Don’t Be a Victim of Immigration Fraud: Tips for International Students in Canada

Due to fake admission letters provided by an unlicensed immigration consultant, up to 700 Indian students face deportation from Canada. In this article, you will learn about the significance of a Study Permit, how to find the right consultant, and how to avoid fraud.
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Nearly 700 Indian students who arrived in Canada on student visas between 2018-2019 are facing deportation due to their admission letters being found to be fake. These students sought the help of a Jallandhar-based unlicensed immigration consultant who has now closed down their operations.

The fraud was uncovered when the students applied for permanent residency in Canada and the Canadian Border Service Agency (CBSA) examined the documents based on which their visas were issued and discovered that the admission letters were fraudulent.

What is a Study Permit?

A Study Permit is a document that allows foreign nationals to study at designated learning institutions (DLIs) in Canada. Most international students require a Study Permit to study in Canada, and it is recommended that students obtain this document before travelling to Canada.

Finding the Right Immigration Consultant

Most students turn to immigration consultants to help them apply to Canadian learning institutions. However, it is essential to find the right consultant to avoid fraud.

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The College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC) licenses and regulates the practice of Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) and Regulated International Student Immigration Advisors (RISIAs) in the public interest.

Only licensed lawyers and consultants registered with the CICC can legally offer immigration advice and services for a fee. Education agents must also be licensed with the CICC.

It is a punishable offence to provide Canadian immigration advice for a fee or any other benefit without being licensed.

Tips for Hiring an Immigration Consultant

To avoid immigration fraud, verify your immigration consultant’s status on the Public Register of CICC. Check disciplinary notices in the CICC’s Complaints and Professional Conduct section, ask your immigration consultant for references, and read reviews online.

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It is also recommended that you compare your immigration consultant’s fees with others, directly contact the immigration consultant handling your application using the contact information provided on CICC’s Public Register, and contact your employer or school directly with questions if you are in a job or study program.

Services Provided by RCICs

Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) are licensed immigration consultants who can provide all immigration services to clients, including explaining immigration and citizenship options, choosing the best program for you, filling out and submitting your immigration or citizenship application, communicating with the Government of Canada on your behalf, and representing you in an immigration or citizenship application or hearing.

RISIAs Do Not Charge a “Fee”

Regulated International Student Immigration Advisors (RISIAs) do not collect fees directly from students. They are paid employees of specific Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs).

Say No to Ghost Consultants

Ghost consultants are unlicensed immigration representatives who offer services to international students (among others) in exchange for a fee and then cease all communication with the victim once money has changed hands.

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To avoid these scams, be wary of phishing scams, hang up if you receive an automated call that threatens legal action regarding your immigration status, be careful of job offers that you have not applied for, and avoid finding immigration consultants on social media.

Avoid Rushing Into Signing a Housing Lease Agreement

Scammers offer fake accommodation for upfront cash payment and then vanish. It is recommended that students do not rush into signing a housing lease agreement before arriving in Canada.

Conclusion

The deportation of 700 Indian students due to fake admission letters is a severe issue that could have been avoided with the right immigration consultant. Students must ensure that they use licensed consultants and verify their status on the Public Register of CICC to avoid becoming a victim of immigration fraud.


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Manish Khandelwal
Manish Khandelwal

Manish Khandelwal, a travel-tech enthusiast with over a decade of experience in the travel industry. Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Travelobiz.com, he's passionate about writing.

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