Immigration and citizenship law for practitioners, by experts in the field.

Designed by leading practitioners and academics, this innovative program transforms the classroom experience. You will gain the required knowledge and professional skills for working in this complex and rewarding field.

Aligned with the Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant’s new competency profile, our customized approach ensures students are equipped with a deep understanding of Canadian immigration and citizenship law and procedures, as well as the knowledge and skills necessary for successful practice.

The program is composed of nine courses, all offered in an online format, and regular tutorials via web conferencing with course instructors. Learn more about what to expect in the Graduate Diploma program HERE.


Meet our course instructors  

Meet our course developers  

Program Learning Outcomes

After completing all nine courses, you will:

  • understand foundational Canadian and international legal frameworks to provide competent client services;
  • act as effective case managers, navigate complex legal procedures and apply relevant legal and policy instruments to protect client interests;
  • conduct legal research through traditional and information technology sources to develop and pursue legal strategy;
  • embody leadership skills and sound business management practices;
  • represent clients before the Immigration and Refugee Board, drawing on knowledge and professional skills;
  • appreciate the multifaceted demands of professional responsibility and adhere to the RCIC’s Code of Professional Ethics
  • provide culturally competent service based on clients’ cultural needs, values, and priorities;
  • use effective communication and advocacy skills in the provision of services;
  • integrate critical thinking and problem-solving skills in all aspects of case management.

*Course summaries are subject to change.

Foundations of Canadian Immigration Law

Foundations of Canadian Immigration Law

ICL 810

Learn about the building blocks of immigration in Canada. This course examines the laws, case law, policies, and procedures behind immigration status and processes.
Ethics and Professional Responsibility

Ethics and Professional Responsibility

ICL 820

Think critically about issues in legal ethics, the values of professionalism and public justice. This course reviews the Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant’s Code of Professional Ethics, the permitted scope of practice, and explores how to effectively represent clients while fulfilling ethical obligations.
Temporary Entry

Temporary Entry

ICL 830

This course provides an overview of the requirements for foreign nationals seeking admission to Canada temporarily, whether as visitors, workers or students. Various types of visitors’ visas, super visas, study permits, and work permits will be examined.
Economic Immigration

Economic Immigration

ICL 840

Look at permanent economic immigration systems, including express entry and comprehensive rankings, and applicable classes like the federal skilled worker class as well as classes not in the express entry system.
Family Class Immigration

Family Class Immigration

ICL 850

Outside-Canada and Inside-Canada immigration programs are covered in this course, along with specific requirements, eligibility criteria, and procedures associated with family class immigration and the family sponsorship regime.
Refugee Protection & Trauma-Informed Client Service

Refugee Protection & Trauma-Informed Client Service

ICL 860

Take a look at statutory eligibility provisions, with inclusion and exclusion elements both in the definition of “refugee” and related case law. Includes policies and procedures of the Refugee Protection Division and the Refugee Appeal Division of the Immigration and Refugee Board.
Permanent residency application form

Citizenship

ICL 880

The Citizenship Act and Regulations, as well as related policy documents, are covered: learn about the acquisition of citizenship, naturalization, revocation, and renunciation; as well as various complications.
Immigration Practice Management

Immigration Practice Management

ICL 890

Learn the skills you need to succeed in immigration consulting – your own, or a business such as an immigration consulting practice, student advising position, or human resources office.
Intensive Skills Mini-Courses

Intensive Skills Mini-Courses

Intensive Skills Mini-Courses

The two intensive skills-based mini-courses included in the Diploma Program introduce students to the research and writing skills essential to practice in the immigration and citizenship law context. Students will have regular structured opportunities throughout the program to develop, apply and reflect on the skills learned.