RCIC Licence Number vs Member Number — How to Verify
All RCICs have a licence number — this is what you search in the CICC register. Some also have a member number from a predecessor body. Always ask for the licence number.
What Is an RCIC Licence Number?
An RCIC Licence Number is a unique identifier issued by CICC (College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants) when someone becomes a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant. It looks like: L123456 (the letter "L" followed by digits).
This is the number you use to verify an RCIC in the public register.
What Is a Member Number?
Before CICC was created, there was an older body called ICCRC. Some RCICs who were licensed under ICCRC have a "member number" from that old system. When ICCRC merged with CICC, those RCICs were issued new RCIC Licence Numbers.
The member number is outdated and should not be used for verification. Always ask for the RCIC Licence Number.
How to Verify an RCIC Using Their Licence Number
- Ask for their RCIC Licence Number (starts with "L").
- Go to college-ic.ca/Public-Register-EN
- Search by licence number or full name.
- Verify their status is "Eligible to Provide Service".
- Check the Discipline Register for any complaints.
Red Flags
- They only give you a member number. Ask for the RCIC Licence Number. If they claim they don't have one, they are NOT licensed by CICC.
- They refuse to provide any number. Legitimate RCICs display their licence number on business cards, websites, and email signatures.
- The licence number search returns "No Results". The person is not licensed. Do not hire them.
- Status shows "Suspended" or "Cancelled". They are not eligible to provide immigration services.
Why This Matters
Only people with an active RCIC Licence Number are legally allowed to provide immigration consulting services in Canada. Using an unlicensed person puts your entire application at risk — fees paid to unlicensed consultants are often unrecoverable, and fraudulent applications can result in rejection, bans, or deportation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an RCIC licence number?
A unique identifier issued by CICC when someone becomes a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant. It appears as 'L' followed by digits (e.g., L12345). This is what you search in the CICC register.
What is a member number?
Some RCICs have a member number from ICCRC (a predecessor body that merged with CICC). This is different from the licence number. Always use the licence number for verification.
How do I verify an RCIC?
Ask for their RCIC licence number. Go to college-ic.ca/Public-Register-EN and search by name or licence number. Verify their status is 'Eligible to Provide Service'.
What if they only give me a member number?
Ask for the RCIC licence number. A legitimate consultant will have one and provide it without hesitation. If they claim they don't have one, they are not licensed.