Every year, thousands of applicants fall victim to unscrupulous and unauthorized immigration agents. These purported agents are neither authorized to provide any kind of advice nor represent you. These immigration frauds are very rampant in India and result in hundreds of immigration applications being banned for a period of 5 years on count of “Misrepresentation” of information or documentation.
The most common modus operandi involves these agents showing themselves as “Unpaid/family or friend” representative.
REMEMBER – anyone charging you a fee or receiving any other type of payment should be an “authorized” representative. Only the following can be authorized representatives.
Find out if your representative is authorized
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigration-citizenship-representative/choose/authorized.html
Your application may be returned or refused if the authorities find out that you have an unauthorized agent to make an application.
Only an authorized Immigration and citizenship representative can :
- explain and give advice on your immigration or citizenship options
- help you choose the best immigration program for you
- fill out and submit your immigration or citizenship application
- communicate with the Government of Canada on your behalf
- represent you in an immigration or citizenship application or hearing
- advertise that they can give immigration or citizenship advice
Fend off fraudsters
Remember you are solely responsible for all the information in your application, even if your representative completes it for you. Any wrong information provided by the agent could result in refusal or a 5 year misrepresentation ban. You cannot claim that you were unaware of the incorrect information
Beware of the representatives who advertise their services as free and later ask you to pay a fee.
Also remember that there are thousands of educational agents who can help international students procure admission and obtain letter of acceptance (LOA) on their behalf. However, these agents CANNOT help you in preparing your student visa application or represent you before the authorities.