Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCIC) are licensed immigration and citizenship professionals. They help clients who are seeking to visit, study, work or live in Canada. Furthermore, consultants may provide guidance on citizenship matters. RCIC-IRB are consultants that represent clients before the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada.
Canadian immigration consultants interview customers, review their documents, research laws, and policies, and advise on immigration, refugee, and citizenship matters. Further, they write submissions and represent clients before tribunal, federal and provincial governments.
In essence, immigration consultants charge for their professional time and expertise based on market value.
Depending on the complexity of the case consultants charge professional fees based on an hourly rate or a flat rate. The hourly rate varies between C$250 and C$500; however, most immigration consultants charge a fee of C$200 to C$300 per hour for an initial consultation. Depending on the service, fixed fees range from C$2,500 to C$45,000.
The College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC) is the national regulatory body. The regulator protects consumers by overseeing Canadian immigration consultants and international student advisors.
CICC sets strict requirements for consultants. Before consultants may practice, they must complete an education program, pass an exam, and meet other mandatory requirements. After licensing, they must comply with the regulations, policies and codes of CICC to ensure that they meet appropriate standards professional competence and conduct.
After completing the immigration practitioner program at the Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants (previous regulator), I became a student member of the Canadian Association of Professional Immigration Consultants to prepare myself for my future practice.
I passed the Full Skills Exam (now RCIC Entry-to-Practice Exam) on my first attempt and became a Canadian immigration consultant licensed by the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council, now the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants.
Since June 30, 2023, CICC regulates 11,749 RCIC world-wide.
The newly licensed Canadian immigration consultant must create a proper business and advertisement strategy to succeed. A junior RCIC should complete a business or marketing program to generate income fast. Most consultants get their clients through referrals, SEO, and Social Media.
Tips: Work on gaining expertise, experience, and a good reputation. Do not offer your services on a pro bono basis, if you need to work for a living. Set your fees and stick to them. Never negotiate your fees. Always get paid in advance. Cash flow is king! Otherwise, you will be out of business in no time.
The Canadian immigration industry is growing and maturing. Hence, the market is big. Every new RCIC should focus on what they love to practice. In my opinion, it is better to be a generalist rather than a specialist, versatile and adept at many areas. Diversification is key! If you want to thrive – not just survive.
Our Canadian immigration consultant can assist you on your journey to Canada while making the process easy for you. Call us today for answers to your Canadian immigration consulting questions. Alternatively, take our free assessment to find out whether you are eligible to come or move to Canada.
