Authorized representatives advise and act on issues concerning Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). Authorized representatives do not have special access to immigration-related programs and services, and no one can guarantee your application will be approved.
There are two types of immigration representatives: paid and unpaid.
Paid representatives
Paid representatives are qualified professionals who are accountable to their regulatory body and required to abide by strict ethical and professional rules designed to protect consumers.
Only the following people may charge a fee or receive any other type of payment to represent or advise you with a Canadian immigration proceeding or application:
- Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) or Regulated International Student Immigration Advisors (RISIAs) who are members in good standing of the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants
- Lawyers and paralegals who are members in good standing of a Canadian provincial or territorial law society
- Notaries who are members in good standing of the Chambre des notaires du Québec
Unpaid representatives
Unpaid third parties include family members, friends, and non-profit or religious organizations.
