Study in Canada: Identify These 3 Immigration Frauds Before Applying! Know the Safest Routes to Immigrate as a Student

The cases of fake documentation and other immigration frauds have led to problematic situations for students in Canada this year. However, this is completely avoidable by ensuring the credibility of the student application. 

As Canada is a student-friendly country, over 8 Lakhs international students migrated to Canada in 2022. The numbers for 2023 are still rising. However, some fraudulent educational consultants used this leniency to their advantage and lured Indian Students to Canada on fake documentation. 

Around 700 students were facing deportation before the government ordered a stay and proper investigation of the issue to identify the right culprit and the victim. At the same time, the growing number of applications could be difficult to process. Therefore, it is better to identify the key immigration frauds beforehand and apply safely for studying in Canada. 

Immigration Frauds in Canada 

Majorly, there are 3 immigration frauds that can be easily exercised against students. However, these are also easily detectable and students can safeguard themselves against it. 

1. E-Scams: Students who search for study abroad in Canada often get calls from vague study abroad consultants. The usage of the internet, email and telephone scams is quite common these days. They often offer quick admissions, quick transactions and untimely processes. Be aware of the exams and the natural duration of the processing of applications and documents to stay secure.  
2. Document Fraud: A lot of consultants promise overpriced and fake study abroad dreams to their students. Admission to Oxford University with 45% marks? Be cautious! Ask them to share the official validation for such news and also compare your eligibility for the same. 
3. Visa Scams: Canada does release express entry slots and SDS stream visas but the slots available are limited and unnatural promises for this entry cannot be met. The right consultant will always tell a student the complete process and advise them to apply timely according to the chances of acceptance. 

How to Protect Yourself Against Immigration Fraud in 2023?

Here are some common tips to protect yourself from such fraud and fulfil your study abroad dream in Canada.

1. Research online about the education consultants you are talking to. Join their communities and read student reviews and testimonials on their website. 
2. Analyse their presence online and the relevance and authenticity of data posted by them. 
3. Read about their affiliations and partnerships before proceeding with your application.
4. Protect your information online. Do not provide your documents or contact details before evaluating the consultant’s profile. 
5. Do not engage in detailed conversations regarding your career plans if you find something fishy based on the above mentioned points.
6. Whenever a consultant says ‘Yes, this is possible!’ check for eligibility with the university and visa consulate on their official website and ask for relevant sources if they don’t match your eligibility based on your own research. 
7. Review the authenticity of your offer letter and other documents. Universities send the offer letters directly to the students from their official email ids. The offer letter will be presented on the letterhead of the university with an embossed logo of the university. 
8. If someone, asks you to pay money other than or more than the application fees to receive the offer letter, consider it a fraudulent offer. 
9. While researching for the right country, right university or program to study abroad, also research the right study abroad experts and consultants beforehand. 
10. What to do if you are a victim of fraud? 

• Read the newcomer’s guide to Canada and details to differentiate between the government and fraud calls and emails. 
• Students can also report migration or citizenship fraud against them to the government. 

Remember that a right consultancy will always keep the student first and protect their interest. If you want to read more such exciting information, make sure you follow Leverage Edu News Updates.