What RCICs CANNOT Say in Advertising (With Examples)

Last updated: February 2026 | Author expertise: 10+ years in regulated marketing for Canadian immigration consultants

Understanding what RCICs can and cannot advertise isn't just about following rules—it's about protecting your license, your reputation, and your clients. In 2025 alone, the CICC's Discipline Committee revoked licenses and issued fines up to $50,000 for advertising violations.

This guide breaks down the specific claims you must never make, with real-world examples pulled directly from CICC disciplinary decisions and the Code of Professional Conduct Interpretation Guide.

Quick Summary: The 4 Categories of Prohibited RCIC Advertising

Before diving into specifics, here's what you absolutely cannot claim as an RCIC:

1. Success Guarantees — No promising visa approvals or "100% success rates"
2. Government Relationships — No implying special access to IRCC or "connections"
3. False Credentials — No overstating qualifications or fabricated testimonials
4. Job/Employment Promises — No guaranteeing work permits or job placements

Now let's look at each category with specific examples of what NOT to say.

1. Success Guarantees: The #1 Advertising Violation

Section 44(2)(c) of the Code of Professional Conduct explicitly states that licensees cannot:

"guarantee the success of an application, expression of interest or proceeding"

Examples of Prohibited Success Claims

DON'T Say This Say This Instead "Guaranteed visa approval" "Professional assessment and preparation" "100% success rate" "Experienced in [X program] applications" "We never get rejected" "Thorough application review process" "Your PR is guaranteed with us" "Dedicated support throughout your PR journey" "Approval or your money back" "Transparent pricing with clear deliverables"

Why This Matters: Real Disciplinary Case

In May 2025, the CICC Discipline Committee revoked the license of Hossein Amirahmadi and ordered:

• $50,000 fine for Code violations
• $32,200 restitution to affected clients
• $49,100 in costs

Among the violations: making promises about immigration outcomes that couldn't be guaranteed. (Source: CICC Tribunal Decisions)

2. Government Relationship Claims: A Career-Ending Mistake

Section 44(2)(d) prohibits implying any relationship with the Government of Canada or provincial governments. IRCC explicitly warns against anyone claiming "special access" to immigration processing.

Examples of Prohibited Government Claims

DON'T Say This Say This Instead "We have connections at IRCC" "Licensed and authorized by CICC" "We can speed up your application" "We ensure complete, accurate submissions" "Government representative" "Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant" "Direct line to immigration officers" "Experienced with IRCC procedures" "Insider knowledge of approvals" "Up-to-date on immigration policy changes"

The Truth About Processing Times

No consultant can influence IRCC processing times. Applications are processed in the order received, based on program priority and completeness. What you can say is that proper documentation reduces Requests for Additional Documents (RADs), which can avoid delays.

3. False or Misleading Claims: Credibility Killers

Section 44(2)(a) prohibits "false, misleading or inaccurate representations." This covers everything from credentials to testimonials to success statistics.

Common Misleading Claims to Avoid

• "#1 Immigration Consultant in Canada" — Unless you have verifiable data, this is unsubstantiated
• "Over 10,000 successful cases" — Must be accurate and verifiable
• "Specializing in Express Entry since 2010" — Express Entry launched in 2015
• Fake or embellished testimonials — All testimonials must be from actual clients with written approval

Testimonial Requirements Under Section 45

The Code allows testimonials only if:

1. They were actually given by a real client or former client
2. The endorsement is truthful and not embellished
3. You have written approval to use it publicly

Creating fictional testimonials or paying for reviews without disclosure is grounds for disciplinary action.

4. Job and Employment Promises: The "Red Line" Violation

This is considered one of the most serious advertising violations—often resulting in permanent license revocation.

What You Cannot Promise About Employment

DON'T Say This Why It's Dangerous "We guarantee a job offer" Implies control over Canadian employers "Work permit approval guaranteed" Success guarantee violation "LMIA included in our package" Implies you can secure employer documents "We have employers ready to hire you" Unless you're a licensed recruiter with real jobs "Pay for guaranteed employment" This is "job selling" — a criminal offense

Job Selling = Criminal Charges

Under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA), advising clients to misrepresent themselves (including with fake job offers) can result in:

• Criminal charges
• Fines up to $1.5 million
• Prison time
• Permanent CICC license revocation

What You MUST Include in Every Advertisement

It's not just about what you can't say. Section 44(1) mandates specific disclosures:

