On July 15, 2026, new rules governing the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC) took effect. IRCC calls them the most significant regulatory update since the College opened in 2021, with a notable strengthening of the complaints and discipline process. Here's what this means in practice, both for immigration applicants and for regulated consultants.
What was announced
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Effective date | July 15, 2026 |
| Regulator | College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC) |
| Area reinforced | Complaints and discipline process |
| College opened | 2021 |
Why this reform?
The CICC is the federal body that regulates immigration (RCIC) and citizenship consultants in Canada, with a mandate to protect the public. Since opening in 2021, the College has gradually strengthened its disciplinary framework to address concerns about unauthorized representatives ("ghost consultants") and to speed up the processing of complaints filed against regulated consultants.
📌 Why this matters to you
If you're working with an immigration consultant, it's essential to verify they are properly registered and in good standing with the CICC. Only RCICs (regulated consultants) and lawyers/notaries who are members of their bar can legally represent a client for a fee before IRCC.
How to verify a consultant is regulated
The CICC's public register lets you verify in seconds whether a consultant holds a valid, active licence with no ongoing disciplinary action:
- Check the CICC public register
- Search by licence number (format R#####) or the consultant's full name
- Verify the status shown is "active," not suspended or revoked
Verify our status: Mohamed Rachid Trissia is registered with the CICC under licence number R420535, active status. You can verify this directly on the CICC public register.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I use an unregulated consultant?
Representing a client for a fee before IRCC without being a regulated consultant (RCIC), lawyer, or notary is illegal in Canada. Files prepared by unauthorized representatives risk rejection or errors that jeopardize the application, with no recourse to a disciplinary body.
Does this reform change consultant fees?
No, this reform affects the CICC's internal complaints and discipline process, not service pricing, which remains freely set and must be specified in a written service contract between the client and consultant.
How do I file a complaint against a regulated consultant?
The complaint process is handled directly through the CICC website, in the section dedicated to public protection. The new framework aims to speed up processing of these complaints and strengthen the transparency of the disciplinary process.
Always verify your consultant's status
Mohamed Rachid Trissia, RCIC R420535, is in good standing and active on the CICC register. Book your consultation with confidence for your immigration file assessment.
Free assessment → Book a consultation