The college is now the official regulator of immigration and citizenship advisors across the country. All Immigration consultants must have a valid license from the college to work with immigration affairs. Immigration Consultants celebrates the opening of the College of Immigration and Citizenship as a new accredited federal regulatory body on November 23, 2021. The new college has a mandate to protect the public and strengthen the Canadian immigration system. The college is licensed and granted full investigative authority to investigate professional misconduct and discipline licensees to ensure greater accountability and increase public confidence. The College regulates Immigration and Citizenship Advisers under the College of Immigration and Citizenship Advisers Act. It has new powers and tools to investigate professional misconduct and discipline consultants. The college can also protect the public from unlicensed consultants through entering the consultant’s headquarters to collect information for the investigation

• Forcing witnesses to come and testify before the Disciplinary Committee
• Request court orders to address unauthorized entities that provide advice on immigration or citizenship without permission

New higher standards have also been introduced for consultants. Going forward, completion of the new competency-based Postgraduate Diploma program will be the only way for aspiring advisors, who must already hold a bachelor’s degree, to enter the profession. The College regulated consultants shall accomplish annual required courses to continue the professional development requirements and their annual practice assessment. The new college is an essential part of the government’s efforts to combat fraud in the Canadian immigration system. It builds on significant actions over the past few years, including anti-fraud investment and new educational tools to help applicants identify fraudulent activity. It also fulfills the mandate’s obligation to strengthen oversight, support the integrity of Canada’s immigration system, and protect all those who wish to come here. New higher standards have also been presented for consultants. Consequently, completion of the new competency-based Postgraduate Diploma program will be the only way for aspiring advisors, who must already hold a bachelor’s degree, to enter the profession. College licensees must also complete annual continuing professional development requirements and an annual practice assessment.