Visa rejections spike as Canada tightens rules for foreigners

Canada has ramped up its immigration enforcement efforts, resulting in a significant increase in refusal rates for certain countries. According to CIC News, Immigration Minister Marc Miller confirmed that recent measures led to a 61% rejection rate in some regions. The move comes as part of Canada’s broader strategy to safeguard its immigration system from fraud. 

In a statement marking Fraud Prevention Month, Miller outlined the government’s actions to counter immigration fraud, which he said harms both genuine applicants and the integrity of the system. He highlighted that fraudsters exploit hopeful immigrants through fake services, high fees, and fraudulent applications. 

“Providing false information or submitting fake documents in an immigration or citizenship application is illegal and carries serious consequences,” Miller said. 

According to Miller, Canada investigates an average of over 9,000 suspected immigration fraud cases each month. These efforts have led to the rejection of thousands of applications and the banning of tens of thousands of individuals from entering the country. To strengthen enforcement, the government introduced stricter penalties, including fines of up to $1.5 million for dishonest immigration representatives assisting with fraudulent applications. 

A key area of focus has been reducing fraud in the Express Entry system. Authorities have cracked down on illegal transactions involving labour market impact assessments, which some applicants attempted to use to boost their chances of selection for permanent residency. 

Additionally, the government is working to counter misinformation about international study permits and the asylum process. “This is about providing accurate information about Canada’s immigration system to people around the world and helping prevent the exploitation of those seeking to come here,” Miller said. 

The minister urged applicants to be vigilant when seeking immigration advice. He emphasized that only authorized representatives—licensed immigration consultants, lawyers, or notaries—can legally charge fees for their services. Official forms and information are available for free on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website. 

“Stay informed, be cautious, and report any suspicious activity,” Miller advised. He reiterated that fraud prevention is a shared responsibility and encouraged applicants to recognize and report potential scams. 

Source: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/nri/latest-updates/visa-rejections-spike-as-canada-tightens-rules-for-foreigners/articleshow/118735450.cms