With so many people planning to study in Canada, Canadian study permits are always in high demand but so are Canada study visa frauds. There have been many such cases where Indians in Canada get fooled by visa consultants.
In Canada, Ontario and British Columbia particularly report a high number of student study visa frauds. We are here as your trusted immigration consultants in Mohali to help you identify student study visa fraud. Read on to find out things to keep an eye on when applying for a Canada study visa so you don’t fall victim to student study visa fraud.
How Canada Study Visa Frauds Typically Work? (Step-by-Step)
Understanding how these scams operate is your first line of defense. Most Canada study visa frauds follow a clear, repeatable pattern that slowly traps students before they realize what has gone wrong.
Here’s how fraudsters typically target students:
Step 1: False Promises and Guarantees
Fraudulent agents often approach students through social media platforms, WhatsApp groups, education fairs, or local advertisements. They promise guaranteed study visa approval, quick processing, or admission without meeting academic or language requirements.
In many cases, they claim to have special connections with Canadian immigration authorities or universities, creating a false sense of legitimacy. These assurances are designed to lower your guard and discourage you from verifying information independently.
Step 2: Fake or Manipulated Documentation
Once trust is established, the agent prepares or supplies fraudulent documents. This may include fake Letters of Acceptance (LOAs) from non-existent or non-designated institutions, or LOAs altered without the student’s knowledge.
In some cases, supporting documents such as bank statements, employment letters, educational certificates, or IELTS scores are forged or manipulated to meet visa requirements. Even if the student is unaware, submitting these documents still counts as misrepresentation under Canadian immigration law.
Step 3: Excessive and Hidden Fee Collection
Victims are often charged inflated service fees, far higher than official government or university charges. These costs are justified as “priority processing,” “guaranteed approval,” or “internal handling.”
Payments are frequently requested in cash, personal accounts, or non-traceable methods, leaving students with little proof later. Additional fees may be demanded midway through the process, increasing financial pressure on the student.
Step 4: Disappearing Act After Rejection or Payment
When the visa is refused due to fraudulent documentation or once a large amount of money has been collected, the agent often becomes unreachable. Phone calls go unanswered; offices shut down, or excuses are made to delay communication.
At this stage, students are left facing financial loss, visa refusal records, and potential long-term immigration consequences, with no support or accountability from the agent.
Step 5: Additional Exploitation After Arrival
In some cases, students who manage to reach Canada despite irregularities face further exploitation. They may be housed in overcrowded or substandard conditions, pressured to work illegally, or encouraged to skip classes to earn money.
This not only violates study permit conditions but also puts students at risk of permit cancellation, removal from Canada, and future bans, turning what began as an education plan into a serious legal problem.
Red Flags That Signal a Canada Study Visa Scam
Canada study visa scams rarely look suspicious at first. They often appear as confident advice, urgent offers, or promises that seem harmless but hide serious risks. Recognizing these red flags early can help you pause, verify facts, and avoid costly mistakes that may affect your visa and future in Canada.
1. Agents Claiming that You can Work Full Time on Study Permit
If an agent makes you believe that you can work on a student visa full time without attending classes, it is probably a scam. Stay away!
You should know that a student visa is not just to get you into the country and find a job there. Student visa is for study. As simple as that!
You may get sponsored by your employer for a work permit given that you are attending a full-time study course on a valid student visa.
Employers do not sponsor those without any qualifications or a student visa. If you are made to believe the opposite, suspect it to be a student study visa fraud in Canada. Remember, you cannot gain a work permit without a qualification.
2. Agents Contradicting the Official Websites
Go through official embassy and university websites. If your agent is telling you something that contradicts the information on the website, it might be a case of Canada study visa Fraud.
You should find out your visa application fees along with the university fees yourself. Don’t become a victim of student study visa fraud by paying more than you should.
No agent can get you admission to a particular university before you apply. The admission process involves applying and then getting your documents checked. The university should validate the letter of acceptance if you’re receiving it from an agent.
3. Agents Painting Rosy Pictures
It has become too important to stay cautious when dealing with agents as they can lead you in wrong direction. Ask your agent the crucial questions without getting trapped in the rosy picture he shows you.
Their inability to handle questions and inquiries related to academics can be a bad sign. So, if you do not get clear answers about the SAT, the GPA requirement, study course requirements, you might want to be sure if you are in the right hands.
