Due-Diligence Corner – License

Only three regulatory bodies allow their members to practice immigration:

1. Members of a Canada Law Society or Canadian Bar Association
2. Quebec notaries
3. Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs)

These are the only three groups that are authorized to represent clients for immigration purposes in Canada including matters of admissibility and citizenship. These are commonly referred to as “Representatives” by the government of Canada.

ICCRC is the national regulatory authority designated by the government of Canada to safeguard consumers who seek and retain the services of immigration specialists. Prior to entering the immigration consulting profession, and following completion of a study program, immigration practitioners must pass a rigorous exam and show good character and conduct.

Once admitted to membership of the ICCRC and licensed to be a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC), ICCRC members must complete a series of mandatory Practice Management Education courses and a minimum 16 hours of Continuing Professional Development each year.

RCICs must also participate in an annual Compliance Audit to ensure that they meet the requirements of ICCRC Regulations and its Code of Professional Ethics. They must also carry Errors and Omissions Insurance.

For government information about who can legally represent clients in Canada, click here:

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/representative/rep-who.asp

To review our firm’s license to practice in Canada, click here.

http://secure.iccrc-crcic.ca/search-new/EN