immigration consultants must follow a regulatory process before coming into force

This process is expected to take a few months to complete. Accordingly, it is anticipated that the ICCRC could become the regulatory body of immigration consultants this summer.

In the meantime, the Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants (CSIC) remains the regulator for immigration consultants.

Formal establishment of the ICCRC as the new regulator for immigration consultants

If the proposed regulations are approved and come into force, the ICCRC would officially become the regulator of immigration consultants and CSIC members could start registering with them.

Transitional provisions

To ensure a smooth transition to the new regulator, it is proposed that CSIC members in good standing immediately before the coming into force of these regulatory changes be permitted to continue to, for a fee, represent, advise or consult applicants for a transitional period, the length of which is to be determined. This would give CSIC members time to register with the new regulator. The proposed transition period would also ensure continuity of service and would help protect people wanting to immigrate to or stay in Canada, as well as the livelihoods of the former CSIC members, by giving immigration consultants time to register with the ICCRC.

CSIC members in good standing who choose to become members of the new body would have to register with the ICCRC within the transition period.

If you have recently hired or plan to hire an immigration consultant, here is what you need to know:

• If you have hired a CSIC-accredited immigration consultant, you can continue to use their services. Keep an eye on CIC’s website, but keep in mind that, if and when the proposed regulations are passed, the ICCRC becomes the regulatory body. It is proposed that, starting the day that the regulatory changes come into force, your consultant would be given a transitional period of time in which to register with the ICCRC.
• The proposed regulatory changes would only affect immigration consultants and not anyone who is a lawyer or a member in good standing of the Chambre des notaires du Québec.

If you hire an immigration consultant, a lawyer or another representative, make sure they are accredited. Don’t get cheated by a crooked consultant. If you have any questions or concerns, visit CIC’s website at www.immigration.gc.ca/antifraud.

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