Someone offers to “just help with the forms” but chooses an immigration program for you and charges for the advice. Before paying, establish who is responsible and whether they are authorized. A personal recommendation or a registered business does not establish professional authority.
What changed on October 28, 2026?
IRCC announced that new monetary penalties took effect for violations involving paid immigration and citizenship advice or representation. The rules cover authorized professionals as well as people providing those services without authorization.
IRCC’s calculation table sets baseline amounts of CAD 5,000 for unauthorized practice, CAD 15,000 for the specified knowing involvement in misrepresentation, and CAD 10,000 for failing to provide documents required during an inspection. These are not flat final amounts: the calculation also considers impact, financial advantage and prior violations.
Can there also be criminal consequences?
Yes, through a separate process. For contravening the prohibition on unauthorized paid representation or advice, IRPA section 91(9) provides, on conviction on indictment, up to CAD 200,000 and/or two years’ imprisonment; on summary conviction, up to CAD 40,000 and/or six months. These are potential sentences following conviction, not an automatic fine imposed on a client.
What about unpaid help?
IRCC permits unpaid help from friends and relatives. Translation or scanner assistance alone is not representation. Compensation for immigration advice requires appropriate authorization; compensation need not be cash. IRCC may return or refuse an application involving an unauthorized paid representative.
Check the person, not just the company
IRCC lists the authorized categories, including CICC consultants, Canadian lawyers and other eligible members of the relevant professional bodies. A lawyer’s absence from the CICC register does not establish wrongdoing: check their own regulator.
For consultants, use the CICC Public Register. Compare the name, number, status, Entitled to Practise entry and practice restrictions. A number on a business card is insufficient. To look up Larissa, search Larissa Pogree, R508928; verify current authorization directly in the register.
What is the risk to the applicant?
The new representative penalties do not mean every client automatically receives a fine. Applicants remain responsible for their application information. IRCC warns that false documents or information can result in refusal, a ban from Canada of at least five years, and other status consequences. The particular facts need individual assessment.
A practical checklist before paying
- Record the name of the person who will advise you, not only the agency name.
- Ask for a written description of the service, price and responsible professional.
- Keep your authorization check, agreement and payment records together.
- Compare the answers with your documents before submission and retain the submitted application.
Already used a representative and have concerns?
Collect the agreement, correspondence and submitted package. List disputed answers and deadlines in IRCC letters. The official complaint instructions cover cancelling a representative, updating an application and reporting suspected fraud to IRCC and CBSA. Complaints about licensed professionals go to their regulators. A complaint does not itself correct an application or suspend its deadlines.
If a refusal has arrived, start with understanding the reasons for refusal. A consultation can help identify discrepancies and the next questions to resolve. Describe the concern briefly in the public contact form; do not upload passports or a complete case file there.