Large numbers of immigration applications are submitted overseas by unethical immigration consultants. In 2019, the government authorized a penalty system for violations in immigration and citizenship applications. However, fines have yet to be imposed as the system is not in force.
Delays in implementing the system are partly due to the pandemic, which is expected to be in place by winter 2025. Criticisms have been raised about the delay and the inability to monitor consultants practicing outside the country. The situation has led to increased malpractice and fraud, with many applicants falling victim to scams. The lack of enforcement and oversight has been heavily criticized, with calls for immediate action to rectify the situation.
The federal government has come under fire for failing to implement measures promised five years ago to tackle unethical and fraudulent immigration consultants, with Conservatives demanding to know why a compliance regime is not yet in place.
Last year, a group of international students applying for permanent residence were deported after it was discovered that an unlicensed “ghost” immigration consultant operating out of India had submitted fake acceptance letters to colleges along with their study permit applications.
Get an assessment from a licensed immigration consultant.
Other licensed and unlicensed immigration consultants have been implicated in a jobs-for-sale scam, in which people hoping to work in Canada were illegally charged thousands of dollars to obtain a job reserved for an immigrant because no Canadian could be found for the position.
According to the Canada Border Services Agency, 153 people were charged with fraud involving immigration consultants between May 1, 2019, and April 9, 2024. The vast majority of them were Canadian citizens or permanent residents, while 17 were foreign nationals, including one refugee.
According to CBSA spokeswoman Jacqueline Roby, violators of Canada’s immigration laws face criminal charges, court fines, probation, or imprisonment. She stated that investigations primarily target the organizers of fraudulent schemes.
They include scams such as charging exorbitant fees with the promise of a job offer in Canada, only to have the victim arrive and discover no job waiting for them. According to Ms. Roby, some illegal consultants collaborate with people attempting to enter Canada and submit fraudulent or misleading applications on purpose.
Licensed immigration consultants in Canada have expressed concerns about unauthorized practitioners offering fraud advice. Some people have also expressed concern about non-Canadian consultants working outside of Canada.
If you want to know more details about “IRCC is criticized for not curbing unethical immigration consultants” you can contact one of our immigration specialists at Gunness & Associates.
Tel: (416) 604-2669
Email: info@immigrationmatters.info
Gunness & Associates has helped thousands of people successfully immigrate to Canada with their families. Our skilled and experienced immigration experts have the expertise to accurately examine your case and advise you on the best method of proceeding to serve your needs.
For honest and straightforward advice, contact the experts
Get a free Assessment
Join our newsletter and get up-to-date immigration news Click here
All rights reserved ©2023 Gunness & Associates
