IRCC penalties of up to $1.5 million for fraudulent and unauthorized representatives now in force

What changed

On October 28, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced that new monetary penalties are now in force for those who break the law when providing paid immigration or citizenship advice or representation. Starting that day, the government can impose penalties including:

• $5,000 for providing paid advice or representation without authorization
• $15,000 for knowingly providing false or misleading information on an applicant's behalf, or helping an applicant do so

Additional penalties may apply if an application is approved based on false or misleading information. Penalties increase for repeat violations, up to a maximum of $1.5 million for all violations combined.

Who it affects

According to IRCC, the rules apply to paid representatives, including licensed immigration consultants, lawyers and other authorized representatives, as well as people who provide paid immigration or citizenship advice or representation without authorization.

IRCC states it will publish the names of those penalized and the details of their violations on its website. The online registry is expected to launch in 2027, following the administration of the first penalties. A person who believes they are being incorrectly penalized can request a review through a formal process.

IRCC advises people seeking immigration or citizenship advice to check that their representative is authorized before paying for their services.

Key dates

• Draft regulations: published in the Canada Gazette, Part I, on December 21, 2024
• Penalties in force: October 28, 2026
• Final regulations: to be posted in the Canada Gazette, Part II, on November 4, 2026

Official text

Read the IRCC news release: New penalties for fraudulent and unauthorized immigration and citizenship representatives.