In the last few days, there were reports from trusted sources suggesting that Canada will introduce a new act for setting up a regulatory body for the immigration consultants. This regulatory body will be recognized as the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC). The bill to implement the CICC Act was introduced at the parliament on last Monday (8th April 2019). With the setup of this new act, what can the immigrant consultants expect? Well, they can expect a completely new code of conduct for the immigration consultants in the country. At the same time, the act will also create a completely new licensing regime for immigration consultants. For licensing, a more transparent and systematic process will be followed after the introduction of the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants Act.
Immigration consultants have major roles to play in maintaining transparency and security in the process of immigration. Basically, these consultancy firms offer services regarding refugees and immigration. At present, these consultancy services are regulated by the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC). This is a non-profit organization that has been set up by the Canadian government. ICCRC also enjoy the power of self-governing. As Canada has turned into immigration friendly country over a few years, the government wants to make the immigration process more transparent and advanced. This is the reason why the old immigration consultant governing body will be abolished and it will be replaced by the CICC.
According to the Canadian Minister of Immigration, the new act will crack down heavily on the abuses of the prevent immigration law. In order to protect the susceptible newcomers in the field of immigration consultancy, this new legislature will work seamlessly. According to the reports submitted to the government, more than 2000 overseas workers and students have been exploited wrongly.
Details of the New Act to regulate Immigration Consultants to Canada
According to the reports, many people have been lured with lucrative job opportunities or studying facilities in Canada. They had been given immigration support by the consultants in exchange for a large amount of money. However, many of these immigrants have been found that they have been completely cheated with lies and false promises. In order to stop such unlawful activities, the government has decided to come out heavily on the consultancy services that are involved in such mischievous activities.
In this year’s budget, the Canadian government has allotted around $51.9mn. This money will be expensed to ensure stopping the immigration scams and policy breaches. The government wants the immigration consultants to work ethically and honestly. This is why it has come up with a new law or policy.
Protecting the Public Interest- Let no Rogue Immigration Consultant Scam Immigrant to Canada
So, what purposes will be served by introducing the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants? How this new regulatory body will lower the scams of the immigrant consultants? Answers to these questions can be found in the following section.
- It will help in creating a new licensing regime for the consultants. Moreover, it will create a new code of conduct for immigration consultants.
- In the case of miscounting or violation of the rules, the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants can authorize the complaints committee of the college to conduct an investigation.
- CICC also holds the power to authorize the Discipline Committee of the College. Strict actions will be taken when licensee commits a violation of the code of conduct.
- It also prohibits the consultants who do not hold a license to provide any immigration-related support to anyone.
Amendments to Act that reigns in Immigration Consultants
There will be three crucial amendments in the Citizenship Act, along with the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. Overall, with the introduction of such an act, a major boost has been given to the immigration sector of Canada. The process of migration will be more hassling free and transparent. The consultants will work in a more disciplined and systematic manner.