Overview

Immigration fraud and unauthorized representatives

Only authorized lawyers, Quebec notaries and licensed immigration consultants may charge for Canadian immigration advice or representation. Applicants remain responsible for false information submitted by a dishonest representative.

Verify the representative

Check the lawyer with the provincial law society, the notary with the Chambre des notaires du Québec or the consultant on the College register. A business registration, social-media following or IRCC-looking email is not authorization.

Use a written retainer identifying fees and services.

Recognize common schemes

Warning signs include guaranteed visas, sold LMIAs or job offers, requests to sign blank forms, secret portal access, false bank balances and payment to personal cryptocurrency wallets. Government fees are published openly.

No representative has a private quota or embassy connection.

Secure the application record

Demand copies of every form, document, submission and IRCC message. Change passwords and authorized-representative forms where necessary without deleting evidence.

Correct false information proactively only after understanding the misrepresentation risk.

Report through the appropriate channel

Fraud can be reported to CBSA, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, local police and the professional regulator. Employment and recruitment violations may also go to provincial authorities.

Reporting the agent does not automatically cure the immigration file.

Identity and application documents on a desk

Frequently asked questions

Questions about immigration fraud and unauthorized representatives

Can a paid travel agent give immigration advice?

Only if separately authorized under Canadian law.

Am I responsible for my representative’s forms?

Generally yes, which is why applicants should review and keep every submission.

Government sources and footnotesShow sources
  1. [1]IRCC — Protect yourself from immigration fraud
  2. [2]IRCC — Choose an authorized representative