How to Verify an RCIC: Check Your Immigration Consultant in 5 Steps
Check the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC) public register, and confirm that your consultant is listed and entitled to practise. Canada allows paid immigration advice only from authorized people: consultants licensed by the CICC, lawyers and Quebec notaries who are members of their law society, and paralegals licensed by the Law Society of Ontario (IRCC, 2026). Our own licence is on the register too: RCIC R412319.
Last updated: October 2026.
since 1991
Who can give immigration advice in Canada?
IRCC says a paid representative must be authorized, which means they hold a licence to practise. Immigration consultants must be members of the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants. Lawyers and Quebec notaries must be members of a law society or the Chambre des notaires du Québec, and paralegals (Ontario only) must be members of the Law Society of Ontario.
What if your representative is not authorized?
IRCC says it may return or refuse your application if you choose a paid representative who is not authorized. Anyone you pay or compensate in any way counts as a paid representative.
Red flags
- Guarantees: no one can guarantee approval, a processing time or a job
- Influence: no one can influence the outcome of your application
- Blank forms: never sign a blank form or one you cannot read
- Cash: avoid cash and ask for a receipt for every payment
- Logos: do not trust a website that uses the College logo
What does the register show?
Search by name or College ID. The result lists the College ID, name, company, licence type and whether the person is entitled to practise.
Check on the register
- Entitled to practise shows Yes
- The name and company match the person you met
- An RCIC College ID starts with R and six digits
- Current proceedings and past decisions on the profile
Ask your consultant
- References from past clients
- Professional liability insurance
- A written service agreement
- A signed Use of a Representative form (IMM 5476)
Use the phone number or email on the register, not details from a third party, and check the College disciplinary notices.
Check any RCIC in five steps
These steps follow the College guidance. Source: IRCC and the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants. Related: Canada processing times and immigration fee calculator.
Step 1: Open the register
Go to the CICC public register and choose Search for an RCIC.
Step 2: Search the name
Search by name or College ID. An RCIC licence number starts with R and six digits.
Step 3: Check the status
The profile must show that the person is entitled to practise. Revoked or suspended means not authorized now.
Step 4: Read the history
Check current proceedings and past decisions on the profile.
Step 5: Contact them safely
Use the phone number or email on the register, not details from a third party.
Want to check us first?
Amir Ismail is a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC R412319) who has been associated with the immigration consulting industry since 1991.
Six questions to ask before you hire
Are you authorized?
Ask for the licence number, then check the register yourself.
Which services?
Some RCICs are authorized only for certain services. Confirm yours is covered.
Written agreement
Sign a service agreement that lists the services and fees, and keep a copy of every form you sign.
Payments
Avoid cash. Get an invoice and a receipt for every payment.
Insurance
Ask whether your consultant carries professional liability insurance.
Who handles my file?
Contact the person who will handle your application, using the register details.
Why clients choose Amir Ismail & Associates
35+ years of hands-on immigration experience and 25,000+ successful cases. 3rd generation in the immigration industry. Our team includes Rijah Amir, also a licensed RCIC, so every file gets a second expert review.
Licensed expert guidance
Advice from CICC-licensed RCICs, not sales staff or unlicensed agents.
A strategy built for your profile
We identify the fastest realistic pathway for you, not a template.
Application accuracy
Documentation review that prevents costly errors and refusals.
Timely updates
We track every draw, policy shift and IRCC announcement for you.
End-to-end support
From eligibility checks to landing, we guide every step.
Proven track record
2026 Canadian Choice Award winner, trusted since 1991.
What our clients say
Real reviews from clients we have guided to Canada and beyond.
Verification FAQs
How do I check if an immigration consultant is licensed in Canada?
Search the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants public register by name or College ID. The profile must show that the person is entitled to practise. Revoked or suspended means they are not authorized to practise now.
What does RCIC mean?
RCIC means Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant, a consultant licensed by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants. RCIC College ID numbers start with R followed by six digits.
Who else can give paid immigration advice in Canada?
IRCC lists lawyers and Quebec notaries who are members of their law society or the Chambre des notaires du Québec, and paralegals in Ontario who are members of the Law Society of Ontario. Check each one with their own regulator.
Can a consultant guarantee my visa or processing time?
No. The College says no one can guarantee approval, a processing time or a job, and no one can influence the outcome of your application.
What happens if I use someone who is not authorized?
IRCC says it may return or refuse your application if you choose a paid representative who is not authorized. You can also file a complaint about a representative through IRCC.
How do I verify Amir Ismail?
Search the register for College ID R412319. On 24 October 2026 it listed Amir Ismail, Amir Ismail Canadian Immigration Consulting, as entitled to practise.
