New penalties for fraudulent and unauthorized immigration and citizenship representatives

What changed

New penalties of up to $1.5 million are now in force for people who break the law when they give paid immigration or citizenship advice or representation. The news release from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is dated October 28, 2026, and says the rules apply from that day.

The penalties depend on the type of violation. Giving paid advice or representation without authorization can cost $5,000. Knowingly giving false or misleading information on an applicant's behalf, or helping an applicant do so, can cost $15,000. Penalties rise for repeat violations, but the total for all violations combined cannot go above $1.5 million.

Background

Some people help others with immigration and citizenship applications for a fee. In Canada, many of these helpers must be authorized to do this work, such as licensed immigration consultants and lawyers. A person who works without authorization, or who gives false information on an application, can put an applicant at risk.

The government says these penalties help protect applicants from fraud and exploitation and support the integrity of Canada's immigration and citizenship systems. The draft regulations were published in the Canada Gazette, Part I, on December 21, 2024, so the public could review them and give feedback before the final version.

Key details

• The penalties apply from October 28, 2026, according to the news release.
• Final regulations are expected in the Canada Gazette, Part II, on November 4, 2026.
• Paid advice or representation without authorization: $5,000.
• Knowingly providing false or misleading information on an applicant's behalf, or helping an applicant do so: $15,000.
• Additional penalties may apply if an application is approved based on false or misleading information. The release does not give an amount, so check the official page.
• Penalties increase for repeat violations, up to a maximum of $1.5 million for all violations combined.
• IRCC will publish the names of penalized people and details of their violations on its website. The online registry is expected to launch in 2027, after the first penalties are issued.
• Someone who believes they were penalized in error can ask for a review through a formal process. Details are on the official website.

Who it affects

The rules apply to anyone who is paid to give immigration or citizenship advice or representation. The news release names these groups:

Applicants who hire representatives are also affected, because the rules are meant to protect them from fraud and misconduct.

• Paid representatives, including licensed immigration consultants, lawyers and other authorized representatives
• People who provide paid immigration or citizenship advice or representation without authorization

What it means for you

If you pay someone to help with an immigration or citizenship application, these rules add a layer of protection. A representative who gives false information, or who works without authorization, could face fines and may later be named on the IRCC website. For example, if you paid an unauthorized person to prepare your forms and they supplied wrong details, that person could be penalized.

The news release is about penalties for representatives. It does not describe any changes to application requirements, fees or processing times. A person who hires an authorized representative who follows the rules would not see a change in how their own application is handled.

What to do next

• Check that your representative is authorized before you pay for any service.
• Keep copies of what you paid for and what you were told in writing.
• Read the IRCC pages on how to choose an immigration or citizenship representative and how to file a complaint against one.
• Check the official pages for penalty details that are not in the news release.
• A licensed immigration consultant or lawyer can help you see whether this applies to your situation.