Immigration Consultant Program in Ontario: 2025 Guide

Thinking about a career helping newcomers navigate Canada’s rules? Ontario has a clear path to qualify as a licensed immigration consultant. Below, you’ll see the program that actually counts, the step-by-step to get licensed, and how this role compares with immigration officers and immigration lawyers in Canada. Everything here is practical and up to date for 2025.

The only immigration consultant program that leads to licensing

In Canada, the regulator is the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC). To become a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC), you must complete an accredited graduate-level program, pass the Entry-to-Practice Exam (EPE), and then finish the College’s licensing steps.

For English study—especially if you live in Ontario—the recognized route is Queen’s University’s Graduate Diploma in Immigration and Citizenship Law (GDipICL). It’s delivered online, runs nine courses across three terms, and can be finished in under 12 months. A French option also exists at Université de Montréal (D.E.S.S.).

Language rules you should know (CLB 9)

CICC requires language proficiency at CLB/NCLC 9 to register for the EPE. Graduates of Queen’s GDipICL or Université de Montréal’s D.E.S.S. usually meet this because the programs integrate the requirement, but it’s still part of the licensing standard.

Step-by-step: how to become an immigration consultant in Canada

• Enrol in the accredited program: Apply to Queen’s GDipICL (or UdeM D.E.S.S. in French). Check admission dates and delivery format before you start.
• Complete the program: Plan for three terms (full-time) and nine courses. Keep detailed notes; build a small knowledge bank for later exam prep.
• Meet the language requirement (CLB 9): If your diploma program didn’t already verify this, submit an accepted test with CLB/NCLC 9 equivalents when you book the EPE.
• Sit the RCIC Entry-to-Practice Exam (EPE): Book within three years of program completion and follow the College’s identity rules when registering.
• Apply for your licence with CICC: After passing the EPE, finish the College’s licensing process and ongoing education requirements.

Good to know: since February 2023, Canadian citizenship or PR is not required to become an RCIC or write the EPE. That change expanded access for international graduates.

Quick checklist

• Confirm you’re picking an accredited program (Queen’s GDipICL in English, UdeM D.E.S.S. in French).
• Map out 3 terms and personal study hours.
• Schedule a language test if needed (aim for CLB/NCLC 9).
• Register for the EPE within the College’s timelines.
• Prepare licensing documents and plan for ongoing education after licensing.

“Immigration consultant classes” vs real credentials

Many short courses call themselves “immigration consultant classes.” They may help with skills, but they do not replace the accredited graduate diploma required by CICC. The College also notes that older “IPP” programs are no longer accredited; only graduates holding specific legacy letters can test until December 31, 2025. Everyone else must follow the current diploma route.

RCIC vs immigration officer vs immigration lawyer (clear differences)

RCIC (consultant): Licensed by CICC to give paid immigration advice and represent clients before IRCC; must complete the graduate diploma and pass the EPE.

Immigration officer in Canada: A government employee at IRCC, CBSA, or the IRB. You apply through GC Jobs, meet the job poster’s education and experience, complete security screening, and may write tests/interviews. This is public service recruitment—not a CICC licence.

Immigration lawyer in Ontario: Earn a JD/LLB, register in the Law Society of Ontario licensing process, pass the barrister and solicitor exams, and complete Articling or the Law Practice Program (LPP) before being called. Different regulator, different path.