How to Avoid Becoming a Victim of Visa Fraud Due to Forged Documents – Study Permit Edition
Today, we are talking about how to avoid becoming a victim of visa fraud due to forged documents. Canada is globally renowned as an ideal study destination for its high-quality education system, friendly visa policies, and cultural diversity. Every year, millions of people worldwide plan to study in Canada, each striving in different ways—whether through excelling in their studies to achieve good grades, preparing for exams like IELTS, TOEFL, or CELPIP, or saving money for tuition. The process of applying for a student visa can be challenging; some people opt to use agents, while others choose to handle the application themselves. Due to the vast amount of information available in real life, various tips and shortcuts circulate online and in social media, some of which may seriously violate regulations, potentially leading others astray. Let’s take a look at the story of Lola Akinlade and learn from it.
According to a report by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) on August 1, 2024, international student Lola Akinlade, originally from Nigeria and currently residing in Nova Scotia (NS), came to Canada in December 2016 as a student. Due to the original school being full, as informed by her agent, she enrolled in a community college in NS and started her studies in September 2017. She obtained a two-year diploma in social services in 2019. Just weeks before graduation, Akinlade received a letter from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) questioning the authenticity of her acceptance letter (LoA) used in her 2016 student visa application. This issue affected her subsequent applications for a study permit and possibly a post-graduate work permit. Without a legal immigration status, she and her family struggled to make ends meet, relying on the proceeds from selling all their property back home and her spouse’s previous legal work income in Canada. In March 2023, Akinlade received a formal decision from IRCC, including a deportation order, which devastated her. Her lawyer, Amanat Sandhu, stated that Akinlade’s family is submitting a humanitarian application to stay.
Regardless of whether Akinlade was a perpetrator or victim, if one cannot independently complete the application for schools and visas, it is recommended to hire a licensed immigration consultant or a registered lawyer in Canada (preferably an immigration specialist) to handle school and visa applications. As consumers, one has the right to request the professional’s registration or certification. Furthermore, when signing the necessary documents, it is crucial to ensure that all provided information and documents are genuine. Licensed immigration consultants or lawyers can only proceed based on the documents provided by the client; they cannot fabricate documents through illegal means. Even if a professional handles the entire application, the main applicant bears the ultimate responsibility. Therefore, do not entrust the application to unlicensed individuals or entities to save money or avoid inconvenience.
Additionally, Canadian post-secondary institutions do have limited enrollment capacities and waiting lists for certain popular programs, such as nursing, medicine, law, and graduate programs. For most general programs, admission is primarily determined by grades (e.g., GPA or CGPA). If your application goes through substantive review but is unsuccessful, schools typically send a letter of appreciation or ask if you would like to be considered in the next admission cycle. Generally, the application materials are kept for at least a year. Schools with waiting lists will inform you of your ranking and notify you if a spot becomes available. Even if the application is handled by a registered immigration consultant or lawyer, applicants can directly contact the school’s admissions office or international student office during business hours without needing an intermediary.
Moreover, if there is a change in the school attended after entering the country, applicants must report this to IRCC, even if the study permit lists the institution as “OTHER POSTSECONDARY INST” or “OTHER UNIVERSITY” (prior to the DLI system) or “DESIGNATED LEARNING INST” It is the applicant’s duty and responsibility to report changes in full-time studies and confirm if a new study permit is required or if additional documentation needs to be filed. Changes can be reported via IRCC’s customer service line, online web form, formal letter, or by filing an amendment. If reporting by phone or web form, provide detailed information about the change and reasons for it, allowing IRCC officers to give accurate guidance. Then, seek assistance from a licensed immigration consultant or immigration specialist lawyer based on the instructions received. If Akinlade had done this, she might have avoided the unpleasant surprises before graduation or the chaos in March 2023.
Finally, regarding signing application forms and authorizing representatives, if DIY or through unregistered third-party agents, the applicant must sign a declaration on the form confirming that all provided information and documents are true. The primary applicant assumes all responsibilities regarding the application outcome. When consulting legally qualified professionals, if the consultation is purely for verifying the completeness of application documents, the applicant must still sign the declaration at the end of the application form. If the entire case is entrusted, an IRCC authorization form must be signed. The representative may also require an additional declaration stating that all information and documents provided by the client are true. In case of disputes where fault lies with the representative, the applicant can lodge a complaint or lawsuit for compensation and is more likely to avoid negative records or even seek reconsideration from IRCC.
In choosing to study in Canada, it is crucial to understand and comply with relevant regulations. Whether handling the application independently or through professionals, it is essential to ensure that all information and documents are accurate and genuine. Akinlade’s experience highlights the importance of having a professional licensed immigration consultant or immigration lawyer review visa application forms and documents before submission. Any irregularities could result in severe consequences, potentially affecting future life plans. Therefore, carefully select legitimate application channels and representatives, and proactively report any changes to IRCC to ensure your status remains legal. Only by doing so can you successfully achieve your academic and immigration goals.
