The Government of Canada is intensifying its efforts to combat immigration fraud and protect applicants from scams and fraudulent schemes. As part of Fraud Prevention Month, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to strengthening immigration integrity while taking strict action against fraudsters.
Key Actions to Stop Immigration Fraud
- Cracking Down on Fraudulent Applications
- In 2024, over 9,000 cases of suspected immigration fraudwere investigated each month.
- Thousands of fraudulent applications were refused, preventing tens of thousands of bad-faith actorsfrom entering Canada.
- Tougher Penalties for Dishonest Immigration Representatives
- Fines of up to $1.5 millionhave been introduced for immigration consultants and representatives who assist clients in fraudulent applications.
- Stopping Fraud in Express Entry
- IRCC has removed incentives that led to illegally buying or selling Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs)to boost Express Entry
- These changes ensure genuine candidatesare selected and fraudsters are eliminated from the system.
- Combatting Misinformation About Study Permits and Asylum
- Many individuals fall victim to fake agents and misleading informationabout Canada’s international study permits and asylum system.
- IRCC is working to provide accurate and transparent immigration informationto prevent applicants from being exploited.
How to Protect Yourself from Immigration Fraud
- Know Who Can Legally Help You
- Only authorized immigration professionalscan legally charge fees for immigration services:
- Licensed immigration consultants (Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants – RCICs).
- Lawyers in good standing with a Canadian provincial or territorial law society.
- Notaries in Quebec.
- Never Pay for Immigration Forms or Information
- Be wary of scammers who charge for forms, guarantee approvals, or offer “special connections”inside IRCC.
- Verify Job Offers and LMIA Approvals
- Do not trust job offers that require upfront payments.
- If you are applying under Express Entry or a work permit, ensure your employer is legitimateby verifying their LMIA status on the Government of Canada website.
- Report Immigration Fraud
- If you suspect fraud or have been approached by a scammer, report themto:
- Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
- The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).
- Your provincial consumer protection agency.
Why This Matters
- Protects Genuine Applicants– Fraudulent applications delay processing times and reduce opportunities for honest applicants.
- Safeguards Canada’s Immigration System– By eliminating fraud, Canada ensures that newcomers contribute positively to the country’s economy and communities.
- Prevents Financial and Legal Consequences– Providing false information or using unauthorized representatives can lead to application refusal, bans, or deportation.
Need Reliable Immigration Advice?
At Fridman and Company, we provide trusted, professional legal immigration services. For your immigration questions, contact us today at 204-944-8889 or email us at lawoffice@fridman.ca for personalized support.
For official details, visit the Government of Canada website.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information and does not constitute legal advice. For tailored guidance, consult an immigration lawyer.