CICC The Monopoly
This is a follow up to my previous most – CICC – the myth.
Prior to the creation of the CICC, which regulate Registered Canadian Immigration Consultants, in order to be a certified immigration consultant, you had to be either a citizen or permanent resident of Canada. Of course, that created a lot of issues because it effectively excluded anyone that might reside in another country.
What is interesting is that when CICC was created, that citizenship/residence requirement was eliminated, but, not to be outdone, it was replaced by a different requirement that had the same effect
Now in order to be licensed an applicant must have completed a Graduate Degree program, which interestingly is offered by only two colleges – yes – you guessed it – located in Canada.
They don’t even try to suggest that there might be other options. The website of Queens College proudly states:
Canada’s only English-language pathway to becoming a licensed immigration consultant
And of course, the tuition for the program is a mere $15,176.
Prior to CICC there were numerous programs throughout Canada, full as well as part time, some even offering remote learning, where you could become qualified.
No more.
Unless you have the time and resources to attend one of the two available programs, to say nothing of having an extra $15,000, there is no way to become a Registered Immigration Consultant.
I would say that they have done an excellent job of creating a monopoly that effectively excludes the vast majority of people that in all fairness can do an excellent job of helping people apply for Canadian visas.