Canada is moving to tighten regulations on immigration consultants following years of complaints about fraud and misconduct. The federal government announced plans to create a single, independent regulatory body to oversee the industry, replacing the current patchwork of oversight.
Immigration Minister Marco Mendicino stated that the new body will have the power to investigate complaints, impose penalties, and revoke licenses. The move comes after a Globe and Mail investigation revealed widespread abuses, including consultants charging exorbitant fees and providing false documentation.
Currently, immigration consultants are regulated by the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC), but critics argue it lacks enforcement power. The new body will be modeled after law societies and will require consultants to meet stricter education and ethical standards.
The government estimates there are about 8,000 licensed immigration consultants in Canada, but thousands more operate without oversight. The new regulations aim to protect vulnerable immigrants from exploitation.
