CIMM – IRCC Detection and Investigation of the Student Fraud Cases – June 14, 2023

Classification:
Department: IRCC

Issue:

There have been ongoing media reports on a certain number of individuals who were issued study permits based on fraudulent documents, and who are now being investigated with a possible outcome of being removed from Canada. IRCC takes such issues seriously and is committed to reviewing diligently all fraud allegations while also being committed to ensuring program integrity.

Proposed Response:

• When it comes to fraud, we are primarily focused on identifying organizers of coordinated fraud. We have measures in place to detect fraud and to flag these in our systems in order to deter future fraud.
• IRCC conducts administrative investigations and undertakes fraud disruption techniques in collaboration with CBSA.
• IRCC has been conducting investigations to combat fraud in the student program and prevent those with fraudulently obtained documents from entering Canada.
• IRCC has so far identified over 1500 study permit applications related to this specific issue and has refused approximately 1000 applications.
• As these investigations are ongoing, and due to privacy legislation, we cannot comment on specific cases.

If pressed:

• IRCC works with its local and international partners to crack down on fraud, and is continuously improving its systems to detect evidence of fraud. Where tips are involved, IRCC will look into each tip.
• When processing applications, officers review any adverse information that may be found on file and take that information into consideration. Procedural fairness afforded to applicants provide them with the opportunity to respond to an officer’s concerns. The onus remains on applicants to provide truthful information on their applications even if a third party is preparing it.
• All persons seeking to come to Canada whether temporarily or permanently must meet the admissibility and eligibility requirements as set out in the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA)and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR).
• If we find that false documents or information were provided to obtain status, an individual may have their status taken away, be removed from Canada, have a permanent record of fraud with IRCC and be forbidden to enter Canada for at least five years.