New Oversight Rules for Immigration Consultants Face Skepticism Over Systemic Gaps
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Ottawa implements regulatory overhauls to curb fraud, but critics question if increased penalties and a new compensation fund can truly protect vulnerable newcomers.
The federal government has officially implemented new regulations designed to overhaul the oversight of immigration consultants, according to reporting from CityNews Toronto. Announced in May, these measures aim to reinforce the role of the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC) and enhance general oversight of the industry.
**Opinion:** While these regulatory updates are a start, we must examine whether these changes actually dismantle the systemic vulnerabilities that allow predatory consultants to profit from newcomer desperation. Simply increasing penalties may not address the root cause of why these schemes flourish in the first place.
According to CityNews Toronto, the new rules introduced on Wednesday are intended to increase transparency during misconduct investigations and grant the CICC the authority to levy higher penalties against consultants who violate regulations. Additionally, the government is establishing a compensation fund for those who file complaints.
However, the necessity of these rules is underscored by ongoing fraud cases, including a scheme in Ontario that targeted international students and involved registered consultants. CityNews Toronto spoke with Abhishek, an Indian national who arrived in Canada in 2022, who alleged that a consultant asked him for up to $100,000 to secure a way to remain in the country. Abhishek told OMNI News that consultants should be guiding people rather than "selling their products."
Legal experts suggest that the fear of retaliation remains a significant barrier for victims. Eoin Logan, a civil litigation lawyer in British Columbia, told OMNI News that his clients often hesitate to file complaints due to fear of immigration backlash. Logan cited instances where a consultant filed a fraud tip with the Canada Border Services Agency against her own clients after they lodged complaints.
There are also pressing questions regarding the CICC's existing capabilities. Logan questioned why the CICC has not utilized its current power to audit consultants proactively before complaints are filed, noting the organization's $24 million annual budget. He questioned whether the lack of audits stems from a lack of resources, staffing, or institutional will.
Data provided by the CICC highlights a stark gap between complaints and disciplinary outcomes. CityNews Toronto reports that between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025, the College received 1,211 new complaints but only took 15 disciplinary actions. In the preceding year, only 11 disciplinary actions were taken. While Logan noted that the new compensation fund could be a "game changer," he expressed uncertainty regarding whether it will effectively allow victims to recover their financial losses.