Choosing someone to help with your immigration application is a big decision. In Canada, only certain professionals can legally charge you for immigration advice, so it pays to know who you are working with before you share your documents or sign anything.
In this article, we explain what an RCIC is, who else can help you, and how to check a consultant’s licence in just a few minutes.
What is an RCIC?
RCIC stands for Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant. RCICs are licensed by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (the CICC), the national regulator for immigration and citizenship consultants in Canada.
A licensed RCIC can:
- Explain your immigration or citizenship options
- Prepare and submit applications to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
- Communicate with IRCC on your behalf
Some RCICs hold an additional licence (RCIC-IRB) that also allows them to represent clients before the Immigration and Refugee Board. The CICC also licenses Regulated International Student Immigration Advisors (RISIAs), who advise international students.
Who can charge a fee for immigration help?
Under Canadian law, only authorized representatives can charge a fee, or receive any other kind of payment, for immigration or citizenship advice and representation. They are:
- Immigration consultants licensed by the CICC (RCICs)
- Lawyers and certain paralegals who are members of a Canadian provincial or territorial law society
- Notaries who are members of the Chambre des notaires du Québec
Family members, friends and others can still help you, as long as they do not charge for it.
This matters: IRCC warns that if you use a paid representative who is not authorized, it may return or refuse your application.
Do I need a representative?
No. You can apply on your own, and IRCC’s forms and guides are free on its website. IRCC also states that using a representative “will not draw special attention to your application or guarantee that we’ll approve it.” (IRCC)
What a licensed professional can do is help you understand your options, avoid common mistakes and submit a complete, well-prepared application.
How to check an RCIC’s licence
- Go to the CICC Public Register.
- Search by the person’s name or licence number. RCIC licence numbers start with the letter “R”.
- Check that the Entitled to Practise column says Yes. Only licensees marked “Yes” can legally provide immigration advice or services.
- Look at the status. “Active” means they can practise; “Active – Practice Restricted” means they can practise with limits. Statuses such as suspended, revoked or resigned mean they cannot provide services.
- Make sure the name matches the person you are dealing with, and the name on your Use of a Representative form (IMM 5476).
To check a lawyer, paralegal or Quebec notary, use IRCC’s page Find out if your representative is authorized.
Warning signs to watch for
- They promise or “guarantee” that your visa, permit or job will be approved.
- They ask you to give false information or leave out important facts.
- They will not tell you their full name or licence number.
- They will not give you a written agreement that explains their services and fees.
- They will not let you see or keep copies of what is submitted in your name.
If something feels wrong, pause and check before you pay.
You can check us, too
Transparency matters to us. Our consultant, Joy Dacoco, is a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC #R712799). You can confirm her licence at any time on the CICC Public Register.
Sources: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada; College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants. Reviewed October 2026.