ARCHIVED – Operational Bulletin 289 - March 24, 2011
This section contains policy, procedures and guidance used by IRCC staff. It is posted on the department’s website as a courtesy to stakeholders.
Royal Assent of Bill C-35, An Amendment to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (Authorized Representatives)
This Operational Bulletin has expired.
Issue
The purpose of this Operational Bulletin (OB) is to provide guidance following Royal Assent of Bill C-35, An Act to Amend the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) and to clarify that the related amendments to the IRPA and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations have not yet come into force.
Background
Bill C-35, An Act to Amend the IRPA, received Royal Assent on March 23, 2011. However, the Bill’s provisions have not yet come into force and the date that they will be enacted is not yet known.
The Bill provides, among other things, the Minister with the authority to enact Regulations to designate a governing body for the regulation of immigration consultants as well as the authority to make transitional Regulations in relation to that designation.
Instructions
It is important to note that nothing changes until the Bill’s provisions come into force. In particular, the Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants (CSIC) remains the governing body for the regulation of immigration consultants.
CSIC members in good standing continue to be recognized as authorized representatives. The existing procedures as described in the IP 9 chapter “Use of Representatives Paid or Unpaid” should continue to be followed.
Should Bill C-35 come into force, further instructions will be issued.