Canada's new immigration penalties take effect: up to $1.5 million combined for fraud and unauthorized paid advice

The Government of Canada announced on October 28 that new penalties are now in force for paid immigration and citizenship representatives, aimed at protecting applicants from fraud and exploitation. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada said the rules apply to licensed immigration consultants, lawyers and other authorized representatives, as well as people who provide paid immigration or citizenship advice or representation without authorization.

The penalty schedule

Under the new rules, providing paid advice or representation without authorization carries a $5,000 penalty, while knowingly providing false or misleading information on an applicant's behalf, or helping an applicant do so, carries a $15,000 penalty. Additional penalties may apply if an application is approved on the basis of false or misleading information, and penalties increase for repeat violations, up to a maximum of $1.5 million for all violations combined.

Public naming and registry

As penalties are issued, the department will publish the names of those penalized and the details of their violations on its website, to alert clients to dishonest representatives and increase transparency; the online registry is expected to launch in 2027, following the first penalties. Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab said anyone hoping to build a future in Canada deserves trustworthy and accurate immigration advice, and the measures will help protect applicants and strengthen the integrity of Canada's immigration and citizenship systems. The government advises anyone seeking immigration or citizenship advice to check that their representative is authorized before paying for services.