Know who is actually advising you.
Every year, people pay real money to someone who was never allowed to charge for immigration advice in the first place. It is called a ghost consultant, and it is one of the most common ways an honest application gets damaged before it ever reaches an officer's desk. This page explains what to check, before you pay anyone.
Who is actually allowed to charge you for immigration advice
Canadian law restricts who may charge a fee to represent or advise someone on an immigration or citizenship matter. Only the following are authorized:
- Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs), in good standing with the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC)
- Lawyers and paralegals who are members of a Canadian provincial or territorial law society
- Notaries who are members of the Chambre des notaires du Québec
Anyone else who takes payment for immigration advice or representation is operating outside the law, no matter how confident, experienced, or well-connected they present themselves as being. Family members and friends can still help you for free. The restriction is on being paid.
Signs worth pausing on
None of these guarantee fraud on their own, but each one is worth stopping and asking a direct question about.
- They guarantee an approval. No authorized professional can promise an outcome. IRCC's decision is IRCC's alone.
- They ask for cash, e-transfer to a personal account, or payment with no receipt or written agreement.
- They will not give you copies of your own documents, or the application as submitted.
- They discourage you from seeing the Use of a Representative form (IMM 5476) or avoid discussing it.
- They ask you to sign blank or incomplete forms.
- You cannot find their name, photo, and license number anywhere you can independently check.
- They ask you to manipulate documents or add fraudulent documents on your application "just to keep things simple."
How to verify someone before you pay them
Two checks take a few minutes and cost nothing.
If they say they are an RCIC: search their name on the CICC's public register. It will confirm whether they are a member, whether they are in good standing, and their license number.
Verify a consultant on the CICC public registry
If they say they are a lawyer or paralegal: check the relevant provincial law society's public directory.
Ask directly for a license number, and confirm it belongs to the actual person doing your work, not just the person who signed the engagement letter.
If you think you may already be affected
- Stop making payments until you have clarity.
- Ask for your documents and your application back in writing.
- Confirm whether an IMM 5476 was filed, and whether it names the person who is actually handling your file.
- Get a second opinion from an authorized representative before your next deadline.
- You can raise a concern about a specific individual with the CICC directly.
A few things clients often ask.
Can a friend or family member help me with my application for free?
Yes. The restriction is on being paid for immigration advice or representation, not on getting help. A friend or family member can assist you without being licensed, as long as they are not charging a fee.
What happens if I already used someone who was not authorized?
IRCC can return or refuse an application connected to an unauthorized paid representative, separately from the merits of the case itself. If you are unsure where you stand, an authorized representative can review what was filed and advise on next steps, including whether anything needs to be corrected or refiled.
How do I know Immigrate Now's RCICs are legitimate?
Karan Pratap Singh (RCIC R532175) and Awal Takkar (RCIC R531017) are both regulated by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants. You do not need to take our word for it. Search either license number on the CICC's public register yourself, before or after you speak with us.
Information current as of July 2026. Program rules and intake can change without notice.
This page provides general information about Canadian immigration and does not constitute legal advice. For advice specific to your matter, please book a consultation with an RCIC. Learn how to verify your representative.
Speak with an RCIC about your matter.
Consultations are available online worldwide and, by appointment, at our Canadian offices.