The government today announced that Bill C-35 will come into force on July 1. On the same day the Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants (CSIC) will be replaced by the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC).
CSIC members will have 120 days to register with ICCRC, and may continue to represent clients until October 28, 2011. After that CSIC members will no longer be able to represent clients.
Bill C-35 intends to crack down crooked consultants and uphold the integrity of Canada’s immigration system. However, it remains to be seen how ICCRC may effectively regulate the consultants and protect consumers. The ICCRC website provides little information in this regard.