How to Choose an Immigration Consultant in Canada

Updated February 18, 20268 min read

Choosing the right immigration consultant is one of the most important decisions in your immigration journey. This guide will help you find a trustworthy, licensed professional and avoid common pitfalls.

Only Use Licensed Consultants

In Canada, only licensed professionals can represent you on immigration matters for a fee:

•Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) — Licensed by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC)

•Lawyers — Members of a Canadian provincial law society

•Quebec Immigration Consultants — Licensed by the Chambre des notaires or Barreau du Québec

It is illegal for unlicensed individuals (sometimes called "ghost consultants") to represent you. Using an unlicensed consultant can lead to refused applications, deportation, or criminal charges.

How to verify: Search the CICC public register at college-ic.ca to confirm a consultant's licence status.

What to Look For

Experience and Specialization

•Look for consultants who specialize in your specific program (e.g., Express Entry, Family Sponsorship, PNP)

•Ask how many cases similar to yours they've handled

•More experience generally means better outcomes

Communication

•Do they respond promptly to inquiries?

•Do they explain things clearly?

•Will they be personally handling your case or delegating to staff?

Fees and Transparency

•Get a written fee agreement before hiring

•Understand what's included and what costs extra

•Be cautious of unusually low or unusually high fees

•Never pay cash without a receipt

Reviews and Reputation

•Check online reviews (like on ImmigrationRatings.ca!)

•Ask for references from past clients

•Check for complaints with the CICC

Red Flags to Watch For

Run away if a consultant:

•Guarantees approval — No one can guarantee an immigration application will be approved

•Is not licensed — Cannot provide a valid CICC licence number

•Asks you to lie — Suggests misrepresenting facts on your application

•Takes your original documents — They should only need copies

•Pressures you to sign immediately — Legitimate consultants give you time to decide

•Has no written contract — Always get a written retainer agreement

•Charges government fees separately from their fees — Without clear breakdown

•Is unreachable after you pay — Communication should remain consistent

Typical Consultant Fees

General ranges for RCIC fees (2026):

Service	Typical Fee Range
Express Entry (full service)	$3,000 – $8,000
Spousal Sponsorship	$2,500 – $6,000
Parents/Grandparents	$3,000 – $7,000
Study Permit	$1,500 – $3,000
Work Permit (with LMIA)	$2,000 – $5,000
Work Permit (LMIA-exempt)	$1,500 – $3,000
Provincial Nominee Program	$3,000 – $7,000
Citizenship	$1,000 – $2,500
Consultation (1 hour)	$150 – $400

These fees are in addition to government filing fees. Always get a clear breakdown.

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