Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) can now fine people who break the law when they give paid immigration or citizenship advice. The new penalties took effect on October 28, 2026. This matters in every Northern Ontario community, because many paid advisers work online or from abroad.
This update also covers an October 27 change for Haitian and Sudanese nationals in Canada.
What changed on October 28
IRCC’s October 28 news release says the rules cover licensed consultants, lawyers and other authorized representatives. They also cover anyone who gives paid advice without authorization. Penalties include:
- $5,000 for giving paid 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
- higher amounts for repeat violations, up to $1.5 million for all violations combined
Extra penalties may apply if an application is approved based on false or misleading information.
A public list of penalized advisers is coming
The same release says IRCC will publish the names of those penalized and the details of their violations. The online registry is expected to launch in 2027, after the first penalties are issued.
IRCC’s How to choose a representative page says the published details will include the person’s name, business or employer, the type of violation, the penalty amount, and whether it was paid. The rules apply no matter where the adviser is located.
The release says the final regulations will be posted in the Canada Gazette, Part II, on November 4, 2026. A person who believes they were penalized in error can ask for a formal review.
You do not have to hire anyone
IRCC’s Learn about representatives page says using a representative is your choice. It will not draw special attention to your file or mean approval. Forms and instructions are free on canada.ca.
Free help also exists. A government-funded settlement agency in your town can explain forms at no cost. Our legal help guide lists free and low-cost legal options in Northern Ontario.
Who is allowed to charge you
Only “authorized” representatives can charge a fee or accept any other payment. According to IRCC’s authorized representative page, they must be members in good standing of one of these:
- the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (for consultants)
- a Canadian provincial or territorial law society, or the Chambre des notaires du Québec (for lawyers and notaries)
- the Law Society of Ontario (for paralegals, Ontario only)
If someone is not a member in good standing, IRCC says you should not use their services. If you use an unauthorized paid representative, IRCC may return or refuse your application.
Checks before you pay
IRCC’s choosing a representative page suggests these steps:
- Confirm the person is authorized using the regulator’s online member list, linked from the authorized representative page.
- Ask about their training and experience, and ask for references.
- Discuss the services and the fee.
- Get a written contract that lists every service and the agreed fee. Read it before you sign.
IRCC’s representatives page also warns about advisers who advertise free services and later ask for a fee, or who tell you to lie. You are responsible for everything in your application, even if someone else fills it in.
If something has gone wrong
IRCC’s complaint page says where to go:
- Consultant: complain to the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants.
- Lawyer, notary or Ontario paralegal: complain to the law society or the Chambre des notaires du Québec.
- Suspected fraud or misinformation: tell IRCC through its web form and tell the Canada Border Services Agency.
- Unauthorized adviser on your file: cancel them as your representative as soon as possible.
Also this week: Haitian and Sudanese nationals in Canada
On October 27, IRCC updated the temporary measures for Haitian and Sudanese nationals in Canada who cannot return home. The earlier measures were set to expire that day.
- Eligible people with a valid work permit issued under the earlier measures can apply to extend it, with standard processing fees.
- The extended measures expire on December 30, 2027.
- To extend visitor status or a study permit, apply through IRCC’s usual channels.
This is general information, not legal or immigration advice. If this page and canada.ca disagree, use canada.ca.
Last reviewed: October 30, 2026.