The enforcement rules apply to both licensed and unlicensed advisers operating inside or outside the country. Regulators have set baseline fines for unauthorized paid advice and the submission of misleading information, with escalating costs if fraudulent applications secure approval. A task force review previously determined that 67 out of 108 investigated applicants were genuine students victimized by dishonest consultants who forged college acceptance letters. These measures will be accompanied by public naming and an online registry to provide greater transparency and accountability.
Key points
Repeat immigration fraud violations now expose both domestic and international representa…: Repeat immigration fraud violations now expose both domestic and international representatives to penalties of up to C$1.5 million.
Publicly naming sanctioned consultants online will serve as a core mechanism to deter pre…: Publicly naming sanctioned consultants online will serve as a core mechanism to deter predatory immigration practices.
The framework responds directly to widespread scams, including a June 2025 case involving…: The framework responds directly to widespread scams, including a June 2025 case involving over 200 Canada-bound students deceived with fake letters.
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New rules target unauthorised immigration advisers and representatives who submit false information, with Indian students and aspiring migrants among those who could benefit from stronger safeguards
Canada has introduced stringent financial penalties for immigration and citizenship fraud, with individuals and organisations providing unauthorised immigration advice or knowingly submitting false information facing penalties of up to C$1.5 million.
The new measures, which came into force on Oct 28, are aimed at protecting prospective immigrants and citizens from fraudulent immigration advisers, unlicensed agents and dishonest representatives who exploit applicants seeking study permits, work permits, permanent residence and citizenship.
Under the new framework announced by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), a person providing paid immigration or citizenship advice or representation without the required authorisation can face a penalty of Canadian $5,000. Those who knowingly provide false or misleading information on behalf of an applicant, or help an applicant do so, can face penalties of Canadian $15,000.
Additional penalties may apply if an application is approved on the basis of false or misleading information. The penalties can increase for repeat violations, with the…
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