Fraud Prevention

FRAUD PREVENTION

Navigating the complexities of the Canadian immigration process can be intricate, and authentic immigration consultants can offer valuable assistance. It is imperative to recognize that a bona fide consultant will prioritize your welfare, furnish transparent information, and navigate the immigration process with integrity.

However, it is essential to remain vigilant about identity theft involving legitimate regulated immigration consultants, which constitutes a concerning form of fraud. In this scheme, unauthorized individuals may exploit the reputation and credentials of genuine consultants by assuming their identity, employing their name, and even falsifying their license number. This fraudulent activity is designed to mislead clients into believing they are interacting with a legitimate consultant while engaging in unauthorized and potentially detrimental practices.

Clients must exercise awareness regarding this fraudulent activity and undertake requisite measures to authenticate the legitimacy of their consultant. It is imperative to verify that the consultant’s details align with the information on the official public register of the regulatory body. Any disparities or uncertainties should prompt clients to autonomously validate the consultant’s identity by directly contacting the College.

It is crucial for clients to maintain prudence and vigilance throughout their immigration process. Interaction exclusively with bona fide and authorized consultants guarantees the provision of precise guidance, ethical representation, and safeguarding against potential identity theft-related schemes.

The regulatory body entrusted by the Canadian government with the responsibility of overseeing the activities of and Regulated International Student Immigration Advisors (RISIAs) is the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants. The College’s role, authority, and powers are defined by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants Act of Canada. Its mandate encompasses the establishment and enforcement of licensing, educational, and ethical standards within the profession to safeguard the public interest.

Any individual offering Canadian immigration or citizenship services, whether within the country or internationally, is required to obtain a license from the College in accordance with legal provisions.

The aspiration for an improved life and increased opportunities in Canada has prompted numerous individuals to engage the services of immigration consultants. While there are authentic professionals in this field, the presence of fraudulent entities seeking to capitalize on the aspirations of prospective immigrants is a concern. To safeguard clients from potential exploitation, exercising caution during the selection of an immigration consultant is imperative.

The paramount concern for our organization “[Company Name]” as well as “the College”, is the well-being of our clients, as emphasized throughout official communications. Consequently, strict adherence to the prescribed procedure for identifying authorized Canadian immigration consultants and verifying their credibility is a crucial undertaking. This is particularly vital due to the prevalence of fraudulent activities, such as the impersonation of immigration consultants, within this domain.

How to verify the status of our licensed immigration consultant

The only individuals permitted to provide counsel or advocacy concerning Canadian immigration or citizenship in return for remuneration (or any form of benefit) are:

• • • Certified professionals in a good standing with the College,
    • Members of a recognized legal association in Canada, or
    • Members of the Chambre des notaires du Québec.

Stated more succinctly, unless someone is a lawyer or notary, they must hold a valid license from the College to operate as a consultant for Canadian immigration or citizenship matters.

To verify our consultant’s licensing status with the College, refer to the College’s online Public Register

College’s Code of Professional Conduct.

Licensed Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) have affirmed their competency and ethical capability through adherence to established standards, thereby ensuring their proficiency in providing assistance. Moreover, they are duty-bound to engage in yearly educational pursuits as mandated by the College’s Continuing Professional Development programs.

In contrast, unlicensed practitioners possess limited knowledge in immigration matters and are not bound by a Code of Professional Conduct.

Adherence to precise ethical standards, as outlined in the “College’s Code of Professional Conduct,” is paramount for both regulated consultants and their clients.

BEWARE OF THE FOLLOWING

• • Providing false or deceptive information in your immigration application constitutes “misrepresentation.”
  • Conviction of misrepresentation results in a five-year prohibition from submitting applications to Canada.
  • This misrepresentation record will be integrated into your immigration history, potentially impacting your eligibility for future Canadian applications.
  • If the representative encourages dishonesty in your application, it is advisable to lodge a complaint with the College.