The Canadian government has warned people applying for immigration and citizenship against submitting fake or altered documents or providing false information, stressing that such actions amount to fraud and can lead to serious consequences.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued the warning on Wednesday through its official X account, reminding applicants that they remain responsible for all information and documents submitted in their applications, even when an immigration representative, consultant or interpreter handles the application on their behalf.
IRCC said document fraud can include falsifying or altering passports, travel documents, visas, academic credentials, language test results, employment records, letters of acceptance, proof of relationships, police certificates and court documents, among others.
The department also warned that providing false medical information or documents, as well as misrepresenting physical presence in Canada when applying for permanent residence renewal or citizenship, can constitute fraud.
According to IRCC, an application containing false information or fraudulent documents may be refused, while the applicant could be barred from entering Canada for at least five years.
Other possible consequences include having a permanent record of fraud with IRCC, losing permanent resident status or Canadian citizenship, being prohibited from applying for citizenship for five years and being removed from Canada.
The department stressed that applicants cannot escape responsibility by claiming that a representative or consultant submitted the false information on their behalf.
“You are responsible for all the information in your application, even if a representative fills it out for you,” IRCC said.
The agency urged applicants to carefully verify that every document and piece of information submitted is genuine, complete and accurate.
IRCC also advised applicants to be cautious when dealing with immigration representatives, warning that representatives who encourage clients to submit false information or documents are breaking Canadian law.
The department said it works with the Canada Border Services Agency, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, foreign law enforcement agencies and organisations responsible for issuing identity and status documents to detect and investigate immigration fraud.
IRCC said it also verifies documents directly with issuing authorities and uses other programme-integrity measures to identify fraudulent applications.
The department added that its efforts are focused on identifying people responsible for immigration and citizenship fraud rather than punishing individuals who have themselves been victims of fraudulent schemes.
It urged members of the public to report suspected immigration fraud through the appropriate official channels.
Source: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
