Today (March 1, 2022) Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, issued a statement, announced that Canada will invest $51.9 millions “to improve oversight, strengthen enforcement, and increase accountability to protect the public from dishonest consultants who take advantage of vulnerable newcomers.”

As a popular destination for immigrants from all over the world, Canada represents fair, hope and fresh bright future to many prospect immigrants. It is among the most important decisions one would ever made choosing Canada. The path to the country may not be straight forward or easy to most of the applicants and their family. Many people seek help from professionals to ease the process.  Nevertheless immigration fraud still a common and serious crime in Canada, many unlicensed consultants are eager to exploit inexperience and anxiety for their own gain.

In November 2021, Canada established the new College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants, as the official regulator of immigration and citizenship consultants. The College has the power and tools to investigate professional misconduct and to discipline its licensees. It will also be subject to significant government oversight to ensure public protection. In today’s statement, Sean emphasis that “$51.9 million will be invested to improve oversight, strengthen enforcement and increase accountability to protect the public from dishonest consultants who take vulnerable newcomers. … … If you choose to hire a representative, use an authorized immigration and citizenship consultant, lawyer or Quebec notary. Using an authorized representative does not guarantee approval of your application, but the fees will be regulated and you will get a fair assessment of your case.”