How to Become an Immigration Consultant in Canada (federal)
Do you need a licence?
Licence required
You must be registered with the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants to work as an immigration consultant in Canada or to use a protected title.
- Protected titles
- Not listed in the sources checked
Show the source
“Anyone who provides Canadian immigration or citizenship advice or representation for a fee or for any other benefit (see below) must be: - A licensee in good standing of the College, - A member of a Canadian law society, or - A member of the Chambre des notaires du Québec.”
From college-ic.ca/protecting-the-public/who-needs-a-licence, checked October 10, 2026.
At a glance
- Licence status
- Licence required See the source
- Routes
- Not stated by the regulator Check with College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants
- Annual fees
- Not stated by the regulator Check with College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants
Your roadmap
The steps are not listed yet.
Check the current steps with College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants.
Requirements
Education
Applicants must meet all the academic requirements of the accredited Graduate Diploma Program offered by Queen's University and Université de Montréal and complete the program.
Source
“licensing applicants must meet the academic requirements of the accredited Graduate Diploma Program offered by Queen’s University and Université de Montréal; complete the Program; and successfully pass the Entry-to-Practice Exam.”
college-ic.ca/whats-on/news-insights/insight-on-entry-reqsRCICs must complete a graduate diploma program delivered by Queen's University or the Université de Montréal or an Immigration Practitioner Program.
Source
“Complete a graduate diploma program delivered by Queen’s University or the Université de Montréal or an Immigration Practitioner Program.”
college-ic.ca/protecting-the-public/working-with-an-immigration-con...
Good character
RCICs must comply with the Code of Professional Conduct.
Source
“Comply with a Code of Professional Conduct.”
college-ic.ca/protecting-the-public/working-with-an-immigration-con...
Other
Applicants must successfully pass the Entry-to-Practice Exam.
Source
“licensing applicants must meet the academic requirements of the accredited Graduate Diploma Program offered by Queen’s University and Université de Montréal; complete the Program; and successfully pass the Entry-to-Practice Exam.”
college-ic.ca/whats-on/news-insights/insight-on-entry-reqsCanadian citizenship or permanent residence is no longer required to be licensed as an RCIC.
Source
“These entry requirements no longer include Canadian citizenship or permanent residence (PR) to be licensed as a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) or a Regulated International Student Immigration Advisor (RISIA).”
college-ic.ca/whats-on/news-insights/insight-on-entry-reqsRCICs must complete mandatory Practice Management Education courses.
Source
“Complete mandatory Practice Management Education (PME) courses.”
college-ic.ca/protecting-the-public/working-with-an-immigration-con...RCICs must complete 16 hours of professional development every year.
Source
“Complete 16 hours of professional development every year.”
college-ic.ca/protecting-the-public/working-with-an-immigration-con...RCICs must participate in a competency-based assessment.
Source
“Participate in a competency-based assessment.”
college-ic.ca/protecting-the-public/working-with-an-immigration-con...
Already licensed in another province?
Not stated
The pages do not state how someone already licensed in another Canadian province or territory can register. Source
“All RCICs and RISIAs must meet the following standards to remain in good standing with the College.”
college-ic.ca/protecting-the-public/working-with-an-immigration-con...
Processing time: Not stated by the regulator Check with College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants
Credential assessment
Not stated by the regulator Check with College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants
Exams
-
Entry-to-Practice Exam
Source
“licensing applicants must meet the academic requirements of the accredited Graduate Diploma Program offered by Queen’s University and Université de Montréal; complete the Program; and successfully pass the Entry-to-Practice Exam.”
college-ic.ca/whats-on/news-insights/insight-on-entry-reqs -
Specialization Exam
Source
“RCICs with a Class L1 or Class L2 licence who complete the Specialization Program Education Pathway, and pass the Specialization Exam, can obtain the RCIC-IRB class of licence.”
college-ic.ca/whats-on/news-insights/specialization-program-registr... -
competency-based assessment
Source
“Participate in a competency-based assessment.”
college-ic.ca/protecting-the-public/working-with-an-immigration-con...
Language tests
Not stated by the regulator Check with College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants
Canadian experience
Not stated by the regulator Check with College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants
Supervised practice
Not stated by the regulator Check with College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants
Demand and pay
| Where | Low | Median | High | Outlook |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | $26.67 | $42.56 | $60.00 | — |
Immigration consultants in other provinces and territories
- British Columbia Not confirmed yet
- Alberta Not confirmed yet
- Saskatchewan Not confirmed yet
- Manitoba Not confirmed yet
- Ontario Not confirmed yet
- Quebec Not confirmed yet
- New Brunswick Not confirmed yet
- Nova Scotia Not confirmed yet
- Prince Edward Island Not confirmed yet
- Newfoundland and Labrador Not confirmed yet
- Yukon Not confirmed yet
- Northwest Territories Not confirmed yet
- Nunavut Not confirmed yet
Sources checked
- Who needs a licence? college-ic.ca/protecting-the-public/who-needs-a-licence · fetched October 9, 2026
- Insight on Entry Requirements college-ic.ca/whats-on/news-insights/insight-on-entry-reqs · fetched October 9, 2026
- Working with an Immigration Consultant college-ic.ca/protecting-the-public/working-with-an-immigration-con... · fetched October 9, 2026
- Specialization Program: Registration Reopens in August 2026 college-ic.ca/whats-on/news-insights/specialization-program-registr... · fetched October 9, 2026
Frequently asked questions
2
Do you need a licence to work as an immigration consultant in Canada?
Yes. A licence or certificate from the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants is required to work in Canada.
Which exams are required?
Entry-to-Practice Exam, Specialization Exam, competency-based assessment.
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