Fake Canada Visas: How to Avoid Costly Mistakes

Immigration authorities in Canada have issued a warning to visa applicants after identifying a rise in fraudulent schemes targeting prospective immigrants. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) highlighted multiple scam tactics circulating online and via social media.

In a recent post on X (formerly Twitter), IRCC emphasized that applicants must remain vigilant against impersonators claiming to represent the agency. Key warning signs outlined include:

* Individuals on social media posing as IRCC officials and requesting personal information.

* Demands for cash-only payments promising guaranteed visa approval without receipts.

* Requests for visa fees via email, phone, or direct bank transfers.

* Recruiters providing visa documents containing errors or inconsistencies.

The alert follows a notable case in Gujarat, where a 22-year-old man from Ambaliyasan, Mehsana district, was deported from Dubai for attempting travel on a forged Canadian visa. The individual was detained at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad after airline officials alerted immigration authorities. The FIR registered by airport police also lists two men accused of supplying the fraudulent document. Airline representatives confirmed the deportation was linked to Canadian visa forgery.

Reports indicate a thriving online industry offering fake visas and human smuggling services. Investigations by Canada’s National Post and the Investigative Journalism Bureau (IJB) reveal networks openly promoting these illegal services on social media. Two major services dominate this market:

1. Human smuggling across the Canada-U.S. border in both directions.

2. Selling forged or unlawfully obtained Canadian visas, with prices ranging from $25,000 to $40,000.

In several documented cases, advertisements displayed Indian passports with Canadian visas, often claiming “business visas guaranteed within 15 days,” sometimes promising direct air entry from India using forged documents.

Indian law already imposes strict regulations for overseas recruitment. Deepika Kumari, partner at King Stubb & Kasiva, Advocates and Attorneys, stated, “Only agents registered under the Emigration Act, 1983 with the Ministry of External Affairs are authorized to provide overseas placement services. Fraudulent immigration activities can result in criminal charges under Sections 316, 359, and 360 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, including human trafficking offenses.”

To prevent falling victim, applicants are advised to verify agents through India’s eMigrate portal, which maintains an up-to-date list of authorized recruiters. Steps include:

1. Visit www.emigrate.gov.in http://www.emigrate.gov.in

2. Navigate to the Recruiting Agents tab

3. Select List of Active RA to confirm registration status

IRCC and Indian authorities urge applicants to exercise caution and report suspicious activity immediately.