Warning: Agents in India
The Government of Canada has published a warning against using agents and immigration consultants in India. This information campaign is based on rampant fraud, fake documents and abuse by agents in India.
As noted by esteemed and veteran reporter Nicholas Keung of the Toronto Star, the information campaign in India is designed to “educate applicants who choose to pay for advice or representation on the importance of using an authorized representative and to discourage applicants from using unauthorized, fraudulent consultants.”
This campaign highlights the fact that applicants are the victims. These Indian applicants are seeking help from agents and immigration consultants; in turn, they are paying money to criminals who are operating outside Canada.
From our experience at Clarke Law, we have seen many applicants in India and other countries suffer after their previous representative failed to submit quality work. In many cases, agents or consultants charged high fees based on the applicants trusting them with their important applications. They were scammed.
These cases are common both outside of Canada, in countries like India, as well as inside Canada. A recent immigration consultant in Alberta, Ms Tamara Judge has admitted to unethical behaviour and she has been sanctioned. She lied to her clients. She lied about having the support of a Member of Parliament (MP).
WARNINGS:
- Many agents and/or immigration consultants are not authorized to charge money for immigration services;
- Agents and/or immigration consultants often charge excessive fees;
- No agent and/or immigration consultant can guarantee a visa to Canada; and,
- Be aware of fraudulent consultants and scams.
For Citizens of India, our advice is to follow the warning from the Government of Canada. This warning is based on many, MANY cases of abuse and fraud. They have seen too many cases of unscrupulous consultants who submit Study Permits, Work Permits, Permanent Resident application and/or other applications to IRCC. The Canadian Officers have long recognized this is a problem in India. This warning will hopefully help applicants find better representatives.
If you or any of your friends or relatives have been victims of immigration fraud, please contact our office immediately.
