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Lena Metlege Diab, Canada’s Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, is calling on the public to remain alert to immigration scams as part of March’s Fraud Prevention Month campaign.
In a statement released this week, Diab emphasised the importance of protecting prospective newcomers and maintaining the integrity of Canada’s immigration system. She warned that as technology evolves, fraudsters are increasingly using sophisticated tactics to target individuals hoping to move to Canada.
“Our message is clear,” the minister said. “We will continue to take strong actions to detect, deter and prevent immigration and citizenship fraud.”
As part of this year’s awareness campaign, the minister encouraged people to follow three key steps: spot, stop and report.
“This Fraud Prevention Month, we are asking everyone to take three simple steps: spot, stop and report.
- Spot warning signs, such as pressure to act quickly, requests for large cash payments or guaranteed results. No one can promise a visa or faster processing.
- Stop before you act. Verify information on Canada.ca or through official IRCC channels, and confirm that your immigration representative is authorised.
- Report fraud. Visit the IRCC website, contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre and share information with family and friends”.
Officials advise applicants to watch for red flags, including pressure to act quickly, demands for large cash payments, or promises of guaranteed visas or expedited processing. The government stresses that no one can guarantee approval or faster service.
Before taking action, individuals are urged to verify information through official sources, including the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website and Canada.ca. Applicants should also confirm that any immigration representative they work with is properly authorised.
Suspected fraud can be reported to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. Authorities encourage Canadians and prospective immigrants to share information about scams with family and friends to help prevent further victimisation.
The government says public awareness remains one of the most effective tools in combating immigration fraud.
The federal government says it is taking further steps in 2026 to crack down on immigration and citizenship fraud, including tougher penalties for dishonest representatives and new legislative reforms.
Officials are advancing Bill C-12, which proposes improved information-sharing measures, new asylum ineligibility provisions, and stronger oversight of immigration and citizenship documents and applications. The changes are aimed at reinforcing the integrity of Canada’s immigration system.
The government is also expanding fraud prevention messaging as Canada prepares to co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, when tens of thousands of international visitors are expected to travel to the country.
Authorities emphasised that immigration and citizenship fraud carry serious consequences. Providing false or misleading information — even if done on the advice of a representative — can result in an application refusal, a five-year ban from entering Canada, or even the revocation of citizenship.
Officials say maintaining public awareness and cooperation will be key to protecting applicants and strengthening the system overall.
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