Frequently Asked Questions About Immigration Consultants in Canada


What is an Immigration Consultant?

A Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) is a licensed professional authorized to represent clients in applications submitted to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). RCICs provide legal advice and representation for immigration and citizenship matters, including permanent residence, work permits, study permits, family sponsorship, and more.

RCICs are regulated by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC). They must follow strict professional and ethical standards outlined in the Code of Professional Conduct to protect the public from unethical or incompetent practice.

When you hire an RCIC, you are working with a licensed Canadian immigration professional who is accountable to a federal regulatory body.

What does an Immigration Consultant do?

An Immigration Consultant can:

  • Assess your eligibility for Canadian immigration programs

  • Recommend the best immigration pathway for your situation

  • Prepare and submit applications to IRCC

  • Communicate with IRCC on your behalf

  • Represent you in most immigration appeals and hearings

  • Provide legal advice related to Canadian immigration law

Hiring a regulated consultant ensures your application is properly prepared, legally compliant, and professionally presented.

Do Immigration Consultants have training?

Immigration Consultants must complete an approved graduate-level education program before they are eligible to become licensed. They must also pass a language proficiency test and successfully complete the RCIC Entry-to-Practice Exam.

The exam evaluates:

  • Knowledge and comprehension of Canadian immigration law

  • Application of rules and legal principles

  • Critical thinking and case analysis

The exam consists of 140 questions and is designed to ensure candidates meet the professional competency standards required to practice Canadian immigration law.

In addition, RCICs must complete ongoing Continuing Professional Development (CPD) to maintain their license.

How can I verify if an Immigration Consultant is licensed?

You can verify whether an Immigration Consultant is licensed and in good standing by checking the public register on the website of the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants.

Always confirm that your representative:

  • Has an active RCIC license number

  • Is listed in good standing

  • Is authorized to provide immigration advice

This protects you from immigration fraud or unauthorized representatives (often called “ghost consultants”).

Are there any limitations to what an Immigration Consultant can do?

Yes. While Immigration Consultants can represent clients in most immigration matters before IRCC and certain tribunals, they cannot represent applicants at the Federal Court of Canada.

If you need to file an Application for Leave and for Judicial Review at the Federal Court of Canada, you must hire a licensed lawyer. At NextGen we have preferred Lawyers that we trust

For all other immigration applications, submissions, and most appeals, an RCIC can act as your authorized representative.

Does NextGen Work with Immigration Lawyers?

At NextGen Immigration, we have preferred immigration lawyers that we trust and work with when a matter requires legal representation beyond the scope of an Immigration Consultant.

While a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) can represent clients in most immigration applications before Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), certain matters, such as judicial reviews at the Federal Court of Canada, must be handled by a licensed lawyer.

In these situations, we coordinate directly with our trusted legal partners to ensure a smooth transition and continued strategic support for your case. This collaborative approach allows our clients to receive the right level of representation without interruption.

Our priority is always to act in your best interest and ensure you receive qualified, ethical, and effective immigration representation.

Should I hire a Lawyer or Immigration Consultant?

Both immigration lawyers and RCICs are authorized to represent clients in immigration matters. The right choice depends on your specific situation.

Hiring representation should feel right. This is an exciting and important decision. Choose a representative, whether a lawyer or Immigration Consultant, who you trust and feel comfortable being honest with.

Do not feel pressured into signing a retainer agreement unless you are 100% confident in your decision. Some immigration applications can take months or even years to finalize, and the right representative can significantly reduce stress throughout the process.

For more guidance, read our blog post on what to consider when hiring an immigration representative. click here.

Is it worth hiring an Immigration Consultant for Canada?

While you are not required to hire a representative, many applicants choose to work with a licensed Canadian Immigration Consultant to:

  • Avoid costly mistakes or application refusals

  • Improve the quality and completeness of their application

  • Receive strategic advice tailored to their long-term immigration goals

  • Reduce stress and uncertainty during the process

Professional guidance can make a meaningful difference especially in competitive programs or complex cases.