ICCRC Takes Steps to Improve Consumer Protection

8/31/2011

As the regulatory body for immigration consultants, the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC/the Council) has introduced initiatives to help improve consumer protection.

A searchable database of all Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) is now available on the Council’s website.  This tool will allow the public to verify quickly that a person is authorized to provide immigration services.  The database is searchable by business name, city, partial street address, and first or last name.

Every name that comes up in the search results is a member of the Council and an RCIC.  The list also includes the names of all Agents working for an RCIC, no matter where they are located.  A message feature allows users to send a message directly to an immigration consultant through the website.

Additionally, a QR (Quick Response) code is available to members.  This code may be featured on business cards and other documentation and links directly to the membership list.  This makes the database even easier to access for anyone with a smart phone. 

Bill C-35 makes it an offence for anyone who is not an Authorized Representative to provide advice for a fee.  This searchable database provides consumers with readily-available tools that will help protect them from unauthorized providers of immigration services, who contravene the provisions of Canadian law.