Canadian immigration authorities have flagged over 10,000 fake student acceptance letters in 2024, significantly increasing scrutiny on study permit applications. This follows a series of fraudulent incidents, particularly involving unlicensed immigration consultants in India.
The crackdown was spurred by the 2023 deportation crisis, where 700 Indian students, mainly from Punjab, were found to have fraudulent admission offer letters. These fake documents were allegedly used by unlicensed consultants in India to secure study permits for students.
In response, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has implemented stricter document verification measures. Over the past year, 2% of the 500,000 acceptance letters reviewed were flagged as fake, while 1% were associated with cancelled admissions or unresponsive institutions.
The issue is not limited to India. Students from China and Vietnam have also been implicated. A probe into 2,000 suspicious cases last year found that 1,485 applicants used fake documents, resulting in entry refusals or deportations. Educational institutions have also faced scrutiny, as some reportedly failed to authenticate acceptance letters, raising concerns about their role in the fraud.
To combat this, Canada has introduced several measures to protect international students and maintain the integrity of its immigration system. Since December 2023, designated learning institutions (DLIs) have been required to verify acceptance letters online. Additionally, DLIs must now report student enrolments twice a year, with non-compliance leading to suspension. Students transferring institutions must also obtain a new study permit.
Quebec institutions remain exempt from these measures, though the IRCC is working to include them.
The revelations have prompted calls for better protection of international students. Immigration critic Jenny Kwan called the findings “extremely alarming” and stressed the importance of supporting students who have been defrauded. Immigration Minister Marc Miller emphasized that the changes are necessary to protect the integrity of Canada’s student immigration program.
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