The Role of Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs)
If you want to study, work or live in Canada, an RCIC can help and support you. Once you are in Canada, an RCIC can also help you with citizenship applications, family sponsorship applications, visitor visas, detention reviews, or study permits.
RCICs in Canada and around the world help by:
- Explaining immigration and citizenship options
- Choosing the best program for you
- Filling out and submitting your immigration or citizenship application
- Communicating with the Government of Canada on your behalf
- Representing you in an immigration or citizenship application or hearing*
*An RCIC must have an RCIC-IRB class of licence to represent you before the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada.
The Role of Regulated International Student Immigration Advisors (RISIAs)
A RISIA is an international student advisor (ISA) licensed by the College. RISIAs are employed in the Canadian education sector and can provide immigration advice to international students and their dependents about:
- Study permits
- Temporary resident visas
- Study permits related to other permits currently available in Canadian immigration programs
RISIAs are not authorized to represent you in an immigration or citizenship case or complete immigration forms for you. For these services, you will require an RCIC.
Standards for RCICs and RISIAs
All RCICs and RISIAs must meet the following standards to become licensees of the College and remain in good standing.
RCICs:
- Complete a graduate diploma program delivered by Queen’s University or the Université de Montréal or have completed the former Immigration Practitioner Program (IPP) by December 31, 2022
- Successfully pass the Entry-to-Practice Exam (RCIC EPE)
- Maintain a Professional Liability Insurance annually
- Complete mandatory Practice Management Education (PME) courses
- Complete 16 hours of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) every year
- Participate in a competency-based assessment process to identify competence gaps in their practice
- Comply with the Code of Professional Conduct
RISIAs:
-
Complete the International Students and Immigration Education Program (ISIEP) delivered by the Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE)
- Successfully pass the Entry-to-Practice Exam (RISIA EPE)
- Provide proof of Professional Liability Insurance annually
- Complete 6 hours of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) every year
- Participate in a competency-based assessment process to identify competence gaps in their practice
- Comply with the Code of Professional Conduct