Specialization Program

The Specialization Program

The Specialization Program provides Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) with the required knowledge, skills and judgment to practise before the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB) safely and ethically in the public interest. The program is based on the Essential Competencies for RCIC Practice.

To obtain the RCIC-IRB class of licence, licensees who did not complete a Graduate Diploma Program are required to:

• Complete the Education Pathway, and
• Pass the Specialization Exam.

Licensees who complete both requirements are eligible to obtain an RCIC-IRB class of licence. As of July 1, 2023, this licence class authorizes RCICs to practise before the IRB.

For more information, read the Eligibility to Obtain The RCIC-IRB Class of Licence Policy.

If you have other questions about the Specialization Program, contact sp-ps@college-ic.ca.

Program Pathways

Both the PLAR and Hybrid pathways have been discontinued.

The Education Pathway is the only Specialization Program pathway available to obtain the RCIC-IRB class of licence.

How to apply

Registration opening dates for the 2024 schedule:

• April 9, 2024 for licensees re-enrolling to continue the program.
• April 16, 2024 for licensees applying for the first time.

Note: All English courses in the Specialization Program Education Pathway for the 2024 schedule are full. The College is working to add additional courses, which will be posted here on the College website. Please re-apply once the new date options are available. Applications for French Groups remain open with limited spaces.

To  apply, complete the Specialization Program Pathway Application Form and pay the invoiced registration fee before the Pathway Application Deadlines. You are encouraged to register as early as possible, as spaces are limited.

Before indicating your preferred group in the application form, review the Course and Live Tutorial Dates Schedule. Tutorial attendance is mandatory and there are no make up dates available. Please check the schedule carefully, as some groups do not include all 5 Specialization Program Education Pathway courses.

For questions about the Specialization Program or to request an assessment accommodation, contact sp-ps@college-ic.ca.

How to obtain your RCIC-IRB class of licence

Once you complete the Specialization Program, register for the Specialization Exam. You will be issued the RCIC-IRB class of licence if you pass the exam, maintain good standing with the College and meet all licensee requirements.

 The College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants is not affiliated with and does not endorse any external exam preparatory courses or programs.