What changed
The Government of Canada has brought into force new penalties of up to $1.5 million for those who break the law when providing paid immigration or citizenship advice or representation.
The new rules apply to paid representatives, including licensed immigration consultants, lawyers and other authorized representatives, as well as people who provide paid immigration or citizenship advice or representation without authorization.
The monetary penalties listed by the government include $5,000 for providing paid advice or representation without authorization, and $15,000 for knowingly providing 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. Penalties increase for repeat violations, up to a maximum of $1.5 million for all violations combined.
The official page states that as penalties are issued, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will publish the names of those penalized and the details of their violations on its website, to alert clients to dishonest representatives and increase transparency. The online registry is expected to launch in 2027, following the administration of the first penalties.
The official page also states that people seeking immigration or citizenship advice should check that their representative is authorized before paying for their services.
What the official text says
> To help safeguard applicants from those who would take advantage of them, new penalties of up to $1.5 million are now in force for those who break the law when providing paid immigration or citizenship advice or representation.
> Starting today, the government can impose monetary penalties including $5,000 for providing paid advice or representation without authorization $15,000 for knowingly providing false or misleading information on an applicant’s behalf or helping an applicant do so.
Who is affected
The new rules directly govern people who provide paid immigration or citizenship advice and representation, including licensed immigration consultants, lawyers and other authorized representatives, as well as people who offer such paid services without authorization.
For applicants, the change means a higher maximum penalty for representatives who break the rules, and public disclosure of the names of penalized individuals and the details of their violations. Applicants who are working with, or preparing to hire, a representative for visa, immigration or citizenship matters will have access to this public information.
When it starts
The new penalties took effect on October 28, 2026, described in the news release as "Starting today."
The official "Quick facts" section states that the draft regulations were published in the Canada Gazette, Part I on December 21, 2024, and that final regulations will be posted in the Canada Gazette, Part II on November 4, 2026.
The official page also states that anyone who believes they are being incorrectly penalized can submit a request to have the penalty reviewed through a formal process.
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