Introduction

Over the past two weeks, TrustVisory has actively engaged with Unauthorized Practitioners (UAPs) and Unauthorized Corporate Entities (UACE-SN) through a three-step communication strategy. This initiative aims to prompt responses from UAPs and UACE-SN, offering a fair chance to respond while we collect evidence. This process precedes the final stage of categorizing them within the UAP or UACE-SN framework and assigning levels based on their compliance.

The Ambitious Project

This project is our most ambitious yet, marking the first time we are directly engaging with UAPs and UACE-SN. We continuously learn and adapt by collecting and analyzing data to train our AI systems.

Addressing Misclassifications

During this process, our automated AI-driven system inadvertently sent communication emails to some Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs). To address this and reduce future errors, we have implemented several actions:

• Clear Email Guidance: We now include a note in emails for recipients to reply directly if there is a misclassification.
• Enhanced Investigator Review: An additional layer of investigator review has been implemented to verify email recipients.
• Improved Data Comparisons: Cross-referencing across multiple data sources has been refined for accuracy in recipient selection.
• Verified Profiles: We will soon offer the ability to create verified profiles to prevent impersonation. These profiles will verify phone numbers, websites, and social media content, creating an inclusion zone where AI can effectively target impersonators and flag their profiles.

Despite these improvements, the AI will continue flagging licensed professionals whose activities resemble those of UAPs or UACE-SN. Below, we outline key issues identified along with solutions to avoid misclassifications.

Key Issues and Solutions

1. 1. Misleading Claims
   
   • Problem: UAPs often make exaggerated claims, such as “No. 1 Consultant” or “100% Visa Success Rate.” Licensed professionals with similar claims create potential regulatory and legal risks.
   • Solution: Licensed professionals should review and ensure all online and promotional content is factual, verifiable, and compliant with regulatory standards.
2. 2. Inflated Experience Claims
   
   • Problem: Exaggerated experience claims, such as stating 20 years of experience when the RCIC license was issued only five years ago, are misleading.
   • Solution: Licensed professionals should accurately reflect their experience, providing clear licensing dates and specifying relevant pre-licensure experience.
3. 3. Content Sourcing Errors
   
   • Problem: Licensed professionals sometimes unknowingly source content from UAP sites, leading to inaccurate representations.
   • Solution: Regularly audit website and marketing content for consistency and factual accuracy. Thoroughly vet any externally sourced content.
4. 4. Impersonation Risks and Induced Impersonations
   
   • Problem: Ghost consultants impersonate RCICs, leading to misclassification by AI.
   • Solution: Register all entities linked to licensed professionals with regulatory bodies and ensure transparency in affiliations.
5. 5. Vague and Incomplete Online Presence
   
   • Problem: Some UAPs refuse to share license information, misleading clients.
   • Solution: Display full names, license numbers, company names, and direct regulatory body links on all public platforms.
6. 6. Updating Database
   
   • Problem: Data mismatches with regulatory bodies can create inconsistencies.
   • Solution: Regularly update the CICC 'Find a Consultant' database with the latest information.
7. 7. 'Poster Professionals' Concerns
   
   • Problem: UAPs use RCICs as 'poster professionals,' managing operations without formal agreements.
   • Solution: Insist on formal agreements for any affiliations and establish clear roles and responsibilities.
8. 8. Licensed Professional of One Country May Be UAP in Another
   
   • Problem: Expanding services to other countries without understanding local regulations can result in misclassification.
   • Solution: Review and adhere to local laws before expanding services to other countries.

Unnecessary Financial Burden and Resource Wastage

As this initiative is currently funded solely from my own resources and we have no funding from outside , implementing exemptions and closely scrutinizing our fellow RCICs' content for why alerts are triggered by the AI could become burdensome and time-consuming. It does not mean we exempt unscrupulous actors. But minor adjustments will benefit everyone involved.

Commitment to High Standards: Creating the Clear Divide

The goal for licensed professionals should be to create a clear distinction from UAPs and UACEs, adhering to regulatory codes of conduct as a badge of professionalism. Each of us has a duty to uphold a high standard in all our activities, serving as leaders who exemplify these ethical standards. For UAPs and UACE-SN, regulatory restrictions often do not apply, leaving clients vulnerable. However, for licensed professionals, these restrictions represent a commitment to quality, trustworthiness, and integrity.

We have a Code of Professional Conduct from the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants for licensees. We shouldn’t feel burdened by this Code because we all face challenges from unauthorized practitioners (UAPs) and entities (UACE-SN) and try to follow their standards. No—we are the leaders , and they need to see the standards we uphold. We should be implementers of the Code, making it stronger and more effective rather than feeling weighed down by it. I know for our competitors, who are most of the time Ghost consultants, there is no Code of Conduct, and the sky is the limit for them. Code of Professional Conduct practical implementation can only create that Great Divide. We need to be more organised and establish clear standards of quality. Otherwise,

Recently, I once received a response from an unauthorized practitioners questioning the difference between them and licensed professionals, saying, "Is it just about a license and representation? Otherwise we’re the same."

But we are not the same, and I don’t agree with that perspective. At Trustvisory, through our initiatives we’re working to create a space specifically for licensed professionals in areas we have never been, highlighting the value they bring. To achieve this, it’s essential that we demonstrate to the public the distinct standards, ethics, and qualities that set us apart. By embracing these standards, we lead by example and emphasize that our credibility as licensed professionals goes beyond minimal compliance.

Conclusion

At Trustvisory, our initiatives aim to create a space specifically for licensed professionals, highlighting the value they bring. By embracing high standards and transparency, we lead by example and demonstrate why clients should choose authorized professionals. Our ultimate goal is to create a visible distinction that illustrates the value of licensed professionals, setting new industry standards and emphasizing our commitment to quality, trustworthiness, and integrity.

Thank you for your attention to these important initiatives and your commitment to excellence. These are friendly and humble suggestions to help us all maintain the highest standards in our profession.