Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has identified over 10,000 potentially fraudulent documents this year, indicating a sharp increase in fraudulent international student acceptance letters. Compared to the previous year, this indicates a noteworthy 30% increase.
According to the reports, these letters, which were included with applications for study permits, are being examined after Canadian immigration officials conducted more thorough inspections.
The verification procedure uncovered widespread exploitation of false passports, according to Bronwyn May, Director-General of the IRCC’s International Students Branch.
“We have intercepted over 10,000 potentially fraudulent letters since we started verifying acceptance letters from colleges and universities over the past year,” May told the House of Commons immigration committee last week.
The concerning finding comes after a more thorough examination of the improper use of immigration documents. The remaining documents raised severe concerns, even though 93% of the 500,000 acceptance letters that the IRCC had examined over the past 10 months were verified as authentic.
One per cent of applicants had their spots in Canadian universities revoked, while a tiny but noteworthy two per cent of letters were shown to be completely fraudulent. In other instances, schools and institutions also neglected to confirm the authenticity of the letters.
The IRCC has intensified its scrutiny of applications as Canada’s growing popularity as a top study destination has led to a surge in international student applications, creating more opportunities for scammers.
This heightened demand has also attracted organised crime syndicates, which are now producing increasingly sophisticated counterfeit documents, making it essential for authorities to remain vigilant in detecting and preventing fraud.
How Does IRCC Deal with Such Fraudulent Practices?
To combat this growing threat, the IRCC has implemented a range of measures, including direct verification with educational institutions to confirm the authenticity of acceptance letters and enhanced document analysis to detect inconsistencies, red flags and signs of forgery. Additionally, the agency is collaborating with international partners, including foreign governments and law enforcement agencies, to identify and address fraudulent activities more effectively.
Even while most foreign students are sincere and make valuable contributions to Canadian society, the existence of fraudulent applications damages the standing of the nation’s educational system. Protecting the integrity of the immigration system and making sure that only eligible students receive visas are priorities for the IRCC.
Before selecting an educational institution, prospective students are encouraged to do extensive study. To prevent becoming a victim of fraudulent schemes, it is also crucial to always cooperate with certified immigration experts.
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