More than 700 Indian students have been deported from Canada after their admission offer letters from educational institutions were found to be fake. The students applied for study visas through Education Migration Services, Jalandhar, from 2018 onwards till 2022. The visa service agency was run by Brijesh Mishra who charged each student between Rs 16 to Rs 20 lakh for all expenses, including admission fees to a premier institute Humber college. Air tickets and security deposits were not included in the payment to the agent.
The agent reportedly cancelled the admission of the students after they arrived in Canada, telling them that all seats in the courses offered to them were filled, and that they would have to wait six months for the start of the next semester or apply to another college. The students took admitted to a less-known college and completed their courses, and subsequently got work permits. They then submitted relevant documents to the immigration department for permanent resident status, but were found to have used fake documents.
The Canadian Border Security Agency (CBSA) officials were not accepting the claims of the students, as there was no evidence to prove that agent Mishra prepared and arranged all the documents. The CBSA officials were also not accepting the failure of the Canadian visa and airport authorities that issued visas and allowed them entry by checking the authenticity of all documents. The only remedy left for the students is to challenge the deportation notices in court where proceedings may continue for 3 to 4 years.
This education fraud is the first of its kind in Canada, and one of the main reasons for such fraud could be the large number of applicants to Canada. The incident highlights the need for students to verify the authenticity of visa agents and the educational institutions they are applying to.
The Indian authorities have expressed concern about the matter and are working to provide assistance to the affected students. The Indian High Commission in Ottawa has been in touch with the CBSA and the Canadian government to ensure that the students are treated fairly and justly. The Indian government has also advised students to be cautious while choosing an immigration consultant or agent and to verify their credentials before engaging their services.
This incident has also raised concerns about the issue of immigration fraud, which has been a problem in many countries, including Canada. Immigration fraud is a serious crime that can have severe consequences for both the victims and the authorities. It can damage the reputation of the country and harm the trust of genuine students who wish to study abroad.
The Canadian government has been taking steps to prevent immigration fraud and protect the integrity of its immigration system. It has implemented strict measures to verify the authenticity of documents and ensure that only genuine students are allowed to enter the country for studies. It has also introduced new regulations to crack down on unscrupulous immigration agents and consultants who exploit vulnerable students.
The incident of the deportation of 700 Indian students from Canada serves as a warning to students who wish to study abroad. It highlights the importance of choosing a genuine and trustworthy agent or consultant for immigration services. It also underscores the need for students to verify the authenticity of documents and information provided by their agents and ensure that they are not being deceived or cheated.
In conclusion, the deportation of 700 Indian students from Canada due to fake admission offer letters is a serious issue that has raised concerns about the issue of immigration fraud. The incident highlights the need for students to be cautious while choosing an immigration consultant or agent and to verify their credentials before engaging in their services. It also underscores the importance of the Canadian government’s efforts to prevent immigration fraud and protect the integrity of its immigration system.