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Canada introduces new fines for false or unauthorized immigration and citizenship advice
New fines took effect Thursday, with a minimum $5,000 penalty for unauthorized immigration advice or representation and a minimum $15,000 penalty for knowingly giving false or misleading advice. The department says fines rise when false advice leads to an approved application or for repeat offences.
OTTAWA — Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has announced fines ranging from $5,000 to $1.5 million for people who provide false immigration advice or advice without proper authorization. The new fine policy takes effect today. The minimum fine is $5,000 for giving immigration advice without authorization or acting as a representative on an immigration application without authorization. Authorized advisers include lawyers and members of the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants.
The minimum fine for knowingly giving false or misleading immigration advice is $15,000. The department says fines will be higher when an application was approved based on false advice, and for repeat offences. A registry of people fined under the program is set to be established in 2027.
The Canadian Press first published this report on Oct. 28, 2026. David Baxter is the author.