B.C. Immigration Firm Still Operating After Owner’s Licence Revoked for Misconduct

A Surrey, B.C., immigration consultancy firm continues to operate — and even expand — despite its owner having his professional licence permanently revoked for serious misconduct.

Raghbir Singh Bharowal, whose photo is prominently displayed on the firm’s storefront and social media accounts, had his licence to practise immigration consulting revoked in 2023 by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC). Yet Bharowal Immigration Solution remains open, with plans to expand to Kamloops.

Signage at the business still refers to Bharowal as a “Visa and Immigration Consultant,” and he continues to promote services to hundreds of thousands of social media followers. However, the CICC found him guilty of misconduct, including dishonesty, overcharging clients, and threatening deportation. He was fined over $110,000, including restitution for past clients.

“He’s profiting from an industry he’s banned from,” said Eoin Logan, a lawyer who specializes in immigration negligence and whose office is nearby.

Under current rules, anyone — even those without a licence — can own and operate an immigration consulting firm, so long as they don’t directly offer advice. Critics say this loophole puts vulnerable newcomers at risk and undermines public trust.

A Pattern of Exploitation

The CICC’s disciplinary report outlined three serious complaints, including one man who paid $39,000 and had his passport withheld until payment was complete. Others were allegedly threatened with deportation or had their permanent residency applications jeopardized for speaking out about exploitative work conditions.

Despite the findings, Bharowal maintains his innocence and has publicly denied the allegations.

The CICC has since filed its disciplinary decision in federal court, seeking an injunction to stop him from practising. Still, Bharowal continues to market the business — now without the oversight of a professional regulator.

Calls for Reform

“This loophole doesn’t exist in law or medicine. Why should it exist in immigration consulting?” Logan said.

The federal government says it’s working on new regulations to close this gap. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada told CBC it plans to introduce rules to penalize unlicensed representatives who break the law and to prevent non-consultants from owning firms in the future.

Advocates like Hugo Velazquez from MOSAIC say reforms are urgent.

“We’ve seen families spend their life savings to come to Canada, only to be exploited,” he said. “Stronger oversight is not just overdue — it’s essential.”