Required Elements in All Advertising

1. Your registered name — Exactly as it appears on the CICC Public Register
2. Public Register link — All written ads must include: https://register.college-ic.ca
3. Proper insignia — Use the RCIC Licensee Insignia, NOT the CICC corporate logo
4. Registered business — Only advertise through CICC-registered businesses

Website Compliance Checklist

Use this checklist to audit your website right now:

• ☐ Full registered name visible on homepage (above the fold)
• ☐ CICC Public Register link in footer (required on all pages)
• ☐ RCIC Licensee Insignia displayed (not CICC logo)
• ☐ Business registration number mentioned
• ☐ No success guarantees anywhere on site
• ☐ No government relationship claims
• ☐ All testimonials have written client approval

Social Media Advertising: Where Most Violations Happen

Social media posts are advertisements under CICC rules. Every post promoting your services must comply.

Common Social Media Mistakes

• Instagram Stories with "100% approval" text — Still a violation, even if temporary
• Facebook ads promising "fast track" visas — Implies government influence
• TikTok videos guaranteeing outcomes — Video content is subject to same rules
• LinkedIn posts with inflated statistics — Must be verifiable

Compliant Social Media Template

Here's what a compliant social media bio should include:

[Your Name], RCIC Licensed by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants Verify my license: register.college-ic.ca [Your specializations - no guarantees]

Penalties for Advertising Violations in 2026

The CICC has increased enforcement of advertising rules. Here's what's at stake:

Potential Consequences

Violation Severity Possible Penalty Minor (missing Public Register link) Warning, required corrective action Moderate (success guarantee claims) Fine + conditions on license Serious (false testimonials) Suspension + fine up to $50,000 Severe (job selling, fraud) Permanent revocation + restitution + criminal referral

New 2025-2026 Enforcement Powers

Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab introduced draft regulations strengthening CICC enforcement, including:

• Clearer investigation powers
• Expedited complaints process
• Client compensation fund for victims of unethical consultants
• Public disclosure of all violations

How to Market Your RCIC Practice Compliantly

You can still market effectively within the rules. Here's what works:

Compliant Value Propositions

• "Personalized immigration strategy tailored to your situation"
• "Thorough application preparation to minimize processing delays"
• "Clear communication throughout your immigration journey"
• "Licensed professional with [X years] of experience in [specific programs]"
• "Dedicated support from initial consultation to landing"

What You CAN Advertise

1. Your credentials — Years of experience, education, specializations
2. Your process — How you work with clients, your methodology
3. Your service offerings — What's included in your packages
4. Educational content — Explaining immigration programs (without guaranteeing outcomes)
5. Client testimonials — With proper written consent

Red Flags: When to Walk Away from Marketing Partners

The CICC warns RCICs to be extremely cautious about third-party marketing offers. Here are warning signs:

• Agencies promising "guaranteed client leads"
• Call centres offering bulk referrals for fees
• Marketing companies that don't understand CICC compliance
• Anyone suggesting you can claim special government relationships
• Partners who won't provide service agreements or invoices

Collaborating with unauthorized practitioners violates both IRPA and the Code of Professional Conduct.

AFDV Marketing: Compliance-First Digital Marketing for RCICs

At AFDV Marketing, we specialize in digital marketing exclusively for Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants. Every strategy we build is designed with CICC compliance as the foundation—not an afterthought.

Our Compliance-First Services

• CICC-compliant website design — Proper disclosures, Public Register links, no prohibited claims
• Ethical SEO strategies — Rank higher without making guarantees
• Compliant social media management — Engaging content that protects your license
• Google and Meta ads — Effective campaigns within advertising rules

We understand the unique regulatory environment you operate in because we only work with RCICs.

Free Compliance Audit

Not sure if your current marketing is compliant? Contact us for a free website compliance review. We'll identify any violations and show you how to fix them—before the CICC does.

Resources and Official Sources

For the most current information, always refer to official CICC sources:

• Code of Professional Conduct (Full Legal Text)
• CICC Interpretation Guide (March 2024)
• CICC Public Register
• CICC Tribunal Decisions
• All CICC Regulations and Policies

Key Takeaways

1. Never guarantee outcomes — No "100% success" or "guaranteed approval" claims
2. Never claim government connections — No "special access" or "inside knowledge"
3. Always include required disclosures — Name, Public Register link, proper insignia
4. Document testimonials — Written consent required for all client endorsements
5. Avoid job selling at all costs — This can result in criminal charges

The rules exist to protect your clients and the profession. By following them, you build trust—and trust is what converts prospects into clients.

Need help creating compliant marketing that actually works? Schedule your free consultation with AFDV Marketing today.