The short version

• On October 28, 2026, IRCC announced new penalties for fraudulent and unauthorized immigration and citizenship representatives.
• From $5,000 for paid advice or representation without authorization. From $15,000 for knowingly giving false or misleading information. Up to $1.5 million.
• IRCC says that if you use an unauthorized representative, it may return or refuse your application.
• Check who you pay before you pay. Four checks are below.

The situation

You need help with a permit, a permanent residence application or a family sponsorship. Someone offers to handle it. The price sounds fair.

How do you know they are allowed to charge you for that advice? The new rules go after the representative. The risk to your file is still yours.

What IRCC announced

On October 28, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced that new penalties are now in force for people who break the law when giving paid immigration or citizenship advice or representation.

• Who it covers: paid representatives, including licensed immigration consultants and lawyers, and people who give paid advice without authorization, wherever they are located.
• From $5,000: for paid advice or representation without authorization.
• From $15,000: for knowingly giving false or misleading information for an applicant, or helping an applicant do so.
• Up to $1.5 million: the maximum. Penalties rise for repeat violations.

IRCC will publish the names of penalized representatives. It expects that online registry in 2027, so there is no list to check yet.

Disclosure: the publisher of Newcomer Digest, Melisa Alexander, is a licensed immigration consultant (RCIC, R531703).

What this means for you

The penalty is theirs. The risk to your file is yours.

• Your application is what is at risk. IRCC says that if you choose a paid representative who is not authorized, it may return or refuse your application.
• Only some people can charge for advice. Consultants must be members of the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC). Lawyers and notaries must belong to a law society or the Chambre des notaires du Québec. Ontario paralegals must belong to the Law Society of Ontario.
• Not stated yet: how many penalties have been issued, and when the first ones will be.

Where people commonly go wrong

1. Paying first, checking later. IRCC says to check that your representative is authorized before paying.
2. Skipping the contract. IRCC says to get a written contract and read it carefully before you sign.
3. Assuming distance protects you. The rules apply to anyone who gives paid advice, no matter where they are located.

What to do: four checks before you pay

1. Look them up. Search the CICC register. Only people marked “Active” and “Yes” under “Entitled to Practise” are authorized to give immigration advice for a fee. CICC: Find an Immigration Consultant
2. Lawyer or notary? Check the provincial or territorial law society, or the Chambre des notaires du Québec. Ontario paralegals: Law Society of Ontario.
3. Ask and get it in writing. Ask about training, experience and references. Get a written contract that lists every service and the fee.
4. Know where to complain. Complaints about a consultant go to the CICC. Lawyers and notaries: their law society. Suspected fraud: IRCC and the CBSA.

Official sources

The facts above come from these pages. Check them yourself.

• IRCC news release, Oct 28, 2026
• IRCC: What happens if you break the rules when giving advice or representation
• Canada Gazette Part II, SOR/2026-220, Nov 4, 2026
• IRCC: How to choose an immigration or citizenship representative
• IRCC: Find out if your representative is authorized
• CICC: Find an Immigration Consultant

The bottom line

The penalties are aimed at the representative, but a wrong choice can cost you your application and your money. Look them up, ask for a written contract and know where to complain before you pay.

General information, not advice. Rules can change. Review the official pages before you make a decision.

Choosing a consultant? Check the College register first. That includes me.

Know your options. Plan your next step.

Have questions about your immigration status, an expiring permit or your family’s next move?

Get personal guidance from Melisa Alexander, Licensed Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC), R531703, in a private 60-minute video consultation. Verify me, or any consultant, on the College’s public register.

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• Your current situation, documents and important dates
• Immigration options relevant to your circumstances
• Your top questions and practical next steps

After the call, you get a consultation summary.

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