Canada Introduces Penalties Up to $1.5 Million for Immigration Representative Misconduct

Canada has introduced monetary penalties for fraudulent or unauthorized paid immigration and citizenship representatives, with combined penalties reaching up to CAD $1.5 million for multiple violations. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced the measures on October 28, 2026.

What changed on October 28?

Under the new administrative penalty regime, IRCC says the government can impose a $5,000 penalty for providing paid immigration or citizenship advice or representation without authorization, and a $15,000 penalty for knowingly submitting false or misleading information on an applicant's behalf or helping an applicant do so. Additional penalties may apply when an application is approved using false or misleading information, and repeated violations can increase the total.

The CAD $1.5 million figure is the maximum combined amount across violations, not a standard fine imposed on every representative. The rules apply to paid representatives, including authorized immigration consultants and lawyers as well as unauthorized people offering paid services.

What applicants should know

Anyone paying for Canadian immigration or citizenship advice should confirm that the representative is authorized before paying. IRCC identifies licensed immigration consultants in good standing with the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants, eligible Canadian lawyers and paralegals, and Quebec notaries as authorized paid representatives. An unpaid family member or friend may help without charging a fee, subject to applicable rules.

Applicants remain responsible for the information submitted in their applications, even when a representative prepares the forms. Be cautious of promises of guaranteed approval, requests to hide information, or instructions to provide inaccurate documents. Ask for a written service agreement describing the work and fees.

Public disclosure and review process

IRCC says it will publish the names of people penalized and details of violations. An online registry is expected in 2027 after the first penalties are administered. Individuals who believe a penalty is incorrect may request a formal review. The government says final regulations will be published in the Canada Gazette, Part II, on November 4, 2026; that date is forthcoming as of this article.

Where to verify the rules

Read the IRCC October 28 announcement for the new penalty amounts and implementation date. Before hiring a representative, consult IRCC's guide on how to choose an immigration or citizenship representative and its explanation of authorized paid representatives.

This article provides general information and does not replace individualized immigration or legal advice. Eligibility, representation rules and enforcement outcomes depend on the circumstances of each case.