What the CICC Discipline Register Means (And Why It Matters)
The CICC Discipline Register is public. It shows RCICs who have had complaints filed against them, are under investigation, or have been sanctioned. Always check before hiring.
What Is the CICC Discipline Register?
The CICC Discipline Register is a public database of RCICs who have had formal complaints filed against them, are under investigation, or have been sanctioned. It's maintained by CICC and is free to search online at college-ic.ca/Public-Register-EN/Discipline.
What Statuses Mean
- Under Investigation: CICC has received a complaint and is reviewing it. The RCIC is still licensed, but there is an open complaint.
- Sanctioned: CICC found the RCIC violated the Code of Conduct. Sanctions can include fines, suspension, or cancellation of licence.
- Closed: The complaint was dismissed, withdrawn, or resolved. The case is no longer active.
- No Record: The RCIC has no discipline history (good sign).
What Complaints Can Be About
Common complaints include:
- Overcharging (fees not justified as "fair and reasonable")
- Misrepresentation (false credentials, false promises)
- Abandonment (taking payment but not providing services)
- Conflict of interest (representing both employer and employee in a work visa)
- Submitting false information to IRCC
- Not returning client documents
How to Use the Discipline Register
- Go to college-ic.ca/Public-Register-EN/Discipline
- Search by RCIC name or licence number
- Review the complaint details, status, and any sanctions
- Make your decision based on the information
Should You Avoid an RCIC with a Discipline Record?
Not automatically. Context matters:
- One "Closed" complaint: May have been a misunderstanding. Review the details.
- Multiple complaints: Red flag. Consider hiring someone else.
- "Under Investigation": The case is active. Consider waiting for resolution or hiring someone else.
- "Sanctioned" with heavy penalties (suspension/cancellation): Serious misconduct. Do not hire.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the CICC Discipline Register?
A public database of RCICs who have had formal complaints filed against them, are under investigation, or have been sanctioned by CICC. It shows the status and nature of complaints.
What do the statuses mean?
'Under Investigation' = CICC is reviewing a complaint. 'Sanctioned' = CICC found the RCIC violated the Code of Conduct (fines, suspension, or cancellation). 'Closed' = complaint was dismissed or resolved.
Should I avoid an RCIC with a complaint?
Not necessarily — a single closed complaint may be a misunderstanding. But 'Under Investigation' or multiple 'Sanctioned' statuses are red flags. Review the details before deciding.
How do I search the Discipline Register?
Go to college-ic.ca/Public-Register-EN/Discipline. Search by RCIC name or licence number. The register shows all formal complaints, investigations, and sanctions.