07/11/2026
They came recommended. They had reviews. Someone you trust used them before.
None of that makes them legal.
Only two types of people can legally charge you for immigration advice in Canada: RCICs licensed by the CICC, and lawyers in good standing with their law society. If someone doesn't show up in one of those registries, using them can get your application refused and get you banned from Canada for five years.
Not them. You.
What to check before you hire anyone: link in comments
General information only, not legal or immigration advice. For advice on your situation, consult an RCIC licensed by the CICC or a lawyer licensed with a provincial law society.
They came recommended. They had reviews. They had helped someone you knew personally. And everything looked completely legitimate -- right up until IRCC found them in your file.Unauthorized representatives are one of the most common problems I see in my practice. Not the obvious fraudsters operating...