Canada Implements Steep Fines to Combat Unlicensed Immigration Advice
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New penalties targeting 'bogus' consultants aim to protect applicants from fraudulent guidance.
The Immigration Department has launched a new penalty framework to deter unauthorized individuals from providing immigration and citizenship advice. According to CityNews Toronto, the policy introduces a minimum fine of $5,000 for those acting as representatives on immigration applications or offering advice without proper authorization.
Under the new rules, which took effect October 28, 2026, the minimum fine increases to $15,000 for individuals who knowingly provide misleading or false immigration advice. The department noted that fines can reach as high as $1.5 million, with higher penalties applied in instances of repeat offenses or cases where an application was approved based on fraudulent information.
Only lawyers and members of the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants are authorized to provide such advice. To increase transparency and accountability, the department plans to establish a registry in 2027 to track those fined under this program, as reported by CityNews Toronto.