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Regulations on Immigration Representatives

Notice: Read this important notice about who may represent you.

Who does this affect?

Individuals, whether in Canada or abroad, seeking to hire a representative with regard to their immigration application or status.

You are not obliged to hire a representative for immigration matters. The Government of Canada treats everyone equally, whether they use the services of a representative or not. If you choose to hire a representative, your application will not be given special attention nor can you expect faster processing or a more favourable outcome.

Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) realizes that the use of a representative to assist in completing your immigration application is a personal choice. Please note, the Government of Canada does not recommend or endorse any individual representative.

On April 13, 2004, the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations were amended to require that individuals who represent clients for a fee, be members in good standing with a Canadian provincial or territorial law society, the Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants (CSIC), or the Chambre des notaires du Québec when conducting business with Citizenship and Immigration Canada, the Immigration and Refugee Board and the Canada Border Services Agency.

Objectives

The objectives of the regulations governing the use of representatives are to ensure that all persons are represented in a professional, competent and lawful manner, preserve the integrity of Canada’s immigration program, enhance public confidence in Canada's immigration and refugee system, and protect vulnerable clients from exploitation.

Regulations on immigration representatives and the Regulatory Impact Analysis Statement (RIAS)

Report of the Ministerial Advisory Committee on Regulating Immigration Consultants

Policy and Program Manual: Use of Representatives Paid or Unpaid (IP-9)

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