CICC Advertising Rules: Complete Guide for RCICs in 2025

What is the CICC?

The College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC) is the national regulatory body that oversees immigration and citizenship consultants in Canada. Established under the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants Act, the CICC's mandate is to protect the public interest by regulating the profession.

All Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) and Regulated International Student Immigration Advisors (RISIAs) must be licensed by the CICC and adhere to its Code of Professional Conduct - including strict advertising rules.

Key CICC Advertising Requirements

Section 44 of the Code of Professional Conduct outlines the marketing requirements for licensees. Here are the mandatory elements every RCIC must include in their advertising:

1. Name Display Requirement

Your registered name with the CICC must be prominently displayed near the beginning of any advertisement. This applies to:

• Website headers and about pages
• Business cards
• Social media profiles and posts
• Print advertisements
• Video content
• Email signatures

Important: Use your exact name as it appears on the CICC Public Register - not nicknames or variations.

2. Public Register Link Requirement

All written advertisements must include the College's Public Register website address. This allows potential clients to verify your credentials.

The Public Register URL is: https://register.college-ic.ca

3. Business Registration Requirement

Under the Business and Business Name Registration Regulation, you can only advertise services through businesses or employers registered with the CICC. Operating through an unregistered business will result in your Public Register status showing "not eligible to provide service."

4. Insignia Usage Rules

The CICC has specific rules about using professional insignias:

• DO use: The official RCIC or RISIA Licensee Insignia
• DO NOT use: The CICC corporate logo - this is reserved for the organization, not individual licensees

What RCICs CANNOT Say in Advertising

Section 44(2) of the Code explicitly prohibits certain representations:

Prohibited Claims

• No success guarantees: You cannot guarantee or imply guaranteed success of any immigration application
• No government relationship claims: You cannot claim or suggest you have a special relationship with IRCC, the Government of Canada, or any provincial government
• No misleading statements: All claims must be truthful and not misleading to the public
• No false credentials: You cannot misrepresent your qualifications, experience, or specializations

Testimonial Rules

If you use client testimonials or endorsements, they must:

• Be actually given by a real client or former client
• Be true and accurate - no embellishment
• Be approved in writing by the client before public use

Advertising Through Third Parties

Business and Employer Relationships

When providing services through a business or employer:

1. The business must be registered with the CICC
2. Your name must still appear prominently in all advertising
3. You remain personally responsible for compliance

Warning: Call Centre Solicitations

The CICC warns licensees to be extremely cautious about call centres or agencies offering client referrals. Collaborating with unauthorized practitioners (UAPs) violates:

• The Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA)
• The Code of Professional Conduct

Red flags to watch for:

• Promises that seem too good to be true
• Claims of partnerships with other licensees that cannot be verified
• Refusals to provide service agreements or invoices

Penalties for Advertising Violations

Non-compliance with CICC advertising rules can result in serious consequences:

Discipline Process

1. Complaint filed - Anyone can file a complaint against an RCIC
2. Complaints Committee review - Determines if formal action is warranted
3. Discipline Committee hearing - For serious matters
4. Tribunal decision - Determines sanctions

Possible Sanctions

• Fines - Monetary penalties
• Conditions on licence - Additional requirements or restrictions
• Suspension - Temporary loss of ability to practice
• Revocation - Permanent loss of licence
• Public notice - Tribunal decisions are published

In 2025, the CICC Discipline Committee has continued to take action against licensees who violate advertising and conduct rules, with several suspensions and licence revocations published in their monthly Tribunal Actions bulletins.

Advertising Compliance Checklist for RCICs

Use this checklist to ensure your marketing materials comply with CICC rules:

Website:

• ☐ Registered name displayed prominently
• ☐ Link to CICC Public Register included
• ☐ Business registered with CICC
• ☐ Correct RCIC/RISIA insignia used (not CICC logo)
• ☐ No success guarantees
• ☐ No government relationship claims

Social Media:

• ☐ Registered name in profile/bio
• ☐ Public Register link in bio or posts
• ☐ All testimonials are written-approved
• ☐ Claims are truthful and verifiable

Print Materials:

• ☐ Name near beginning of advertisement
• ☐ Public Register URL included
• ☐ Proper insignia usage
• ☐ No misleading claims

Best Practices for CICC-Compliant Marketing

1. Be Transparent

Always lead with your credentials. Make it easy for potential clients to verify you're licensed.

2. Focus on Value, Not Guarantees

Instead of promising outcomes, highlight your expertise, experience, and service quality.

3. Document Everything

Keep written approvals for testimonials. Maintain records of your advertising compliance.

4. Stay Updated

CICC regulations evolve. Review the Code of Professional Conduct regularly and watch for bulletins.

5. When in Doubt, Don't

If you're unsure whether a marketing claim is compliant, err on the side of caution.

How AFDV Marketing Helps RCICs Stay Compliant

At AFDV Marketing, we specialize in digital marketing for Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants. We understand the unique compliance requirements you face and build them into every marketing strategy we create.

Our services include:

• CICC-compliant website design - Proper name placement, Public Register links, and compliant copy
• Ethical SEO strategies - Rank higher without making prohibited claims
• Social media management - Engaging content that follows all advertising rules
• Compliant ad campaigns - Google and Meta ads that won't put your licence at risk

Ready to grow your RCIC practice with marketing that protects your reputation?

Contact us today for a free consultation.

Resources

• Code of Professional Conduct (Full Text)
• CICC Public Register
• CICC Code of Professional Conduct Overview
• Business Registration Regulation

Last updated: January 2025