Smart Immigration: How to Move to Canada Safely and Scam-Free

Common Immigration Scams to Watch For

• Job-placement cons: Unscrupulous operators may promise a job in exchange for fees, only to leave applicants stranded without work or travel arrangements.
• Fake Express Entry support: Fraudsters sometimes offer guaranteed Express Entry success for upfront payments—even before checking if the person meets eligibility—and vanish if expectations aren’t met.

Red Flags to Be Aware Of

• Active recruitment via text messages, WhatsApp, or social media—especially from supposed Canadian government actors—is almost always fraudulent.
• If you receive job offers, verify the employer’s legitimacy through official contact channels.

What the Government Says

• Canadian authorities will never guarantee a job or visa—only immigration officers and accredited bodies have that power.
• Official fees are standardized and must be paid through rightful channels—never to personal accounts or via gift cards, crypto, or other unconventional methods.
• Government staff will never:
  • Ask for money or personal information via email, phone, or social media
  • Threaten deportation or claim special processing conditions
  • Use free email services (e.g., Gmail, Yahoo) to contact applicants

How to Protect Yourself

• Verify consultants through the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC). Only licensed professionals (RCICs or RISIs) have the legal mandate to assist.
• Check job offers by contacting the employer directly using official information from their website.
• Avoid upfront or high-pressure payments, especially for services government agencies provide for free.
• Stay informed—use official Government of Canada channels for application details, fees, and procedures.