The new measures, which took effect on October 28, 2026, allow authorities to impose combined financial penalties of up to CAD1.5 million, equivalent to approximately $1.07 million, on individuals found violating the country's immigration rules.

According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the regulations cover both authorised and unauthorised paid representatives, including immigration consultants, lawyers and other professionals. They also apply to individuals operating outside Canada.

Under the new framework, anyone found providing paid immigration or citizenship advice without the required authorisation could face a baseline penalty of CAD5,000.

Representatives who knowingly submit false or misleading information on behalf of applicants, or assist them in doing so, could face a baseline penalty of CAD15,000. Additional penalties may apply where an application is approved based on false information, while repeated violations could increase the total amount payable to as much as CAD1.5 million.

The Immigration Minister, Lena Metlege Diab, said the new measures were introduced to protect people seeking immigration and citizenship services from fraud and exploitation.

She explained that applicants deserve access to reliable advice and that individuals who break the law while providing paid immigration services would be held accountable.

The regulations could affect immigration agents serving Nigerian applicants interested in Canadian study permits, work permits and permanent residency, as the rules apply regardless of where the paid representative operates.

IRCC also plans to make the enforcement process more transparent by publishing the names of individuals penalised, alongside details of their violations. The public online registry is expected to become operational in 2027 after the first penalties have been issued.

The new framework also gives authorities inspection powers to examine relevant records and request documents from individuals providing paid immigration and citizenship services.

Representatives who receive a notice of violation will have 30 days to pay the penalty or request a formal review.

For Nigerians seeking Canadian immigration opportunities, the development highlights the importance of checking the professional credentials of anyone offering paid immigration assistance.

Immigration consultants must be members in good standing of the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC). Lawyers must belong to a Canadian provincial or territorial law society, while notaries in Quebec must be registered with the Chambre des notaires du Québec. Ontario paralegals may also qualify if they are members of the Law Society of Ontario.

IRCC has also reminded applicants that they remain responsible for the information contained in their applications, even when a representative prepares or submits the documents on their behalf.

Submitting false information or fraudulent documents can lead to an application refusal and a ban from entering Canada for at least five years, among other possible consequences.

The Canadian government said the new penalties form part of broader efforts to strengthen oversight of immigration services, discourage fraudulent practices and protect people seeking to move to the country.