Immigration CPD: A Quick Guide for Canadian Professionals
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is a core requirement for both Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) and immigration lawyers in Canada. Staying current through ongoing learning ensures all practitioners maintain high standards of professionalism and remain up-to-date with the evolving landscape of immigration law and practice. This guide addresses key questions about CPD obligations and offers practical tips for fulfilling them effectively, whether you are an RCIC or an immigration lawyer.
How Many CPD Hours Do I Need?
RCICs:
RCICs must complete 16 CPD hours annually, as outlined by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC). The CPD year runs from July 1 to June 30. Structured education activities, such as live webinars, workshops, or approved courses focusing on Canadian immigration or citizenship topics.
Immigration Lawyers:
Immigration lawyers are typically regulated by their provincial or territorial law societies, each of which has its own CPD requirements. For instance, the Law Society of Ontario (LSO) requires most lawyers to complete 12 hours of CPD each year, including a set number of professionalism and EDI (Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) hours. Other provinces have similar annual requirements, often ranging from 12 to 18 hours, with at least some devoted directly to accredited legal education topics.
Failing to meet these annual requirements can impact your good standing and your ability to continue practicing. Always check with your regulatory body for the most recent rules.
What Counts Towards CPD Hours?
For Both RCICs and Lawyers:
Approved activities generally include attending accredited webinars, legal and immigration conferences, industry workshops, and completing formal courses that expand your knowledge of immigration law, ethics, or client management.
RCICs should ensure their activities are listed as approved by the CICC. Immigration lawyers must seek CPD credits for activities approved by their respective law societies. Both professions require that the CPD be directly relevant to their area of practice and properly documented with certificates or proof of attendance, retained for future audits or reporting.
Activities that typically do not count include informal self-study, marketing seminars, and activities not related to Canadian immigration or legal practice.
How Do I Earn CPD Points Online?
Online learning provides immense flexibility for busy professionals. Both RCICs and immigration lawyers can find a wide selection of virtual CPD opportunities, including:
- Live and on-demand webinars hosted by approved providers such as LPEN, and provincial bar associations.
- Online legal seminars and workshops accredited by law societies or the CICC.
- Virtual conferences on substantive immigration law, ethics, or practice management.
- Recorded sessions and self-paced online courses, provided they meet approval requirements.
When selecting online CPD activities, confirm that the course or event is accredited for your specific regulatory requirements. Most providers clearly indicate which profession and regulatory body their programs are recognized by.
Staying Compliant and Ahead
Regular participation in CPD ensures compliance and supports your career development, whether you advise clients as a consultant or represent them as a lawyer. By keeping current with emerging trends and maintaining your accreditation through approved activities, you are positioned to deliver better service in a rapidly changing field.
