← InsightsPractice · Regulation · April 18, 2026
What a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant actually does
Anyone giving paid immigration advice in Canada must be licensed. Here is what an RCIC is authorised to do, how to verify one, and what to bring to a first consultation.
Syed Adil, RCIC · 5 min read · Last verified
Immigration consulting in Canada is a regulated profession. The College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC) is the federal regulator; only its licensees, along with Canadian lawyers and notaries, may charge for representation before IRCC.
Scope of practice
- Advise on program eligibility and strategy.
- Prepare and submit applications to IRCC, ESDC, and provincial authorities.
- Represent clients in communications with IRCC and at admissibility interviews.
- Refer to a lawyer when a matter moves to Federal Court or requires litigation.
How to verify a consultant
Every licensee has a public record on the CICC's Public Register: name, class of licence (RCIC or RCIC-IRB), status, and any disciplinary history. Ask for the R-number before signing a retainer, then look it up yourself.
What to bring to a first consultation
- Passport bio-page and any prior Canadian permits or refusals.
- Language test results, if any (IELTS, CELPIP, TEF, TCF).
- Educational credentials — final transcripts and, where available, an Educational Credential Assessment.
- A short employment history with job titles, dates, and NOC codes if you know them.
Sources