Canada implements fines up to $1.5 million for immigration fraud

Canada has introduced new monetary penalties to combat misconduct by paid immigration and citizenship representatives. Effective October 28, 2026, the regulations target licensed consultants, lawyers, and unauthorized individuals providing paid advice.

Under the new rules, individuals providing unauthorized paid advice can face fines of $5,000, while those who knowingly submit false or misleading information—or assist applicants in doing so—can be fined $15,000. Total penalties for combined violations can reach up to $1.5 million per notice. The severity of the fine depends on the violation's consequences, any financial advantage gained, and the individual's history of prior offenses.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) stated that these measures apply to representatives regardless of whether they are operating within or outside of Canada. To increase transparency, the government plans to launch an online registry in 2027 that will publicly list the names of penalized individuals and the details of their violations.