ICCRC is the national regulatory body authorized by the government of Canada under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) to safeguard consumers. IRPA requires anyone providing Canadian immigration advice or representation for a fee or other consideration to be a member in good standing of ICCRC. 

Members of ICCRC are known as Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs). ICCRC also regulates Regulated International Student Immigration Advisors (RISIAs).

Persons wishing to become a RCIC or RISIA must complete an accredited training program, an exam set by ICCRC, and high entry-to-practice requirements. They must then meet annual professional requirements that include additional hours of professional development as well as mandatory courses developed and taught by ICCRC.

ICCRC also administers a robust complaints and discipline process to ensure that RCICs comply with the ICCRC Code of Professional Ethics and that consumers are effectively protected.

Note: Only consultants who are members of ICCRC are allowed to represent an applicant for Citizenship and Immigration Canada, either in Canada or at any international Canada Immigration office for all matters related to Canada Visa. 

Prospective immigrants to Canada should choose a licensed Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants or RCIC, if they feel they don’t want to navigate the Canadian immigration system themselves. Licensed RCIC’s must be in good standing with the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council or ICCRC if they wish to represent clients on immigration and citizenship manners. There are various different reasons why an immigrant should consider hiring a RCIC to handle their representation on immigration matters, below are some of them.  

1. Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants know Canada’s visa system thoroughly.

It is the RCIC’s job to keep up to date with the latest policy changes and on-going professional licensing requirements. Thanks to their intimate working knowledge of Canada’s immigration  system and available visas, they are able to advise you on which visas you qualify for and for which you should apply.

2. Licensed with a regulatory body.

Gaining the RCIC license means that agents have completed a rigorous process to enter the industry. They are also required to stay up to date as on-going professional development is required to renew this license every year.

This means that our RCICs work according to a strict code of conduct which is duly enforced, ensuring that your interests are protected and you are working with a knowledgeable and fully competent professional. Our RCICs remain in good standing with the authorities, guaranteeing that they are always working for your best interests.

3. The RCIC can liaise with Canadian Citizenship, Immigration and your employer on your behalf.

If you have ever tried to contact a governmental department such as an embassy or consulate, you will know that it can be a discouraging, time-consuming and exhaustive experience.

Fortunately, working with a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant means that you don’t have to make any lengthy phone calls in order to battle your way into Canada. They ensure your application meets the requirements of what the Canadian Immigration Authorities, dramatically increasing the chances of a favorable outcome.

4. They can create a personalized immigration strategy for you.

Not only do Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants know the Canadian immigration system well, but they are professional strategists qualified to guide you successfully through the labyrinth of Canada’s visa system.

Our RCICs “hold you by the hand” and advise you about what your best options are in applying for a visa. They will guide you so that you have a full understanding of your objectives and your timeline expectations.

They can then put a plan in place to help you achieve these goals.

5. They can offer a different perspective on your immigration options.

Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants are professionals in their field, who are obligated to provide you with honest and reliable feedback on what your options are and advise you on the entire immigration process.

You might even receive answers that you had not considered which could broaden your immigration opportunities to Canada. The RCIC’s job is to educate their clients and to provide knowledgeable answers on Canadian Immigration, with favorable options tailored to the client’s needs.

6. All your paperwork is taken care of.

Are you concerned about submitting all of your documents and completing application paperwork correctly?
Immigration requires hours upon hours of paperwork, filing, form submissions, and documents – all of which must be correctly compiled and submitted within often tight deadlines. Our RCIC’s take care of this burden on your behalf. 

Be aware of “Ghost Consultants” as these fraudsters will prey on the desperation of potential immigrants who seek a better life in Canada and exploit that desperation through unimageable fees. These ghost consultants operate illegally outside the country to avoid liability of the laws intact and beyond the reach of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act or IRPA.  

An RCIC provides immigration services that are typically more cost effective when compared to a Canadian immigration lawyer.  

To see if an RCIC you are considering is in good standing with the ICCRC. Check out http://secure.iccrc-crcic.ca/search-new/EN

Are you ready to take the next step in your immigration journey? Let the professionals guide you! Sign up on the form on this page to find out if you qualify to move to Canada.