Key Takeaways
- New Canadian penalties took effect on October 28, 2026, for unlawful conduct involving paid immigration and citizenship advice or representation.
- Penalties include $5,000 for unauthorized paid advice and $15,000 for knowingly providing or facilitating false or misleading information.
- Repeat violations can increase total penalties to $1.5 million, and IRCC plans to publish information about penalized representatives through an online registry expected in 2027.
Canada Introduces Tougher Penalties for Immigration Representatives
People seeking a Canadian visa or citizenship may use professional advice. The government says the new measures are intended to protect applicants from fraud and exploitation and hold paid immigration and citizenship representatives accountable when they break the law.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced on October 28, 2026, that penalties of up to $1.5 million are now in force. The measures cover authorized professionals, including lawyers and licensed immigration consultants, as well as individuals who provide paid advice or representation without proper authorization.
What Violations Can Lead to Fines?
The new system establishes a $5,000 penalty for providing paid immigration or citizenship advice or representation without authorization. A $15,000 penalty can apply to knowingly providing false or misleading information on an applicant’s behalf, or helping an applicant do so.
Additional penalties may apply when an application is approved on the basis of false or misleading information. Repeat violations can increase the combined penalties to a maximum of $1.5 million.
People who receive penalties can request a formal review if they believe the decision is incorrect.
Public Registry Planned for 2027
IRCC says it will publish information about people penalized under the new system, including their names and details of their violations. The online registry is expected to launch in 2027, after the first penalties have been issued.
The government says this transparency will help applicants identify dishonest representatives before paying for services. The final regulations are scheduled for publication in the Canada Gazette, Part II, on November 4, 2026.
TwikUp's Perspective
The measures could make it easier for applicants to distinguish legitimate professional support from risky services. However, penalties alone cannot prevent every scam. Applicants still need to verify credentials before paying for services.
Importantly, the planned registry is intended to increase transparency by identifying people penalized under the new system. Stronger enforcement will matter most when applicants can also access clear guidance, transparent records and effective complaint channels.