On October 28, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced that new penalties for fraudulent and unauthorized immigration and citizenship representatives are now in
New Penalties for Fraudulent and Unauthorized Immigration Representatives
On October 28, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced that new penalties for fraudulent and unauthorized immigration and citizenship representatives are now in force. The change matters to anyone who pays for help with an immigration or citizenship application.
The New Penalties
- $5,000 for providing paid immigration or citizenship advice or representation without authorization.
- $15,000 for knowingly giving false or misleading information on an applicant’s behalf, or helping an applicant do so.
- Additional penalties may apply if an application is approved based on false or misleading information.
- Repeat violations carry higher penalties, up to a maximum of $1.5 million for all violations combined.
Who Do They Apply To?
The penalties apply to paid representatives, including licensed immigration consultants, lawyers and other authorized representatives, and to anyone who provides paid immigration or citizenship advice or representation without authorization.
Public Naming
IRCC will publish the names of penalized individuals and the details of their violations on its website. The online registry is expected to launch in 2027, after the first penalties have been administered. Anyone who believes a penalty is incorrect can request a review.
Background
Draft regulations were published in the Canada Gazette, Part I, on December 21, 2024. IRCC states that the final regulations are scheduled to appear in the Canada Gazette, Part II, on November 4, 2026.
How to Protect Yourself
- Before paying for any service, confirm that your representative is authorized, using IRCC’s guidance on choosing an immigration or citizenship representative.
- Never allow anyone to submit false or misleading information on your behalf.
- If you have concerns about a representative, you can file a complaint with IRCC.
To have your situation reviewed, complete our online assessment or contact our office to book a consultation.
Source: IRCC news – New penalties for fraudulent and unauthorized representatives