What Is an RCIC?
If you're navigating the complex world of Canadian immigration, you may have heard about RCIC licenses but aren't sure what they mean. RCIC stands for Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant—these professionals are authorized and regulated by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC), formerly known as ICCRC to provide immigration advice and representation. Choosing a properly licensed Registered Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC), is crucial to ensuring your immigration case is handled professionally and effectively.
What’s the difference between RCIC and CICC?
- RCIC stands for Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant, referring to a licensed individual who provides immigration services.
- CICC, or the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants, is the national regulatory body that licenses and governs RCICs in Canada. In other words, an RCIC is the professional, and CICC is the authority that oversees their licensing, ethical standards, and ongoing compliance. When searching for immigration help, always make sure the consultant is a valid RCIC listed in the official CICC public register of authorized RCICs.
Types of RCIC Licenses: L1, L2, and IRB-L3
RCIC licenses come in several levels, primarily L1, L2, and IRB-L3. Understanding these distinctions can help you select the best consultant for your specific immigration needs.
What Are L1 and L2 RCIC Licenses?
- L1 License: The basic license allowing consultants to advise and represent clients in most immigration matters, including visa applications, permanent residency, work permits, and study permits.
- L2 License: Includes all the rights of an L1 license plus the ability to represent clients in immigration hearings before the Immigration Appeal Division (IAD).
What is the IRB?
The Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB) is Canada’s largest independent administrative tribunal. It makes decisions on immigration appeals, refugee protection claims, and other related matters. Only RCICs who hold the IRB-L3 license are authorized to represent clients before the IRB, especially in refugee hearings or appeals.
What is the IRB-L3 License?
The RCIC-IRB-L3 license is an advanced certification that authorizes consultants to represent clients before the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada. This includes refugee protection claims and appeals, a sensitive area that demands extensive knowledge and experience.
Comparison Table of RCIC Licenses for Immigration Consultants:
| License Level | Scope of Authority | Can Represent at IRB? |
|---|---|---|
| RCIC – L1 | Entry-level license for new RCICs under supervision. | ❌ |
| RCIC – L2 | Includes all rights of L1 plus ability to represent clients before Immigration Appeal Division (IAD). | ❌ |
| RCIC – IRB – L3 | Full license plus authorization to represent clients before the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB). | ✔ |
Why This Matters for Your Immigration Case Choosing the right license level matters especially if your case involves:
- A refused application that you wish to appeal
- A refugee claim
- A deportation or admissibility issue
- A CBSA detention
- Hiring a consultant without the proper IRB authorization for IRB cases can lead to delays or legal complications.
How to Verify a Canadian Immigration Consultant’s License?
Always verify your consultant’s credentials on the official CICC register: https://register.college-ic.ca
Look up their name or license number.
Check their license level (L1, L2, or L3)
Confirm IRB authorization if your case requires it.
As you can see on the screenshot below from CICC, you can search by Name, Last Name, or Company Name. Once you find your consultant, make sure to check their License Type and confirm that the field “Entitled to practise” shows “Yes.” If it shows “No,” it means the consultant may no longer be qualified to practice for one of the following reasons:
- Their license has expired or was not renewed.
- They have voluntarily resigned or withdrawn from the College.
- They are under suspension due to disciplinary action.
- They have been revoked or terminated by the CICC for misconduct or non-compliance.
- They are currently under investigation or review.
Always make sure your consultant is active and authorized to practise, especially if your case involves sensitive issues like appeals or refugee claims.
Use Lexiways to Find Trusted RCICs and Other Licensed Immigration Professionals.
At Lexiways.com, our platform helps you: View verified RCIC profiles Filter by license level (L1, L2, L3) Read client reviews Compare fees and experience**, and view the AI score for each RCIC. Start your search today on Lexiways to compare verified RCICs and immigration consultants 👉 https://lexiways.com/lawyers/
What You Need to Know About Immigration Lawyers and Consultants
Choosing the right professional to represent your immigration case is crucial. Whether you hire an RCIC-licensed consultant or an immigration lawyer (licensed by a provincial law society), always verify their credentials and ensure they have the appropriate authorization for your specific case. This ensures you receive expert guidance tailored to your immigration needs.
At Lexiways, we connect you with fully verified and licensed RCIC consultants to help you find the right professional for your immigration journey.