10 Red Flags of an Unlicensed Immigration Consultant

Red Flag #1 — They Cannot Provide a Licence Number

A legitimate immigration professional has a licence number. Always ask for it at your first meeting. In Canada, ask for the R-number (college ID). In Australia, ask for the MARN. If they hesitate, make excuses, or say they will provide it later, treat it as a critical warning sign. Any licensed consultant can provide their number immediately.

Red Flag #2 — They Are Not on the Official Register

Before you pay anyone, verify them on the official register. In Canada, search the CICC register at college-ic.ca. In Australia, search the OMARA register at portal.mara.gov.au. If they do not appear, they are not licensed — no exceptions. Friends, family, or people online may vouch for them, but the register is the only proof that matters.

Red Flag #3 — They Guarantee Visa Approval

No legitimate immigration professional can guarantee your visa will be approved. Immigration decisions are made by government officials, not consultants. Anyone who says “I guarantee your visa”, “I know someone at immigration”, or “approval is 100% certain” is lying. This kind of guarantee is a major sign of fraud.

Red Flag #4 — Cash-Only Payment

A legitimate consultant will provide a written invoice and accept payment by bank transfer, credit card, or cheque. If they demand cash only and refuse to give a receipt, that is a serious red flag. Cash payments leave no paper trail and make it nearly impossible to recover money if something goes wrong.

Red Flag #5 — No Written Contract

Before any work begins, a licensed consultant must provide a written service agreement (Canada) or client agreement (Australia). It must state what they will do, the total fee, what happens if your visa is refused, and how to complain. If they refuse to put anything in writing, or hand you a vague contract, do not proceed.

Red Flag #6 — They Operate Only via WhatsApp or Social Media

A legitimate consultant has a professional office (physical or virtual), a professional website, and a business phone number. If they communicate only through WhatsApp, Facebook, or WeChat and have no official address or website, be cautious. Unlicensed consultants often hide this way to avoid being traced by regulators.

Red Flag #7 — They Claim to “Know Someone at Immigration”

No consultant has special connections or inside access to immigration officers. Anyone who says “my cousin works at IRCC”, “I know the case officer”, or “I can get your file priority” is misrepresenting how the system works. Immigration decisions are made by individual officers applying the law — there is no back door or fast-track through connections.

Red Flag #8 — They Ask You to Sign Blank Forms

Never sign blank immigration forms, or forms you have not read carefully. A scammer may fill in false information after you sign — information that is then submitted to the government in your name. Read every word, make sure it is accurate, and keep copies of everything you sign.

Red Flag #9 — Their Fee Is Dramatically Below Market Rate

If a consultant's fee sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Typical market rates (indicative, as of 2026):

• Canada: Express Entry $1,500–$5,000 · study permit $500–$1,500 · work permit $800–$2,500 · spousal sponsorship $1,500–$4,000
• Australia: student visa $800–$2,000 · partner visa $3,000–$8,000 · employer-sponsored $2,500–$6,000 · skilled visa $3,000–$7,000

If someone quotes significantly below these ranges, ask why. It may indicate they are cutting corners, are not properly licensed, or are planning a bait-and-switch where fees rise later.

Red Flag #10 — They Won't Give You Copies of Documents

You have the right to copies of every document in your immigration file. A licensed consultant will provide them without hesitation. If they refuse, claim documents are “lost”, or tell you “the government has them”, that is a serious warning sign. You need copies to follow up with government, verify accuracy, or switch consultants.

What to Do If You Recognise These Signs

If you see any of these 10 red flags:

1. Stop all payments immediately.
2. Request your documents in writing. Keep a copy of your request.
3. Report them:
   • Canada: CICC (college-ic.ca), CBSA, or local police
   • Australia: OMARA (portal.mara.gov.au), the ABF, or local police
4. Consult a licensed professional to salvage what you can from your application.