Canadian immigration consultants to face regulatory changes

The changes have been introduced to keep a check on the consultants that were not part of the Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants (CSIC) but somehow provided their services.

Talking on Bill C-35, immigration lawyers Deanna Okun-Nachoff and Michael Greene said, “The problem with this proposal is that it authorizes an additional 3,000 paralegals to provide immigration advice and representation.”

“Unlike with consultants who will be regulated by the national body designated by the minister, the minister will have no ability to control the accreditation or educational standards for such individuals,” they added.

What are the changes?
As per the changes, consultants working under the current regulatory guidelines will become the members of ICCRC for a transition period of 120 days. Thereafter, to continue their services, they need to become members with the new regulator.

As per the changes, penalty has been set for the lawyers under section 91 who are using agents to provide immigration-related advice without adequate supervision. Penalty includes fine of $100,000 or two years’ jail or both.

Not only this, CSIC can now be challenged in the federal court.