This article is part of a series designed to provide a better understanding of the profession and address topics raised at the 2022 Inaugural General Meeting (IGM).
The College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants Act (College Act) states the purpose of the College is to regulate immigration and citizenship consultants in the public interest and to protect the public. The College establishes and administers qualification standards, standards of practice and continuing education requirements and programs for licensees.
The table below explains how the College (the professional regulatory body) differs from CAPIC (the professional association). (See elsewhere in this Bulletin for an article by Dory Jade, CEO of CAPIC.)
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College
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CAPIC |
The College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants is a statutory authority with powers set out in the College of Immigration and
Citizenship Consultants Act, the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, and the Citizenship Act. |
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The Canadian Association of Professional Immigration Consultants (CAPIC) is a not-for-profit immigration practitioner association established in 2005 and governed by the Canada Not-for-profit Corporations Act. |
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| Protects and promotes the public interest by regulating the practice of the profession (RCICs and RISIAs). |
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Protects and promotes the professional interests of CAPIC members, and by extension, the entire profession. |
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Recognized voice of immigration and citizenship consultants in Canada by the Government of Canada, the College, and their stakeholders.
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| Establishes and administers qualification standards, standards of practice and continuing education requirements and programs for licensees. |
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Supports, leads, and protects the interests of the profession (RCICs) by advocating to various levels of government, policymakers and other stakeholders (including the College) through submissions, CIMM presentations, and direct stakeholder meetings. |
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| Individuals must become licensed to be authorized to practise. |
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Membership is voluntary (Learn more) |
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| Investigates complaints about licensees and disciplines licensees as required. |
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In addition to abiding by the Code of Professional Conduct, CAPIC members must follow CAPIC’s Code of Conduct and Ethics. Compliance may be enforced by disciplinary membership actions. |
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| Provides guidance to licensees and oversees compliance with the Code of Professional Conduct, College Act, By-laws and regulations. |
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Provides professional development, networking and business enhancing services to its members (CPD, industry forums, NCIC, EPP, MyConsultant.ca, IMMeFile, Foundation Summary review course, IRB Prep). |
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| Maintains a public register which contains information about licensed RCICs and RISIAs and their status. |
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Promotes using RCICs/CAPIC members to the public through online directory and information centre: https://www.myconsultant.ca/EN/Consultants |
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| Licensees are required to prioritize client interests and the public interest over personal interests. |
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Empowers CAPIC members through membership services and initiatives to provide the highest level of service to their clients. |