EPFNA Exposed: How “Consultancy Fees” Can Still Be Illegal Recruitment Fees in Ontario

Many foreign workers pay thousands—sometimes as much as $10,000 to $30,000—in so-called “consultancy fees” to secure jobs in Canada 

These fees are often presented as payment for visa processing or professional services, but in many cases, they are directly tied to employment opportunities. What many workers don’t realize is that simply labeling a fee as “consultancy” does not make it legal. If the payment is connected to recruitment or job placement, it may fall within prohibited practices under Ontario law.

Under the Employment Protection for Foreign Nationals Act, 2009 (EPFNA), employers, recruiters, and consultants who work together in the hiring process can be treated as a single entity and held jointly responsible for any violations. This means that even if the fee was paid to a consultant, all parties involved may be liable. For workers, this opens the door to recovering unlawful fees and holding the right people accountable. Here’s what you need to know.

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Canada Immigration News: Bill C-12 Is Now A Law

Bill C-12 has officially become law, introducing major changes to Canada’s immigration and refugee system. What was once a proposed reform is now a binding legal framework that reshapes how applications are processed, how decisions are made, and who is allowed to access protection. Among the most significant changes is the introduction of a one-year limit for making refugee claims, which means that individuals who delay may no longer have their case heard by the Immigration and Refugee Board. Instead, they could be redirected to a more limited process, fundamentally changing their chances of obtaining protection in Canada.

At the same time, the legislation expands the federal government’s authority over immigration processes, including the ability to pause or cancel applications and increase information-sharing between agencies. These changes signal a shift toward a more controlled and enforcement-driven system, where timing, compliance, and strategy play a much bigger role than before. For many individuals—especially those already in Canada on temporary status—these reforms could have immediate and lasting consequences. Here’s what you need to know.

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