Why Hire a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant?
By Amir Ismail, RCIC R412319 | Regulated by the CICC | Updated October 2026
What is an RCIC?
A Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) is a professional licensed by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC) to give immigration advice and represent clients for a fee. Section 91 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act makes it an offence to do so without authorization.
To earn and keep a licence, a consultant must:
- Complete CICC-approved education in Canadian immigration law and practice
- Pass the entry examinations
- Meet good-character requirements
- Carry professional liability insurance
- Complete professional development every year
If a consultant is not on the public CICC register, they are not authorized to practise.
Five benefits of hiring a licensed consultant
Current knowledge
Rules and forms change often. A licensed consultant studies the changes and applies them to your profile.
A professional code
Licensed consultants must be honest, protect your confidentiality and avoid conflicts of interest.
Insurance
Licensed consultants carry professional liability insurance, which gives you a financial backstop if an error causes loss.
Clear accountability
The consultant remains responsible for the staff and agents who handle your file.
Easy verification
You can check the licence, status and public discipline record on the CICC register before you pay.
Five risks of using an unlicensed consultant
It is illegal
Charging for immigration advice or representation without authorization is an offence in Canada.
No training standard
An unlicensed agent may know little about current rules, which leads to errors and refusals.
False promises
Agents who guarantee approval or take large payments and disappear put your money and file at risk.
No recourse
No regulator will take your complaint, and no insurance covers your loss.
Misrepresentation risk
Fraudulent documents filed in your name can lead to a ban from Canada. Read about misrepresentation.
Red flags that point to an unlicensed consultant
- Refuses to give a CICC licence number
- Guarantees approval or a 100 percent success rate
- Asks for a large payment with no written contract
- Works only through WhatsApp or social media
- Has no physical office address
- Pressures you to act at once
See how to confirm our own status on the accreditations page.
Why clients choose Amir Ismail & Associates
Amir Ismail (RCIC R412319) and Rijah Amir (RCIC-IRB R731353) are licensed by the CICC. We have worked with clients since 1991 from offices in Toronto, Dubai and Karachi. Learn about the firm or meet the team.
What our clients say
See our 1,000+ verified Google reviews: Toronto HQ (89 reviews) | Karachi (970+ reviews) | Dubai (51 reviews)
Common questions about licensed consultants
Can I apply on my own without a consultant?
Yes, you can. A licensed consultant helps you pick the right program, submit complete documents and avoid errors that cause delays or refusals.
How much does a licensed consultant cost?
Fees depend on the complexity of your case, and a licensed consultant gives you a written fee agreement before work starts. Very low fees can signal an unlicensed operator.
What if my consultant makes a mistake?
Licensed consultants carry professional liability insurance, and you can file a complaint with the CICC. Unlicensed agents give you no such route.
Can a licensed consultant guarantee approval?
No. IRCC makes the final decision, so anyone who guarantees approval is misleading you.
How do I check a consultant licence?
Search the consultant name on the public register of the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants. Check that the licence is active and read any public discipline record.
Take the next step with a licensed consultant
Book a Strategy Consultation and speak with a licensed RCIC. Ask for our licence numbers and check them yourself.
Amir Ismail is a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC R412319) who has been associated with the immigration consulting industry since 1991.
Last updated: October 2026. Source: IRCC.
