The Simple Answer

As your licensed RCIC, we never need access to your personal GCKey account credentials because we submit your application through our own IRCC Authorized Paid Representative (APR) portal account. This is the legitimate, regulated way that all licensed immigration consultants work with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

You will not receive GCKey login credentials from us because we don't create personal GCKey accounts for clients - we use our professional representative accounts instead.

Two Different Systems Explained

IRCC Representative Portal Accounts (What Licensed RCICs Use)

Licensed RCICs have dedicated portal accounts specifically designed for representatives to submit applications on behalf of clients. These accounts:

  • Require College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants membership verification before approval

  • Allow representatives to manage multiple client applications professionally

  • Clearly identify the RCIC as the authorized representative on file with IRCC

  • Are accessed through the RCIC's own separate GCKey credentials

  • Comply with Code of Professional Conduct requirements

When we submit your application, IRCC officially records us as your authorized representative. All communications flow through us, which is exactly what you're paying for.

Personal GCKey Accounts (For Self-Represented Applicants Only)

Personal GCKey accounts are designed for individuals applying on their own without representation. These accounts are meant for people who are:

  • Completing their own applications

  • Not using a licensed representative

  • Managing their own IRCC communications

When you hire a licensed RCIC, your application should NOT be submitted through a personal GCKey account. That's the old way that unlicensed consultants operate.

Why Ghost Consultants Ask for Your GCKey

Unlicensed "ghost consultants" ask for your personal GCKey credentials because they don't have legitimate representative portal accounts.

They cannot obtain representative accounts because they:

  • Are not licensed with the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants

  • Cannot pass the College's verification process required by IRCC

  • Would be immediately identified and flagged if they tried to represent clients officially

  • Are operating illegally under Canadian immigration law

By using your personal GCKey account, they hide from IRCC that a representative is involved. This is immigration fraud and puts your application at serious risk of refusal.

How the Representative System Protects You

When we submit your application through our licensed representative portal account:

✓ IRCC knows you're professionally represented All official communications are directed through us as your authorized representative, ensuring nothing gets missed.

✓ Your application has professional accountability IRCC has a complete record of our involvement, and we're held to professional standards by the College.

✓ You're protected if issues arise If you ever can't reach us, IRCC and the College can help you access your file (as per Section 6.4 of our Service Agreement).

✓ Regulatory transparency and compliance Our representation is transparent, legal, and regulated - not hidden from authorities.

✓ Professional monitoring and communication We actively monitor your application status and communicate updates to you promptly via email.

How You Track Your Application Status

You don't need GCKey credentials because we manage all IRCC communications through our representative portal. Here's how you stay informed:

1. Proactive Email Updates from Us

  • We regularly monitor our IRCC representative portal and email you updates as they appear

  • All key application milestones and IRCC correspondence are shared within 2 business days (Section 14.1 of our Agreement)

  • You receive all important communications without needing to check anything yourself

2. Email Follow-Ups Anytime

  • Email info@yci.co - this is the fastest and best way to request updates

  • You're entitled to one free follow-up request per month (Section 14.2)

  • We respond within 2 business days during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 9 AM - 5 PM MST)

3. myYCI Client Portal

  • Access your case documents and communication history at https://my.yci.co

  • View project milestones and uploaded documents

  • Important note: This is not a real-time sync with IRCC - official application updates come via email from us as we monitor the representative portal

You receive information faster through our proactive monitoring than you would by checking a personal GCKey account, because we check the representative portal regularly and immediately notify you of any changes.

What Section 14.4 of Our Agreement Says

Your Service Agreement clearly states:

"The Client understands that the RCIC will not create a personal GCkey account and therefore the RCIC has no IRCC login credentials to share. The RCIC will not support the Client in creating their GCkey and transferring the application to their account. Any attempt made by the Client to link their application to their personal GCkey may remove the RCIC's representation and end the agreement, including any follow-up support."

Why This Policy Exists

When an application is submitted through a representative portal account, attempting to link it to a personal GCKey can:

  • Remove us as your authorized representative with IRCC

  • Disrupt official communications between IRCC and your representative

  • Create confusion about who is managing your application

  • Void our service agreement and professional obligations

  • Leave you without support mid-application

This policy protects your application and ensures proper professional representation throughout the entire process.

Red Flags of Unlicensed Ghost Consultants

Be extremely wary of any immigration consultant who:

❌ Asks for your personal GCKey username and password
❌ Submits applications through your personal account instead of a representative portal
❌ Cannot provide their College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants license number
❌ Refuses to be listed as your official representative with IRCC
❌ Tells you not to mention them to IRCC or government officials

These are signs of unlicensed, illegal representation that can result in:

  • Application refusal

  • Five-year bans from applying to Canada

  • Loss of fees with no recourse

  • Immigration fraud charges

  • Permanent inadmissibility to Canada

Understanding the Difference: A Comparison

Licensed RCIC (Like YCI Canada)

Unlicensed Ghost Consultant

Uses IRCC Representative Portal account

Uses your personal GCKey account

College license number publicly verifiable

No valid license or fake credentials

Listed as official representative with IRCC

Hidden from IRCC (immigration fraud)

Proactive monitoring and email updates

You have to check status yourself

Professional accountability and regulation

No accountability or recourse

Transparent fees and service agreements

Often disappears after payment

Protected by College complaints process

No regulatory oversight

Frequently Asked Questions

"But my friend's consultant gave them GCKey access. Why won't you?"

Your friend's "consultant" is likely unlicensed and operating illegally. Licensed RCICs are required to use representative portal accounts - it's not optional. While your friend may have received their visa, they took a significant risk. Many applications submitted by ghost consultants are refused, and applicants face serious consequences.

"How will I know what's happening with my application?"

We proactively check our IRCC representative portal and share updates with you via email as soon as we see them. You don't need to chase updates - if there's activity on your application, you'll hear from us within 2 business days [Section 14.1]. You can also email anytime for status updates.

"Can I create my own GCKey to check my application?"

No. Attempting to link an application submitted through a representative portal to your personal GCKey can remove our representation and void our service agreement (Section 14.4). This will leave you without professional support and may disrupt IRCC communications.

"What if I want to check something quickly?"

Email us at info@yci.co - this is faster than creating a GCKey account and trying to link your application. We check the portal regularly and can provide you with current status information directly.

"How do I know you're actually monitoring my application?"

Section 14.1 of our Service Agreement commits us to notify you of all key updates within 2 business days. We're professionally and legally obligated to monitor your application and keep you informed. If you ever have concerns, you can file a complaint with the College - that's the accountability licensed consultants provide that ghost consultants don't.

Still Have Questions About GCKey?

We understand this is different from what some people have experienced with unlicensed consultants. The difference is that we operate legally and transparently as regulated professionals bound by the Code of Professional Conduct.

To get an application status update:

  • Email info@yci.co - this is the fastest way to reach us and get current information

  • Check myYCI at https://my.yci.co for your case documents and communication history

  • Rest assured we're monitoring your application regularly through our representative portal

Remember: We proactively check our IRCC representative portal and share updates with you via email as soon as we see them. You don't need GCKey credentials because professional representation means we handle the monitoring and keep you informed.

Verify Your Consultant Is Licensed

You can verify that YCI Canada's RCICs (Narender Singh and team) are licensed in good standing by:

  • Visiting the College's public register at https://college-ic.ca

  • Searching for the RCIC's name or registration number

  • Confirming license status and any disciplinary history

Never work with an immigration consultant who cannot provide verifiable College credentials.