New Immigration Fraud Penalties: What Applicants Should Know

Choosing someone to assist with your Canadian immigration application is an important decision. Before paying for advice, take time to confirm who you are dealing with.

On October 28, 2026, Canada announced new penalties for people who break the rules when providing paid immigration or citizenship advice. These measures apply to both authorized representatives and people providing paid services without authorization.

Penalties include $5,000 for unauthorized paid advice or representation and $15,000 for knowingly providing false or misleading information, or assisting an applicant to do so. Additional and repeat violations can increase penalties, with a combined maximum of $1.5 million.

Before you hire a representative:

• Verify an immigration consultant through the CICC Public Register: https://register.college-ic.ca/

• Be cautious of guaranteed approvals, promises of faster processing or pressure to pay immediately.

• Read your agreement carefully and keep copies of your documents and receipts.

• Never agree to submit information you know is false.

IRCC warns that dishonest information can have serious consequences for applicants, even when someone else advised them to provide it.

At Borama Immigration Consulting, we encourage applicants to ask questions and understand their options before proceeding. Our consultations are offered online.

This article provides general information as of November 4, 2026, not advice for an individual case. Requirements and policies may change. No representative can guarantee an immigration outcome.

Official sources:

October 28 IRCC announcement: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/news/2026/10/new-penalties-for-fraudulent-and-unauthorized-immigration-and-citizenship-representatives.html

IRCC fraud-prevention guidance: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/news/2026/02/spot-stop-report-taking-action-against-immigration-fraud.html