Canada’s visa rejection rates have surged, with some regions reporting refusal rates as high as 61%.
This rise follows a clampdown on immigration fraud, as part of the country’s broader strategy to protect its immigration system.
Immigration Minister Marc Miller, according to TravelBiz, confirmed this in a statement during the Fraud Prevention Month this March, that the increase in rejections is a direct result of stricter enforcement measures aimed at tackling fraudulent applications.
The government’s heightened focus on preventing immigration fraud has led to a rigorous review process for visa applications. Minister Miller explained that fraudulent activities not only harm legitimate applicants but also undermine the integrity of the immigration system.
This is especially concerning as Canada investigates thousands of suspected fraud cases each month, reports inform.
The Canadian government has been intensifying its efforts to combat fraudulent immigration applications. Authorities, according to reports, are closely scrutinizing applications for false information and fake documents.
Canada, as stated, investigates over 9,000 suspected fraud cases each month, and the results are clear — this has led to thousands of refusals.
In response to rising fraud, the Canadian government has introduced stricter penalties. Immigration representatives who assist with fraudulent applications can now face fines of up to $1.5 million, reports inform.
A major focus is on cracking down on illegal activities related to LMIAs, which some applicants have used to manipulate the Express Entry process and increase their chances of gaining permanent residency.
Alongside these enforcement measures, Canada is working to address misinformation about international study permits and the asylum process. Minister Miller emphasized the need for accurate information to prevent exploitation.
“This is about ensuring that people have the right information about Canada’s immigration system and preventing scams,” he said.
Applicants are urged to seek advice only from authorized representatives, such as licensed immigration consultants, lawyers, or notaries, and to rely on official resources from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
The recent increase in visa rejection rates can be attributed to several factors:
To avoid falling victim to scams, applicants are advised to:
Minister Miller reminded applicants to “stay informed, be cautious, and report any suspicious activity,” underscoring the importance of cooperation in maintaining the integrity of Canada’s immigration system.