Ottawa, October 29, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Canada has introduced monetary penalties for misconduct by paid immigration and citizenship representatives, with combined violations potentially attracting fines of up to C$1.5 million per notice, the federal immigration department has announced.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) said the measures cover licensed immigration consultants, lawyers and other authorised representatives, as well as individuals who charge for immigration or citizenship advice without the required authorisation. The rules also apply to representatives operating outside Canada.
Under the penalty framework, the baseline fine is C$5,000 for providing paid immigration advice or representation without authorisation. Knowingly providing false or misleading information on an applicant’s behalf, or helping an applicant do so, carries a baseline penalty of C$15,000.
The actual amount will depend on the nature and consequences of the violation, any financial benefit obtained and the representative’s record of previous violations. Additional penalties may apply when false or misleading information leads to an application being approved.
“Anyone hoping to build a future in Canada deserves access to trustworthy and accurate immigration and citizenship advice,” Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab said, describing the measures as a way to protect applicants and hold representatives accountable.
IRCC clarified that the rules apply only to misconduct occurring after they came into force. It did not identify anyone already penalised under the new system.
The department plans to publish the names of penalised representatives and details of their violations. An online registry is expected to launch in 2027, listing information such as the representative’s name, employer or business, violation, penalty amount and payment status.
The framework also allows officials to inspect documents when there are reasonable grounds to suspect a breach. Failure to provide required documents carries a baseline penalty of C$10,000, subject to adjustment.
Representatives will have an opportunity to respond to preliminary allegations, generally within 30 days, and can seek a review of a violation finding or penalty within 30 days of receiving the relevant notice.
IRCC has urged applicants to verify a representative’s credentials before paying for services, including through the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants and relevant Canadian legal regulators.
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