On June 23, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced the launch of a new selection process to form a pool of qualified candidates for the board of directors of the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants. This board plays a central role in overseeing and regulating licensed immigration and citizenship consultants across the country.
The new selection process will ensure that future board appointments are made from a diverse, well-qualified, and transparent pool of candidates. This helps strengthen governance, promote fair representation, and support consistent regulatory standards for professionals, including immigration consultants in Winnipeg.
The College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants was established in 2021 as a statutory regulatory body. Its purpose is to monitor and oversee the conduct of immigration and citizenship consultants, ensuring they operate within a structured and ethical framework. The goal is to protect individuals and families navigating immigration and citizenship pathways from misinformation, negligence, and misconduct.
In many Canadian cities including Winnipeg individuals rely on consultants to help with permanent residency, family sponsorships, study permits, and refugee claims. Proper regulation ensures that immigration consultants in Winnipeg and elsewhere are trained, licensed, and held accountable.
By launching a public and merit-based selection process, the government signals a commitment to improving trust in Canada’s immigration advisory ecosystem. A well-functioning board allows for consistent oversight, responsible policy-making, and fair accountability values that benefit both professionals and clients.
For individuals interacting with immigration consultants in Winnipeg, this means enhanced protection and a higher degree of professionalism in the services they receive.
The college is governed by a nine-member board of directors. Of these:
This hybrid model balances external oversight with internal professional insight. The appointed members offer an independent perspective on regulatory matters, while elected consultants ensure the board remains grounded in current practice realities.
To prepare for future appointments, the IRCC is creating a candidate pool of qualified individuals. These candidates may not be appointed immediately, but will remain eligible for selection as board vacancies emerge.
The candidate pool also enables quicker transitions and consistent leadership, supporting stable governance that extends across all regions including the regulation of immigration consultants in Winnipeg.
To be considered for the board, interested individuals should consult the Notice of Appointment Opportunity available on the Government of Canada’s website. This official notice outlines:
Applicants typically must submit a detailed resume and cover letter outlining their governance experience and alignment with the college’s mission.
The selection process emphasizes transparency, diversity, and merit-based evaluation. Candidates from various professional backgrounds are encouraged to apply, particularly those who demonstrate the following:
Applicants should be familiar with principles of board oversight, organizational policy, and accountability. Understanding governance processes is essential to guiding the college’s strategic direction.
Candidates should be capable of interpreting legal frameworks and applying regulatory principles. This is particularly relevant in cases involving professional standards and discipline of consultants, including immigration consultants in Winnipeg.
Board members must assess complex matters objectively and without bias. Strong decision-making skills and ethical judgment are necessary to protect the public interest.
The IRCC is actively seeking individuals who reflect Canada’s diverse population. Regional representation is also valued, especially for communities served by immigration consultants in Winnipeg and similar professionals across the country.
For professionals practicing in Manitoba, the ongoing development of the college’s board means clearer guidance and more consistent enforcement of rules. This improves day-to-day operations for immigration consultants in Winnipeg, who must stay aligned with national licensing and conduct expectations.
Clients in Winnipeg benefit from knowing that their consultants operate under oversight designed to ensure ethical, informed, and culturally sensitive service. The strengthened selection process reinforces this trust.
Professionals and community leaders familiar with the work of immigration consultants in Winnipeg may consider applying to join the candidate pool. Their regional perspective could contribute to decisions that improve regulatory outcomes in cities like Winnipeg and beyond.
The IRCC encourages applications from individuals with backgrounds in:
Whether or not you are directly involved with immigration consultants in Winnipeg, relevant experience in oversight, legal frameworks, and ethical decision-making is key. Candidates must also be free from conflicts of interest.
The launch of this new selection process marks a step forward in the ongoing development of the immigration consulting profession in Canada. By forming a diverse and qualified candidate pool, the IRCC ensures that the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants remains responsive, transparent, and rooted in strong governance.
For clients, this reinforces safety and accountability. For professionals including immigration consultants in Winnipeg this means operating within a clearly regulated, nationally consistent system that protects both their integrity and the clients they serve.
The work of immigration and citizenship consultants affects thousands of lives every year. Ensuring the profession is supported by a competent, representative board is critical to maintaining trust in Canada’s immigration framework.
If you or someone you know can contribute to the oversight and development of this sector, review the Notice of Appointment Opportunity and consider applying. Your insight could help guide the future of immigration services, not only in urban centers but also in regional communities served by professionals such as immigration consultants in Winnipeg.