Every year, thousands of people fall victim to immigration scams — losing money, personal information, and sometimes even their dream of living or working in Canada. At Immigration Care, we believe in empowering you with the knowledge to protect yourself and your future.
Below are the most common types of immigration scams — and what you can do to avoid them.
What Do Immigration Scams Look Like?
Immigration scams often target people who are unfamiliar with Canadian immigration laws or hoping for quick results. These scams are designed to trick you into sending money, personal information, or signing fraudulent documents.
1. Fake Job Offers
Scammers pose as Canadian employers or recruiters and send fake job offers with promises of a guaranteed work permit — but only if you pay a fee upfront.
🚩 Red Flag: Legitimate Canadian employers do not charge fees for job offers. This practice is illegal in Canada.
2. "Guaranteed" Visa or Work Permit
No one can legally guarantee a visa or work permit. Some scammers claim they have insider access or "special connections" that can get you approved faster — for a fee.
🚩 Red Flag: Anyone offering a "guaranteed visa" is misleading you. Only Immigration, Refugee, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) makes these decisions.
3. Fake Immigration Consultants
These scammers impersonate licensed professionals by using fake IDs, certificates, or websites.
🚩 Red Flag: Always check if the consultant is authorized by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC).
🔗 Verify here: https://college-ic.ca
4. Email or Phone Threats
Some people receive calls or emails from someone pretending to be from Immigration, threatening deportation or arrest unless money is paid immediately.
🚩 Red Flag: The Canadian government does not demand payment or personal information over the phone or email. They will never ask for payment via gift cards, cryptocurrency, or money transfer apps.
5. "Pay to Skip the Line" Offers
You may be offered the chance to jump ahead in the application queue if you pay extra. This is never legal or true.
🚩 Red Flag: Processing times are managed by the Canadian government and cannot be fast-tracked through private payments.
How to Protect Yourself
Scammers are getting smarter — but so can you. Here are simple ways to stay safe:
- Work with a Licensed Professional - Before hiring a consultant, verify their license through the official CICC directory. 🔗 Search the CICC Registry
2. Avoid Cash or Personal Transfers - Legitimate consultants use trust accounts or secure payment systems. Avoid paying to personal emails or bank accounts.
3. Keep Records, Ask for:
- Written contracts
- Receipts
- Copies of applications
This protects you if something goes wrong.
Do Your Research
Before signing or paying for anything, visit the official Government of Canada immigration site:
🔗 www.canada.ca/immigration
Trust Your Instincts
If something feels off, it probably is. Pressure to act quickly, secrecy, or threats are all signs of a scam.
Immigration Care Is Here to Help
We’re committed to ethical, honest, and human-first immigration support. Whether you're applying for a work permit, hiring a worker, or exploring permanent residency, we’ll guide you through the process safely and transparently.
If you’re ever unsure about a job offer, message, or immigration consultant — contact us directly. We're happy to take a look.
📞 Contact Us Today
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