Why this matters in the UAE
A Khaleej Times investigation found more than 400 immigration fraud cases in the UAE in 2023, with victims losing an estimated Dh20 million, and named Canada as the most prominent destination targeted.
Who can legally charge you
Under Canadian law, anyone who charges a fee for advice or representation on a Canadian immigration application must be authorized. That means:
- A licensed member of the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC), such as a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC), or
- A lawyer or notary in good standing with a Canadian law society.
Helping someone without charging, as a friend or family member often does, is allowed. Charging without authorization is an offence in Canada, with fines of up to $100,000 and up to two years in prison on conviction by indictment.
How to check a consultant in under a minute
- Ask for their full name and their CICC registration number, which starts with R.
- Search the CICC public register at register.college-ic.ca.
- Confirm their status is active and they're entitled to practise.
- Make sure the name on the register matches the person who will actually handle your file, not just a name used by the agency.
- For a lawyer, check the relevant Canadian law society's directory. IRCC lists them on its authorized representatives page.
I'm Kevin Thibbles, RCIC-IRB Class 3, registration R713044. Search for me on the CICC register before you send me anything.
Red flags
- Guaranteed approval. No one can guarantee a Canadian visa. Only IRCC decides.
- A "job offer" for a fee, or a promise of permanent residence in a few months.
- Payment to a personal account or a money-transfer service, with no written agreement.
- Refusing to be named as your representative on the IRCC "Use of a Representative" form, or asking you to sign forms they've filled with information you haven't seen.
- Suggesting false documents or leaving out a past refusal. This can lead to a misrepresentation finding and a five-year bar.
- No licence number, or a number that doesn't match the register.
Frequently asked questions
Can a consultant based in Dubai legally help me with a Canadian visa?
They can charge you only if they're authorized under Canadian law: a licensed CICC member such as an RCIC, or a lawyer or notary in good standing with a Canadian law society. Location doesn't change this.
How do I check if an immigration consultant is licensed?
Search their name or registration number on the CICC public register at register.college-ic.ca. Their status should be active and they should be entitled to practise.
Is it illegal to pay an unlicensed consultant?
Under Canadian law, the offence is committed by the person who charges for advice or representation without authorization. You also risk your application, so it's always worth checking first.
Want a second opinion before you sign?
If someone has offered you a deal that sounds too good, send me the details. I'll tell you honestly whether it makes sense.
This guide is general information based on IRCC's published rules as of October 30, 2026. It isn't legal advice and doesn't assess any individual case. Rules, fees and processing times change, so please confirm current requirements on IRCC.ca.