RCIC (Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant)
An RCIC, or Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant, is a person licensed by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC) to give paid advice and represent clients in Canadian immigration and citizenship matters.
Why it matters
Canadian law allows only certain people to charge for immigration help: RCICs, lawyers and paralegals licensed by a Canadian provincial or territorial law society, and notaries in Quebec. Anyone else who charges a fee is an unauthorized representative, and IRCC can return or refuse applications filed through them.
Before paying anyone, check their name and license number on the public CICC register. RCICs with the RCIC-IRB class can also appear before the Immigration and Refugee Board. Your representative is named on form IMM 5476 (see IMM forms).
See how to verify a lawyer or consultant and scam protection.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check if an RCIC is licensed?
Search the public register on the CICC website by name or license number.
Is an RCIC the same as a lawyer?
No. RCICs are licensed consultants. Lawyers can also go to Federal Court on your behalf.
Do I need an RCIC to apply?
No. You can apply yourself; IRCC treats all applicants the same.
Official sources
- CICC: College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultantscollege-ic.ca
- IRCC: Use of a representativecanada.ca
General information, not legal advice. NorthAmericans.com is independent and not affiliated with any government.