Canada introduces $1.07m penalties for immigration fraud, unauthorised services

Canada has introduced new financial penalties of up to CAD1.5 million (approximately US$1.07 million) for immigration consultants and other representatives who provide paid services without authorization or knowingly submit false information on behalf of applicants.

The measures, which took effect on October 28, 2026, are part of the Canadian government’s efforts to tackle immigration fraud, protect applicants from exploitation and strengthen oversight of paid immigration and citizenship services.

According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the penalties apply to both licensed and unlicensed representatives, including immigration consultants, lawyers and other individuals providing paid immigration or citizenship advice or representation.

The rules also cover representatives operating outside Canada.

Under the new framework, individuals who provide paid immigration or citizenship advice or representation without the required authorization can face a penalty of CAD5,000.

Those who knowingly provide false or misleading information on behalf of an applicant, or assist in submitting such information, can face penalties of CAD15,000.

Additional penalties may apply where an application is approved based on false or misleading information. The amounts can increase depending on the seriousness and frequency of the violations, with combined penalties reaching a maximum of CAD1.5 million.

The Canadian government said the measures would also allow authorities to publish the names of representatives penalized for misconduct, alongside details of their violations.

The public registry is expected to become operational in 2027, following the issuance of the first penalties.

Canada’s Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Lena Metlege Diab, said the new measures were designed to ensure that people seeking to build a future in the country receive reliable immigration and citizenship advice.

She said the rules would help protect applicants from fraud and misconduct while holding those who violate the law accountable.

The changes could affect immigration agents and agencies operating in Nigeria and other countries that provide paid services to people seeking Canadian study permits, work permits, permanent residency or citizenship.

Nigerians seeking immigration assistance have been advised to verify the credentials of their representatives before paying for services.

Paid immigration consultants must be licensed by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants, while lawyers must be authorized members of the relevant Canadian law society. Notaries in Quebec may also provide authorized immigration services.

The government has also reminded applicants that they remain responsible for the accuracy of information submitted on their behalf, even when they use an immigration representative.

The new penalties form part of Canada’s broader efforts to strengthen the integrity of its immigration system and prevent applicants from being exploited by dishonest or unauthorized service providers.