Canada announces tougher immigration crackdown with new rules for citizenship scams

Canada’s federal government has announced new reforms aimed at tackling immigration and citizenship scams by strengthening oversight of licensed consultants.

According to a government news release issued Wednesday, the changes are designed to improve access to “trustworthy, quality representation” for people seeking immigration and citizenship advice in Canada.

The reforms come after several reported cases of fraud and misconduct involving licensed immigration consultants in recent years.

The new regulations are expected to come into effect in mid-July.

They will give the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants greater authority to discipline members found guilty of misconduct, including tougher penalties.

The government also said the college’s public register will include more detailed information about licensed consultants beginning in April 2027.

Other measures include stronger investigation powers, new transparency reporting requirements and updated rules for a compensation fund intended to support victims of dishonest consultants.

“These regulations will strengthen the integrity of immigration and citizenship consulting and play an important role in protecting people from dishonest representatives,” the release read.