Canada has warned immigration applicants that submitting fake or altered documents in visa applications could result in a travel ban of at least five years.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued the warning on Wednesday, August 19, saying applicants who provide false information or documents could face serious immigration consequences.
The department said fraudulent documents may include passports, travel documents, visas, language test results, employment records, educational documents, relationship certificates, police certificates and court records.
“Providing false or altered documents or information can have serious consequences,” IRCC said in a warning shared on X.
According to the department, an application can be refused where false information or documents are submitted by an applicant, representative or interpreter.
Those found guilty of misrepresentation could also have a permanent fraud record placed with IRCC, lose their temporary or permanent resident status or Canadian citizenship, and be removed from Canada.
In addition, the person could be barred from applying for Canadian citizenship for five years.
IRCC also warned that applicants must provide accurate information during mandatory medical examinations.
“Providing false medical documents or misleading a panel physician about existing or previous medical conditions is considered fraud,” IRCC warned.
Applicants seeking to renew their permanent resident status or apply for Canadian citizenship must equally provide accurate information about their physical presence in Canada.
READ ALSO: Nigeria, Canada Seal Deal On Direct Flight Operations
The department further cautioned against relationships entered into primarily to obtain Canadian immigration status. Such arrangements can involve marriages, common-law relationships or conjugal partnerships that are not genuine.
“Immigration officers may use document checks, interviews and home visits to determine whether a relationship is genuine,” IRCC said.
Canadian citizens or permanent residents who participate in marriages of convenience for immigration purposes could also face criminal charges.
IRCC identified another form of immigration-related fraud as chargebacks, where an applicant or someone acting on their behalf reverses an immigration application fee paid by credit card.
“A reversed payment could result in your application being cancelled, delayed or refused,” the department said, adding that applicants could potentially face a ban from travelling to Canada for up to 10 years.
To detect and investigate fraud, IRCC said it works with the Canada Border Services Agency, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, foreign police agencies and authorities responsible for issuing official documents.
The department said it verifies submitted documents with issuing authorities and uses programme-integrity measures to prevent people from exploiting the immigration system.
IRCC urged applicants to ensure that all information and documents submitted with immigration applications are genuine and accurate, warning that misrepresentation can have consequences extending beyond the immediate application.