March is Fraud Prevention Month, and Canada is ramping up efforts to combat immigration fraud that affects thousands of applicants each year. The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, warns that fraudsters are preying on hopeful newcomers, charging high fees for fake services, selling fraudulent documents, and spreading misinformation. These scams don’t just harm individuals—they also threaten the integrity of Canada’s immigration system.

Real Cases: How Immigration Fraud Happens

Many people don’t realize they’ve been scammed until it’s too late. Here are some real ways fraud has impacted applicants:

The Fake Job Offer Trap – A skilled worker applied for Express Entry but was struggling to improve his score. An “immigration consultant” promised to secure a job offer with an LMIA—for a $20,000 fee. After paying, the worker received a fake offer letter from a company that didn’t exist. His application was flagged for fraud, leading to a five-year ban from Canada.
The Student Visa Scam – A young woman from South Asia paid an agent to handle her Canadian college application. She received a study permit and moved to Canada, only to discover that her letter of acceptance was fake. Immigration officers investigated, and she was ordered to leave the country immediately.
Fake Immigration Lawyers – A family hoping to immigrate under a provincial nominee program paid a so-called “lawyer” thousands of dollars. The individual was not licensed and disappeared after submitting incomplete applications. The family lost their money and missed their chance to apply.

These are just a few examples of the thousands of fraud cases happening every year. In 2024 alone, Canada investigated an average of 9,000 suspected fraud cases per month, leading to:

Thousands of application refusals each month
Tens of thousands of bad-faith actors banned from Canada
New penalties of up to $1.5 million for dishonest immigration representatives

Key Areas of Fraud and How Canada is Fighting Back

To protect the system, IRCC is cracking down in several areas:

Fake Job Offers & LMIA Sales – IRCC has removed the incentive to buy or sell LMIAs, ensuring that only genuine job offers contribute to immigration eligibility. This change targets fraudsters who exploit desperate applicants.
Misinformation on Study Permits – The government is fighting back against misleading agents who falsely guarantee study permits. Applicants are urged to verify college acceptance letters and use only trusted sources.
Fraudulent Immigration Services – Many scammers pretend to be licensed consultants but lack the credentials to legally advise applicants. The government is increasing public awareness and taking action against unauthorized representatives.

Protect Yourself: How to Avoid Immigration Fraud

Minister Miller urges applicants to be cautious and follow these guidelines to stay safe:

Only use licensed professionals – Only authorized immigration consultants, lawyers, or notaries can legally charge for immigration services. Their credentials can be verified on official regulatory websites.
Don’t pay for fake job offers – Legitimate employers do not ask workers to pay for job offers or LMIAs.
Use free official resources – All immigration forms and guides are available for free on the official IRCC website.
Report suspicious activity – If you suspect fraud, report it to IRCC or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

Fraud can lead to banned applications, deportation, or even criminal charges. By staying informed, applicants can protect themselves and their future in Canada.