Canada tightens immigration rules, imposes fines of up to CAD 1.5 million: What it means for employers and applicants

Canada has introduced monetary penalties of up to CAD 1.5 million for violations involving unauthorised immigration and citizenship advice. The penalties also involve misrepresentation and deliberate submission of false or misleading information.

The new rules, which came into effect on October 28, 2026, apply to both authorised and unauthorised representatives providing paid immigration or citizenship services, according to a Fragomen report. The penalties also cover individuals operating outside Canada.

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Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will also publish the names of penalised representatives and details of their violations in a public registry expected to be launched in 2027, on its official website.

What do the new rules say?

Under the new framework, individuals providing paid immigration or citizenship advice or representation without proper authorisation can face a fine of CAD 5,000.

Also, individuals who knowingly provide false or misleading information on behalf of an applicant, or help an applicant submit such information, can face penalties of CAD 15,000.

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Additional penalties may apply if an immigration application is approved on the basis of false or misleading information. The amount of the penalty will depend on the seriousness and frequency of the violation, with the maximum amount reaching CAD 1.5 million for all violations combined.

The rules cover paid representatives, including licensed immigration consultants, lawyers and other authorised representatives, as well as those offering such services without the required authorisation.

What does this mean for employers and applicants?

Employers managing immigration processes internally have been advised to review the activities of their teams and assess whether they require an authorised representative.

Internal employees providing paid immigration advice or representation without the necessary authorisation could also face financial penalties and public disclosure of their violations.

Employers and foreign nationals have also been advised to verify the credentials and authorisation of their immigration representatives and ensure that all information submitted as part of an application is accurate.