Chandigarh: In response to the recent visa scam involving counterfeit admission offer letters, the Consulate General of Canada in Chandigarh has launched an extensive program aimed at educating students about fraudulent agents and immigration consultants. The consulate organized a presentation on Thursday, attended by government officials, representatives from educational institutions, media personnel, and other stakeholders. The program, titled "Fraud Prevention," provided valuable guidance to students on the necessary steps to take when engaging a visa agent and submitting their applications.
Bruce Grundison, the Area Director of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for South Asia, expressed confidence in the effectiveness of their system to combat fraud and emphasized the importance of safeguarding students from such scams in the future. "We are currently running a campaign to ensure that we achieve much better success and results in protecting students from fraud," he stated.
The presentation shed light on the severe consequences students could face if they fall victim to fraudulent agents, including a ban from Canada for a minimum of five years and a permanent record of fraud. Prof Devinder Singh, the Pro-Vice Chancellor of Chandigarh University, raised concerns about uncertified consultants in India and recommended that the consulate publish a list of certified consultants on their website. This would enable students to consult authorized professionals and avoid falling prey to fraudulent practices.
To further enhance the system, another stakeholder proposed monitoring misleading advertisement campaigns to curb fraud. Additionally, it was suggested that universities and colleges establish student portals, allowing applicants to track the status of their applications. Patrick Hebert, the Consul General of Canada in Chandigarh, was in attendance, demonstrating support for the campaign against fraudulent agents.
Addressing concerns about fake admission offers, Bruce Grundison acknowledged that there is no permanent solution to completely eradicate such scams. However, he assured attendees that the issue is being addressed at the highest level.
The Canadian consulate's efforts to educate students and prevent fraud are part of a broader initiative to strengthen the immigration system. By equipping students with knowledge and raising awareness about fraudulent practices, the consulate aims to protect the interests of aspiring students and uphold the integrity of the Canadian immigration process.