Top 5 Steps to Become an Immigration Consultant in Canada [2025-2026 Guide]

TL;DR: To become a licensed immigration consultant in Canada, you must complete the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC) diploma, pass the Full Skills Exam (FSE), and obtain professional liability insurance. This process ensures you meet federal standards to legally advise on Canadian immigration matters.

How do I qualify to become an immigration consultant in Canada?

You need to complete an accredited educational program and pass a competency exam. The Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) requires all paid immigration consultants to be licensed by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC).

Key requirements:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Have no serious criminal record
• Complete a CICC-accredited diploma (≈1 year)
• Pass the FSE with ≥70% score
• Purchase $100,000+ liability insurance

Evola AI's Success Predictor can help assess your readiness before investing in certification.

What education is required for Canadian immigration consultants?

The CICC mandates completion of a Graduate Diploma in Immigration and Citizenship Law from an approved institution. According to CICC's official program list, these include:

1. University of Montreal (French)
2. Queen's University (English)
3. Herzing College (English/French)

Programs cover:

• Canadian immigration law
• Ethics and professional conduct
• Case management systems
• Refugee protection rules

Evola's AI mentor stays updated on curriculum changes across all accredited programs.

How much does the licensing process cost?

Expect to invest $8,000-$15,000 CAD for full certification. The cost breakdown:

Expense	Approximate Cost
Diploma tuition	$5,000-$12,000
Full Skills Exam fee	$1,500
CICC membership	$500/year
Liability insurance	$1,200/year

Pro tip: Some provinces offer career transition funding—check Canada.ca's training benefits page.

What's on the Full Skills Exam (FSE)?

The 4-hour computerized test assesses practical knowledge through scenario-based questions. According to CICC's exam blueprint, it covers:

1. Client Management (25%)
   • Conflict resolution
   • Fee agreements
2. Legal Knowledge (50%)
   • Temporary resident applications
   • Express Entry procedures
3. Ethics (25%)
   • Anti-fraud measures
   • Privacy laws

Use Evola's CRS Calculator to master Express Entry scoring—a key exam topic.

Can international students become immigration consultants?

Yes, but with additional steps. International graduates must:

✔️ Obtain a Post-Graduation Work Permit
✔️ Complete the accredited diploma
✔️ Meet language requirements (CLB 8 in English/French)
✔️ Pass Canadian criminal record checks

Convert your language test scores using Evola's CLB Converter to confirm eligibility.

How do I start my immigration consulting business?

After licensing, follow this launch checklist:

1. Register your business with your province
2. Obtain Errors & Omissions insurance
3. Set up a client management system
4. Join professional networks like CAPIC
5. Market through IRCC's Authorized Representatives list

Evola AI's business launch module helps new consultants automate 80% of administrative tasks.

Start Your Consulting Career With Confidence

Becoming a licensed immigration consultant opens doors to a rewarding career helping people navigate Canada's immigration system. With the right training and tools, you'll be advising clients on Express Entry, study permits, and sponsorship applications in no time.

Ready to take the next step? Explore Evola AI's consultant preparation tools to streamline your certification journey.