Each year, all AIBC Firm Registrants, including Inactive Firms, are required to submit an annual Firm Update, as per AIBC Bylaw 4.44. Even if your firm’s details are unchanged, the Firm Update must be completed to keep the AIBC Register accurate and to maintain your firm’s Good Standing status, as defined in the AIBC Bylaws. The reported firm size will also be used to determine the annual fee invoices to renew registration.
The deadline to submit the annual firm update is September 30, 2025. Failure to complete the Firm Update by the deadline will result in a fine and the Firm Registrant no longer being in Good Standing.
How To Complete the 2025 Firm Update
The Firm Update can be completed in the Registrant Portal, through the “Firm Update form”. Note that the Firm Update form is not compatible with Safari or Firefox, and must be completed with a different browser (e.g. Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge). Instructions on how to complete the firm update can be found below.
- Log into the Registrant Portal using your individual AIBC ID as the username. If you forgot your password or have trouble logging in, follow the instructions found at the bottom of the login page.
- Scroll down and click on the “Firm Update” icon.
- A list of all registered firms you are an active Firm Administrator for will be displayed. Click “Start 2025/2026 Firm Update” for the desired firm.
- Review each field and update the information, if necessary.
- Click “Submit” when you are finished.
Important Information
Below is important information that should be carefully reviewed before completing the Firm Update:
Firm Ownership Information
AIBC Registrant owners are specified by name in the “Firm Ownership” section. Non-registrant owners are not specified and only displayed by total number. If the firm ownership is not correct, please contact firmupdates@aibc.ca.
Firm Size for Annual Fee Calculation
It is important to check that all AIBC Registrants are listed (both employees and owners), as well as the number of non-Registrant voting shareholders (corporations only) and non-Registrant head office staff. Note that the firm size calculation will only count an individual once, even if the individual is both an employee and an owner. Companies that serve as partners or shareholders are counted separately from their individual owners.
Annual Fee Invoicing
Annual renewal invoices will be emailed in late November. The 2026 registration invoice for Certificate of Practice Holders will be based on the firm size reported in the 2025 Firm Update. Changes to firm size after the Firm Update is submitted will not affect the 2026 invoice, unless they involve a change requiring Credentials Committee approval (e.g., firm name or firm type). If the Firm Update is not submitted, annual fees will be calculated using the Certificate of Practice holder’s firm size as of September 30.
Professional Liability Insurance
All firms holding a Certificate of Practice are required to have current Professional Liability Insurance (PLI) per AIBC Bylaw 4.40 and Schedule M: Board Rules for Professional Liability. Firm Registrants not practising architecture (Inactive Firms) are not required to carry PLI. For the Firm Update, please only upload a current Certificate of Insurance if it has expired or will expire soon. After the Firm Update deadline, you can still upload it through your Firm Profile.
Firm Closure Requests
If you intend to close your firm, the AIBC must receive written notice and any other required documents prior to the September 30 deadline in order to be exempt from completing the Firm Update. More information about closing your firm can be found on the AIBC website.
Have a Question about the Firm Update?
If you have any questions or experience technical difficulties, please visit the AIBC Annual Renewal FAQ webpage or contact the AIBC at firmupdates@aibc.ca.