The Honorable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship (IRCC), recently addressed the issue of international student fraud, highlighting the government's actions and support for those affected. Reports have surfaced regarding approximately 700 international students from India facing deportation from Canada due to the discovery that their Letters of Admission (LOAs) were forged. The fraudulent LOAs were issued by unauthorized immigration consultants, un known to the students.
Taskforce to Identify Victims:
Minister Fraser emphasizes the importance of the well-being of those impacted by unscrupulous individuals. As a result, a taskforce has been established, consisting of teams from IRCC and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), with the purpose of identifying the victims of fraud.
Case-by-Case Examination:
Both IRCC and CBSA are carefully reviewing each individual case subject to a removal order. This examination aims to provide affected students with an opportunity to demonstrate whether they were aware of the fraudulent scheme associated with the fake letters of acceptance. Those found to have knowingly broken the rules will face the consequences outlined in the legislation, which may include removal.
Protection for Unaware Students:
Minister Fraser assures international students who were unaware of or not involved in the fraudulent activities that they will not face deportation. For those students who came to Canada with genuine intentions to study but unknowingly possessed fraudulent documentation, IRCC officers have been instructed to issue Temporary Resident Permits. This measure ensures that well-intentioned students can continue their studies in Canada and avoids imposing a 5-year ban on their re-entry due to misrepresentation.
Exploring PR Solutions:
Recognizing the unique circumstances surrounding this case, the government is exploring solutions to provide affected students with a fair chance to apply for permanent residency (PR). In this regard, a specific PR process will be established, whereby senior IRCC and CBSA officials will individually consider each case, deviating from the standard PR process.
Acknowledging Exploitation:
Minister Fraser and IRCC acknowledge that many students were victims of exploitation and should not be morally blamed for their involvement in the fraudulent scheme. Efforts are focused on identifying those responsible for the fraudulent activity rather than penalizing the affected students.
Enhancing Fraud Detection:
The statement highlights that IRCC is collaborating with Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs), provinces and territories, and organizations representing Canadian colleges and universities to enhance fraud detection measures and uphold the integrity of Canada's immigration programs.
No Penalty for Victims:
The government's focus is on holding accountable those responsible for the fraudulent activity and providing support to the affected students, rather than penalizing them for circumstances beyond their control.
Conclusion:
Minister Fraser concludes by expressing recognition for the significant contributions international students make to Canada and reiterates the government's commitment to an honest and transparent path to Canada. Prospective applicants are encouraged to conduct thorough research, obtain acceptance letters from authorized DLIs, and refer to the official website for accurate program information. Those who have fallen victim to unscrupulous consultants are urged to come forward and report fraud to receive appropriate assistance.