What happens once a complaint or investigation begins?

You will receive notice of the issues and a records request with deadlines. A clear, well-organized response can lead to early closure; disorganized or incomplete replies tend to prolong or escalate the matter.

What does “Process” mean in my defence?

Process means making sure the College follows its own rules and timelines—proper notice, realistic deadlines, disclosure, and a fair chance to respond. If corners are cut, we ask for adjustments or limits to protect you from unfair outcomes.

What does “Evidence” mean in my defence?

Evidence is the paper trail: clear service agreements, accurate ledgers, and communications with clients. When your records are clean and complete, we can show responsible practice and resolve misunderstandings before they become findings.

Insurance, Lending & Finance Regulatory Defense, OntarioCICC Complaints - Defending Immigration Consultants

Q: What triggers a CICC complaint or investigation?

Because the College’s core mandate is public protection, almost every complaint that meets intake criteria is reviewed and investigated. Beyond client complaints, the CICC can initiate its own-motion investigations based on tips, regulator referrals, advertising sweeps, audit findings, or patterns seen across files.

Q: What outcomes are possible?

Outcomes range from no action or education to terms, suspension, or—rarely—revocation. Strong documentation and targeted remediation materially improve results.

As a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC), your work demands precision, integrity, and strict compliance with professional standards. Allegations of misconduct or CICC complaint can quickly place your license, your practice, and your reputation at risk. At Tamir Litigation, we provide skilled, strategic legal defence for immigration consultants facing investigation or discipline by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC).

How We Defend RCICs Facing CICC Complaints and Investigations

We provide guidance in responding to complaints and regulatory correspondence

Representation in interviews, audits, and investigations
Preparation of written responses and mitigation submissions
Representation at disciplinary hearings before the Complaints Committee or Discipline Committee
License reinstatement applications and appeal processes
Risk management and compliance consultation for ongoing practice

We also represent consultants who are facing immigration fraud allegations or who are named in IRCC ivestigations related to client matters.

Why Work With Us?

Deep understanding of immigration practice and regulatory structure
Experience handling professional discipline matters before CICC and other regulatory bodies
Results-driven advocacy focused on protecting your ability to practice
Confidential, discreet handling of sensitive matters

Our Scope of Work Includes the Following:

CICC investigations and disciplinary hearings
Breach of the CICC Code of Professional Conduct
Failure to maintain documentation or provide accurate disclosures
Misrepresentation or negligence in client filings
Advertising or marketing violations
Unauthorized practice concerns or conflict of interest allegations
Application refusals due to professional conduct history

Even unintentional mistakes or poor communication can lead to serious professional consequences, including suspension or revocation of your license.

f.a.q.

You have questions. wE have answers.

What triggers a CICC complaint or investigation?

Because the CICC’s core mandate is public protection, almost every complaint that meets intake criteria is reviewed and investigated . Beyond client complaints, the CICC can initiate its own-motion investigations based on tips, referrals (e.g., from IRCC or other regulators), advertising/website sweeps, audit findings, or patterns seen across files.

Can the CICC investigate me without a client complaint?

Yes. The Registrar can open an investigation proactively if credible information suggests risk to the public. Think irregular advertising claims, billing or/ and delegation problems, repeated refund issues, or concerns flagged by another regulator.

What happens once CICC begins investigation?

You’ll receive notice of the issues and a records request with deadlines. Your response, organized, factual, and complete, often determines whether the matter is closed early, escalated to further investigation, or referred to discipline.

Why is early legal help important?

Early on counsel will narrow the scope, protect privileged material, and prevent avoidable admissions. A sloppy or argumentative first reply can harden the case against you or even encourage CICC add issues to investigate further.

What defence strategy do you use?

Three pillars: overseeing the process (ensure fairness and reasonable timelines), evidence (clean ledgers, client agreements, communications, refunds), and remediation (concrete fixes that show risk reduction). This combination often leads to cautionary or educational outcomes rather than harsh sanctions.

What outcomes are possible?

No action, caution/education, terms/conditions, suspension, or (rarely) revocation. Strong documentation and targeted remediation materially improve results.

Relevant Blog Posts:

RCIC, CICC, Immigration Consultants

CICC v Zaidi (2025 CICC 19): Job Selling, False PNP Filings, and Offshore “Agents” – Why This Case Matters for RCICs

CICC v Zaidi (2025 CICC 19) revokes an RCIC’s licence after five complaints revealed job-selling, a falsified Saskatchewan PNP filing, shifting eligibility advice, chronic non-communication, refund failures, and basic governance breaches with agents, retainers, files, and client accounts. The panel treated merely offering to procure employment for a fee as misconduct and condemned fabricated “relative” claims to inflate points. Sanctions include immediate revocation, a two-year bar, restitution of USD $24,290, a $15,000 fine, and $46,740 in costs. The case underscores that competence, candour, and compliant systems are non-negotiable for RCICs.

by annatamir

on Oct 2

RCIC, CICC, Immigration Consultants

CICC Interim Suspensions: What the Sharma-Singh Case Teaches Immigration Consultants

In CICC v. Sharma-Singh (2025 CICC 21), the Discipline Committee imposed an interim suspension on a consultant facing 13 complaints, including job selling, bounced cheques, and non-cooperation. The Panel stressed that interim suspensions are not about proving misconduct but about protecting the public from risk. Missing retainers, false promises, and ties to “ghost consultants” created serious concerns. The decision confirms that honesty cannot be supervised, refunds after complaints may be interference, and job selling is a red-line violation likely to result in revocation.