The Specialization Program
The Specialization Program provides Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) with the required knowledge, skills and judgment to practise before the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB) safely and ethically in the public interest. The program is based on the Essential Competencies for RCIC Practice.
To obtain the RCIC-IRB class of licence, licensees who did not complete a Graduate Diploma Program are required to:
- Complete the Education Pathway, and
- Pass the Specialization Exam.
Licensees who complete both requirements are eligible to obtain an RCIC-IRB class of licence. As of July 1, 2023, this licence class authorizes RCICs to practise before the IRB.
RCICs who do not hold an RCIC-IRB class of licence are not authorized to represent clients before IRB tribunals or offer related services. This includes oral hearings, written submissions, preparation and advice on a no-fee basis. This will be enforced by the IRB and the College.
For more information, read the Eligibility to Obtain The RCIC-IRB Class of Licence Policy.
Program Pathways
Both the PLAR and Hybrid pathways have been discontinued.
The Education Pathway is the only Specialization Program pathway available to obtain the RCIC-IRB class of licence. The current course schedule will run until December 2025.
Further program updates will be posted here on the College website and communicated through email and the Bulletin.
How to apply
Application for the 2025 schedule began on February 12, 2025.
Licensees are encouraged to apply as early as possible, as spaces are limited and groups may be filled before the Education Pathway Application Deadlines.
Due to an overwhelming response, all English-language groups in the current 2025 schedule are full. Applications submitted for English-language groups marked as closed will not be considered or processed.
Applications for French-language groups in the 2025 schedule remain open with limited availability.
New English and French-language groups will be added in Fall 2025 and the College will share information about the updated schedule as soon as it becomes available.
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- Review the Course and Live Tutorial Dates Schedule and program policies listed below. Check the schedule carefully as some groups do not include all 5 Specialization Program Education Pathway courses. 
- Complete the  indicating your preferred groups.
- Pay the program fees by the invoice deadline when you have been placed in a group.
For questions about the Specialization Program or to request an assessment accommodation, contact sp-ps@college-ic.ca.
How to obtain your RCIC-IRB class of licence
Once you complete the Specialization Program, register for the Specialization Exam. You will be issued the RCIC-IRB class of licence if you pass the exam, maintain good standing with the College and meet all licensee requirements.
The ǧ½¿Ö±²¥ is not affiliated with and does not endorse any external exam preparatory courses or programs.
Education Pathway
The Education Pathway is a series of part-time courses for RCICs to obtain the class of licence they need to appear before the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB).
Specialization Exam
After completing the Specialization Program, you must pass the Specialization Exam. Passing the exam demonstrates your competence to represent clients before the IRB.
You will be issued the RCIC-IRB class of licence if you pass the exam, maintain good standing with the College and meet all
licensee requirements.