Before you pay anyone for immigration help, check their licence. It's free, it takes about two minutes, and it is the single most important step you can take to protect your money and your application.
Who is allowed to charge for immigration advice?
In Canada, only three kinds of professionals can legally charge you for immigration advice or representation:
- Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs), licensed by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC)
- Lawyers and paralegals who are members in good standing of a Canadian provincial or territorial law society
- Notaries who are members of the Chambre des notaires du Québec
Anyone else who charges a fee, whether they call themselves an "agent", "advisor" or "visa expert", is not authorized. Friends or family can help you for free, but they cannot charge.
How to check in five steps
1Ask for their licence number
Every licensed consultant has a licence number that starts with the letter R followed by six digits (for example, R123456). A genuine consultant gives it to you straight away and expects you to check it. If they hesitate, change the subject or say you "don't need it", walk away.
2Search the CICC public register
Go to the CICC website (college-ic.ca) and open the public register, sometimes called "Find an Immigration Consultant". Search by full name or licence number, and check that:
- The name matches the person you are dealing with, not just a company or website.
- Their status is active and they are entitled to practise. Suspended or revoked means they cannot represent you.
- There is no recent disciplinary history that worries you.
3For lawyers, check the law society
If you are hiring a lawyer or paralegal, search the online directory of the law society in their province (for example, the Law Society of Ontario or the Law Society of British Columbia) and confirm their name and status.
4Make sure they are named on your application
A legitimate representative puts their name and licence number on your application and fills in the official "Use of a Representative" form (IMM 5476). Someone who wants to help "behind the scenes" without being named is a serious red flag, often called a ghost consultant.
5Get a written agreement
Before paying, ask for a written service agreement listing their legal name and licence number, the exact services, the fees, and what happens if you cancel. Government processing fees should be paid to IRCC, not mixed into a cash payment.
Warning signs to watch for
- No licence number, or a number that doesn't appear on the register
- A promise or "guarantee" that your visa or permit will be approved
- Pressure to pay quickly, in cash, or through unusual methods
- Refusing to be named on your application
- Offering to sell you a job offer or an LMIA
How Toned Toonie helps
On Toned Toonie, every Provider's identity is verified before their listings appear, and Seekers can compare services and contact Providers directly. Identity verification is not a licence check, so always look up a consultant's licence on the CICC register before you hire them.
Looking for help you can trust?
Create your free Seeker account and browse verified Providers today.