Canada has warned immigration applicants against submitting fake, altered or misleading documents, saying offenders could face serious consequences, including a ban from the country for at least five years.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued the warning on Wednesday, stressing that all information and documents submitted during the immigration process must be genuine and accurate.
According to the department, immigration fraud may involve forged or altered passports, travel documents, visas, language test results, employment records, educational certificates, relationship documents, police certificates and court records.
IRCC also cautioned applicants against providing false information during medical examinations. It said submitting fraudulent medical documents or misleading a panel physician about existing or previous medical conditions could amount to fraud.
Applicants seeking to renew their permanent resident status or apply for Canadian citizenship are also required to accurately declare the period they have physically spent in Canada.
The department said an application could be refused if false information or documents are submitted by the applicant, representative or interpreter.
Other possible penalties include a permanent fraud record with IRCC, loss of temporary or permanent resident status, loss of Canadian citizenship, a five-year ban on applying for citizenship and removal from Canada.
IRCC also warned against “relationships of convenience,” where individuals enter into marriages or common-law or conjugal relationships primarily to obtain Canadian immigration status.
Immigration officers may conduct interviews, verify documents and visit homes to determine whether a relationship is genuine. Canadian citizens or permanent residents involved in marriage fraud could also face criminal charges.
The department further cautioned applicants against chargeback fraud, which occurs when an immigration application fee paid by credit card is reversed. Such action could result in an application being cancelled, delayed or refused, while those involved could potentially face a travel ban of up to 10 years.
IRCC said it works with the Canada Border Services Agency, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, foreign law enforcement agencies and document-issuing authorities to detect and investigate immigration fraud.
The department urged applicants to ensure that every document and piece of information submitted with an immigration application is truthful, complete and authentic.
