Practice Management Education

The Practice Management Education (PME) program provides Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) with the competency-based education, tools and resources they need to maintain a competent practice and ensure public protection.

 

As an RCIC, you must complete the required PME courses within 12 months of obtaining your licence as an RCIC. 

PME courses are based on our Essential Competencies for RCIC Practice. They will help you understand how to adhere to the Code of Professional Conduct, the Regulations, and the By-laws.

Course Delivery

Our PME program is delivered online in Eastern Standard, Pacific Standard, and Atlantic Standard time zones.

Fee

There is no cost for you to take PME courses offered by the College.

Deadlines

Registration for PME courses closes 7 calendar days before the scheduled start date.



Course Summaries

Course

Description

Course Details
 Agents

This course is designed to familiarize you with the College’s definition of an agent. This will, in turn, promote a better understanding of what working with an agent looks like and provide clarity on the roles and responsibilities of an agent. Additionally, the course explores the Agents Regulation to enhance knowledge about the principles of working with an agent and how best to manage a professional relationship. 

Who: Mandatory if you became an RCIC after May 1, 2018. 

NOTE: If you became an RCIC before May 1, 2018, you must also take this course if:

  • You have not previously taken the Agents course, and you now plan to work with an agent or immigration agency.

Delivery Method: Online 
Approximate Course Hours: 3 

NOTE: This course is required before registering an agent with the College.
 Client Account This course is designed to familiarize you with the Client Account Regulation in order to provide support in meeting the requirements with respect to creating and using the client account. You will also be introduced to the College’s monthly reconciliation requirements which will help equip you with the knowledge, skills and attitude necessary to be effective when it comes to handling client money. 

 Who: Mandatory for all RCICs 
Delivery Method: Online 
Approximate Course Hours: 6 
Client File Management This course aims to provide support in organizing, maintaining, and safekeeping client records. Additionally, you will have an opportunity to strengthen your understanding of the Client File Management Regulation, explore a variety of client record-keeping systems, and challenge yourself to decide what organizational approach best suits your practice.  Who: Mandatory for all RCICs 
Delivery Method: Online 
Approximate Course Hours: 3.5 
Complaints and Professional Conduct 

This course is designed to promote consumer protection and compliance with professional standards to help you handle complaints professionally, increase your awareness of the most common complaints received by the College, and to understand the role of our complaints process.  
It also: 

  • Provides an overview of the College’s complaints process 
  • Explores various complaint prevention strategies 
  • Examines how to respond to complaints once a  client has submitted a formal complaint (s. 29, Code) 

Who: Mandatory for all RCICs 
Delivery Method: Online 
Approximate Course Hours: 3.5 

NOTE: If you completed the previous version of this course, “Complaints & Professional Standards”, you are not required to take this course.
Developing the RCIC and Client Relationship  This course uses a scenario-based approach to support you in providing quality service when entering into, managing, and concluding the relationship with the client. You will review the College’s requirements with respect to the RCIC/client relationship, explore various techniques and strategies for approaching the relationship, and practise using some of these strategies in the context of real-life situations.  Who: Mandatory for all RCICs 
Delivery Method: Online 
Approximate Course Hours: 6 
Ethical Practice  This course is designed to enable you to identify ethical dilemmas and apply a decision-making process to reach an ethical decision. Group discussion is used throughout the course to foster cooperation and to allow you to explore real-life ethical dilemmas and ethical responses.  Who: Mandatory for all RCICs 
Delivery Method: Online 
Approximate Course Hours: 3.5 
Managing an Immigration Consulting Practice 

This course is designed to help you start your immigration consulting practice, maintain competency, and building goodwill and reputation.  

Throughout the course, you will: 

  • Examine the College’s requirements for managing an immigration consulting practice 
  • Listen to the experiences of 4 practising RCICs putting these requirements into action 
  • Get access to resources that may assist you in your immigration consulting practice. 

Who: Mandatory if you became an RCIC after March 1, 2013 and own an immigration consulting practice (for example, a sole proprietorship, corporation, etc.).  

Delivery Method: Online 
Approximate Course Hours: 6 

NOTE: If you were previously registered as an employee, and you changed your status to “owner of an immigration consulting practice”, you must complete this course within 90 days of the change.
Planned or Unplanned Absence  This course is designed to familiarize you with the Planned or Unplanned Absence Regulation and provide support to better understand the requirements pertaining to different types of absence.  Additionally, the course explores the contingency plan, designate selection and the business continuity plan requirements. 

Mandatory if you own an immigration consulting practice (for example, a sole proprietorship or corporation) or you are an employee of an immigration agency. 
Delivery Method: Online 
Approximate Course Hours: 5 

NOTE: If you were previously registered as an employee, but you changed your status to “owner of an immigration consulting practice”, you must complete this course within 90 days of the change.
Service Agreement  This course is designed to familiarize you with the Retainer/Service Agreement Regulation and to enhance your knowledge about the principles of developing a comprehensive retainer/service agreement. By attending this interactive course, you will have an opportunity to apply your knowledge and complete a mock retainer/service agreement.  Who: Mandatory for all RCICs 
Delivery Method: Online 
Approximate Course Hours: 6 

Register for PME Courses

To register for a course, login to the College Portal. Pay close attention to which courses are required for you and your situation.

Required for all RCICs

 

Client Account

Retainer Agreement

Client File Management

Ethical Practice

Developing the RCIC and Client Relationship

Mandatory if you did not take the now-retired “Complaints and Professional Standards” course
Complaints and Professional Conduct

Mandatory if you became an RCIC after May 1, 2018

NOTE: If you became an RCIC before May 1, 2018, you must also take this course if:

  • You have not previously taken the Agents course, and

  • You now plan to work with an agent or immigration agency.

If this is the case, you must complete the course before working with an agent or immigration agency.
Agents

Mandatory if you became an RCIC after March 1, 2013 and own an immigration consulting practice (for example, a sole proprietorship or corporation)

NOTE: If you were previously registered as an employee, but you change your status to “owner of an immigration consulting practice,” you must complete this course within 90 days of the change.
Managing an Immigration Consulting Practice

Mandatory if you own an immigration consulting practice (for example, a sole proprietorship or corporation) or you are an employee of an immigration agency

NOTE: If you were previously registered as an employee of an entity other than an immigration agency, but you change your status to “owner of an immigration consulting practice” or “employee of an immigration agency,” you must complete this course within 90 days of the change.
Planned or Unplanned Absence


How PME Courses Work

According to your obligation under the PME Regulation, you must register for mandatory courses.

As a new RCIC you must complete at least 1 mandatory PME course within 3 months of becoming a licensee. Then, within 1 year, you must complete all remaining mandatory courses. You may take non-mandatory courses as needed.

Registration for PME courses closes 7 calendar days before the scheduled start date.

When you have successfully registered for a course, you will receive a confirmation email.




Questions


For more information, contact pme@college-ic.ca