The Canadian government has introduced tougher penalties of up to 1.5 million Canadian dollars (about $1.07 million) for immigration consultants and other representatives involved in immigration fraud or providing unauthorized services.
The new regulations, which took effect on October 28, 2026, are aimed at protecting foreign nationals from exploitation and strengthening accountability in Canada’s immigration and citizenship systems.
According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the penalties apply to both licensed and unlicensed representatives who provide paid immigration or citizenship advice, regardless of whether they operate inside or outside Canada.
Under the new rules, individuals who provide paid immigration advice without proper authorisation face a $5,000 penalty, while those who knowingly submit false or misleading information on behalf of applicants, or help them do so, risk a $15,000 fine.
Additional penalties may apply where an application is approved based on false information, while repeated violations could attract cumulative fines of up to CAD1.5 million.
Canada’s Immigration Minister, Lena Metlege Diab, said the measures would protect applicants from fraud and misconduct while ensuring that those who break the law are held accountable.
The government also plans to publish the names of penalized representatives and details of their violations in a public online registry expected to become operational in 2027.
The regulations apply to immigration agents and consultants serving applicants in Nigeria and other countries, meaning representatives operating outside Canada are not exempt from the penalties.
IRCC said representatives who receive a notice of violation would have 30 days to pay the fine or request a formal review.
The development is particularly relevant to Nigerians seeking Canadian study permits, work permits and permanent residency, as the government has urged applicants to verify the credentials of immigration representatives before paying for their services.
Paid immigration consultants must be members in good standing of the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC), while lawyers must be authorized by the relevant Canadian law society.
IRCC also warned that applicants remain responsible for the accuracy of information submitted on their behalf. Providing false information or documents could lead to application refusal and a ban from entering Canada for at least five years.
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