4. Consultants Making Commitments on Behalf of the College
Immigration consultants that make commitments on behalf of the educational institutions in Canada might be involved with Canada study visa fraud. You should always double-check the information about the college. When you are applying for a student visa in Canada, be sure that everything feels right to you.
5. Agents Contradicting Official Websites
Always cross-reference information with official sources. If your agent’s claims contradict what’s on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website or university portals, suspect fraud.
Verify visa application fees and university tuition directly from official sources. Don’t become a victim by paying inflated amounts. Remember, no agent can guarantee admission to a university before you properly apply and have your documents reviewed by the institution.
How to Check If a Canadian College Is Legit (DLI Check)?
One of the most critical steps in avoiding fraud is verifying that your chosen institution is legitimate. There’s a way you can check it.
Every legitimate Canadian institution that accepts international students must be on the Designated Learning Institutions (DLI) list. This is a government-maintained database of approved schools.
How to Check:
- Visit the official IRCC website
- Search for “Designated Learning Institutions list”
- Select your province or territory
- Search for your institution by name
- Verify the DLI number matches what’s on your Letter of Acceptance
Important: If a school is not on the DLI list, you cannot get a study permit to attend it, regardless of what any agent tells you.
Additional Verification Steps
Beyond the DLI check, investigate further:
- Visit the institution’s official website: Look for comprehensive information about programs, faculty, campus facilities, and student services
- Check accreditation: Verify the institution is accredited by recognized Canadian accreditation bodies
- Search for reviews: Look for student reviews, alumni testimonials, and presence on legitimate educational platforms
- Contact the institution directly: Reach out through official channels to confirm admission details
- Look for red flags: Websites with poor design, limited contact information, no physical address, or minimal online presence suggest fake institutions
What To Do If You Suspect Canada Study Visa Fraud?
If you believe you’ve encountered a fraudulent agent or suspect that something is wrong with your Canada study visa process, it’s important to act quickly. Delaying action can increase financial losses and create serious immigration complications. Here are the steps you should take immediately.
1. Stop All Payments Right Away
As soon as you suspect fraud, do not send any further money to the agent or institution, regardless of the reason they give. Avoid sharing additional personal details, documents, or login credentials, as this information can be misused for further fraud or identity theft.
2. Document Everything Related to Your Application
Collect and securely store all evidence connected to the agent or consultant. This includes contracts or service agreements, payment receipts, bank transfer records, email and WhatsApp conversations, business cards, and any documents provided by the agent.
Having a complete record strengthens your case when reporting the fraud or seeking legal help.
3. Verify All Documents You Have Received
If you’ve already been given documents such as a Letter of Acceptance (LOA), take steps to confirm their authenticity. Check whether the institution is listed on Canada’s official Designated Learning Institution (DLI) list.
Contact the college or university directly using contact details from its official website, not those shared by the agent and ask them to confirm whether your LOA is genuine and issued in your name.
4. Report the Fraud to the Appropriate Authorities
Filing a complaint helps protect you and prevents others from being targeted. In India, you can report the matter to your local police station, the Ministry of External Affairs, and relevant consumer protection forums.
In Canada, reports can be submitted to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre and to IRCC through official reporting channels. If the agent claims to be licensed, you should also report them to the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC).
5. Seek Professional Legal Advice
Consult a legitimate immigration lawyer or authorized professional to understand your situation and possible next steps.
This is especially important if an application has already been submitted using incorrect or fraudulent documents, as early legal guidance can help limit long-term consequences.
5. Check Your Consultant’s License Status
Always verify whether your consultant is licensed with the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC).
Only CICC-registered consultants and licensed lawyers are legally allowed to provide paid immigration advice for Canada. If an agent is not listed, it’s a strong warning sign and should be reported immediately.
Conclusion
International students often fall prey to study visa fraud in Canada. Some recruiters exploit foreigners for their money, labor, and sometimes both. As a student, do not look for shortcuts for getting a valid work permit as Canada study visa fraud can get you in serious trouble.
If you get enrolled for a course, your student visa should be valid in the first place. You can always talk to immigration consultants in Mohali at Immivoyage if you have any doubts regarding the Canadian study visa.
