Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced the introduction of new regulations aimed at penalizing both authorized and unauthorized paid immigration representatives who violate the law while advising applicants on immigration or citizenship matters.
The proposed penalties include fines of up to $1.5 million for representatives who counsel clients to misrepresent themselves during the application process.
In a recent release obtained by Starnews NG from the immigration’s portal, IRCC outlined that the measures are designed to ensure that paid representatives act honestly and possess the appropriate authorization to assist clients.
The government emphasizes that the new regulations will enhance the integrity of Canada’s immigration system and reinforce its commitment to border security.
“As part of the new regulations, the minister will be required to publish information regarding individuals found liable for violations on the IRCC website. This will include details about the nature of the violation, the amount of the administrative monetary penalty, and whether the penalty has been paid.
“The draft regulations have been published in the Canada Gazette, allowing stakeholders to review and provide feedback before the new rules take effect in 2025.
“Many applicants rely on immigration and citizenship representatives for guidance, making these regulations crucial in addressing issues of fraud and unauthorized practice while holding representatives accountable for their actions.
“In anticipation of these changes, IRCC has initiated an open and transparent selection process to fill a reviewer position. This part-time, virtual role will involve evaluating review requests submitted by those found in violation of the new regulations. The position is open to qualified candidates across Canada,” the official release stated.
Leave a Reply