By: Shazia Nazir, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Milton Reporter
Milton residents are reacting to the federal government’s latest move to tighten oversight of immigration and citizenship consultants, saying the changes could offer much‑needed protection for newcomers in one of Canada’s fastest‑growing communities. With thousands of new families arriving in Halton Region each year, many rely on consultants to navigate complex immigration pathways, sponsorship applications and citizenship processes.
Some Milton residents say the new rules are overdue.
“People in our community have been taken advantage of for years by unlicensed or dishonest consultants,” said Milton resident Sana Qureshi.
“Newcomers trust these representatives with their future, so stronger oversight is absolutely necessary.”
Others say the changes will help restore confidence in a system that has long struggled with inconsistent standards and limited accountability.
The federal government announced this week that it is strengthening protections for people seeking immigration and citizenship advice by expanding the regulatory powers of the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants. The new regulations, unveiled by Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab, will take effect on July 15, 2026.
Under the changes, the College will be able to impose stronger penalties on consultants who break the rules and will be required to publish more detailed information on its public register beginning in April 2027. The government says this will help applicants identify legitimate consultants and avoid unauthorized representatives who often operate without oversight.
The regulations also introduce new reporting requirements for the College, clarify investigative procedures for misconduct cases and give the minister the authority to appoint someone to take over board duties if the College fails to meet its responsibilities. In addition, the government has established guidelines for the College’s compensation fund, which supports victims who suffer financial losses due to dishonest acts by consultants.
Minister Diab said the changes reflect the government’s commitment to protecting people who rely on immigration and citizenship advice.
“People looking to build their future in Canada deserve access to honest and reliable immigration and citizenship advice,” she said.
“They need to have confidence that our government is taking effective steps to improve integrity. These changes reflect our commitment to protecting applicants from fraud and misconduct, and to supporting a system where consultants are held to high standards.”
Kate Lamb, interim president and CEO of the College, said the new regulations will strengthen the tools available to the regulator and help ensure consultants continue to meet the highest professional standards. She said the College looks forward to finalizing supporting by‑laws and working with government partners to ensure the system remains transparent and accountable.
In Milton, where immigration continues to drive population growth, residents say the changes could have a direct impact on families navigating the system.
“I’ve seen neighbours lose thousands of dollars because they trusted someone who wasn’t even licensed,” said Milton resident Abdul Rahman.
“If these rules prevent even one family from going through that, it’s a step in the right direction.”
The federal government has been working to reform the sector for several years. The College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants was established in 2021 to regulate the profession, replacing the previous oversight body after widespread concerns about its effectiveness. The College operates independently and is funded entirely through fees paid by licensed consultants.
The draft regulations were first published in the Canada Gazette in December 2024, giving consultants, advocacy groups and legal experts an opportunity to provide feedback before the final rules were approved.
Advocates for newcomers say the new measures will not solve every issue but represent meaningful progress. They note that unauthorized consultants, often operating outside Canada, remain a challenge, and that public education is still needed to help applicants identify legitimate representatives.
Still, many believe the strengthened regulatory framework will help reduce fraud, improve accountability and give newcomers greater confidence as they navigate the immigration system. With Milton continuing to welcome new families from around the world, residents say the timing of the reforms could not be more relevant.
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