Ontario has announced legislation to regulate immigration consulting, aiming to safeguard newcomers from fraud and exploitation. The province, which receives 43% of all immigrants to Canada, is the third to implement such measures, following Quebec and Saskatchewan. By 2025, Ontario is expected to welcome approximately 173,000 immigrants across various permanent immigration programs.
The new law will complement federal oversight of immigration consulting, managed by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC).
Established in 2021, the CICC oversees over 12,000 licensed consultants nationwide, though the system has faced challenges, including thousands of unresolved complaints.
Immigration consulting regulation falls under a shared jurisdiction between the federal and provincial governments, as defined by the Constitution Act, of 1867. While Ottawa enforces licensing for consultants working on federal programs, provinces have the authority to impose additional requirements for consultants handling provincial nominee programs (PNPs).
Ontario’s Provincial Nominee Program (OINP) allows the province to nominate candidates for permanent residence under economic immigration categories. With the federal government focusing on reducing provincial nominations by 55 percent in 2025, provinces are playing an increasingly critical role in guiding immigrants through complex pathways to permanent residency. This has heightened concerns about the risks of fraud and exploitation for immigrants navigating these processes.
In Quebec, stricter criteria, including language requirements, have been added for consultants, reflecting the province’s distinct immigration priorities. Immigration lawyers, regulated by provincial law societies, also contribute to the landscape, further complicating the regulatory framework for newcomers.
As provinces move to regulate immigration consulting, collaboration with Ottawa will be essential to avoid jurisdictional overlap and confusion. Effective enforcement and clear guidelines are needed to protect the public and ensure only qualified professionals represent immigrants. With increasing regulation, consultants and lawyers face additional compliance costs when operating in multiple provinces.
Ontario’s legislative move signals a growing provincial focus on strengthening the integrity of Canada’s immigration system, aiming to build trust and accountability for those seeking a new start in the country.
The post Ontario Introduces Immigration Consulting Regulation to Protect Newcomers appeared first on CI News | Latest Canada Immigration News.
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