The new penalties took effect on October 28, 2026, under measures administered by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). They apply to immigration representatives operating both inside and outside Canada.
The enforcement measures target licensed immigration consultants, lawyers, other authorised representatives and individuals who provide paid immigration services without the required authorisation.
Under the new framework, individuals providing paid immigration or citizenship advice without authorisation could face fines of CAD 5,000. Those who knowingly submit false or misleading information, or assist applicants in doing so, could face penalties of CAD 15,000.
More serious or repeated violations could attract combined penalties of up to CAD 1.5 million, depending on the nature and frequency of the offences.
Additional financial penalties may also apply where an immigration application has been approved based on false or misleading information.
Canada to Publish Names of Penalised Immigration Consultants
As part of the enforcement measures, Canada is preparing a public registry expected to launch in 2027, containing the names of immigration representatives who have been penalised and details of their violations.
The proposed registry is intended to help prospective immigrants identify consultants and representatives who have previously faced disciplinary or enforcement action.
It will also provide applicants with an additional tool for checking the credibility of immigration service providers before paying for assistance with visa applications, work permits, study permits or permanent residence.
Canada Tightens Oversight of Immigration Consultants
The latest penalties form part of Canada’s broader effort to strengthen oversight of immigration and citizenship representatives. They follow regulatory changes introduced on July 15, 2026, which expanded the investigative and disciplinary powers of the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants.
The earlier reforms also strengthened penalties for professional misconduct and introduced a compensation fund intended to provide protection for victims of dishonest immigration consultants.
Together, the measures reflect Canada’s growing focus on tackling immigration fraud by targeting not only applicants who submit fraudulent information but also the individuals and businesses that facilitate such practices.
For Nigerian applicants and other foreign nationals seeking Canadian visas, the changes reinforce the importance of using properly authorised representatives and ensuring that all information submitted in support of an application is genuine.
Applicants remain responsible for the accuracy of their immigration applications, even when they employ consultants or agents to assist with the process.
