Tips to Avoid Immigration Scams and Get Genuine Help

Tips to Avoid Immigration Scams and Get Genuine Help

Immigration fraud can be a scary and devastating experience for anyone. People looking for a better life abroad often seek professional help for a successful immigration process. But unfortunately, where there are sincere and genuine consultants out there, the sector is flooded with scammers taking advantage of innocent people and tricking them with their hard-earned money.

However, with a little bit of knowledge and awareness, you can easily spot fake immigration consultants and avoid becoming a victim of an immigration services scam.

This article has highlighted some tips that you can follow to identify immigration fraudsters. As India’s leading immigration consultants, we always encourage people to report such scams. And contact Abhinav Immigration for genuine and reliable visa services.

 

Check the title

Unauthorized immigration consultants never use official titles. For example- In other countries, a notary public or notary can be a person who has acquired a lot of legal training. But in Canada, a notario is different from a notaire du Québec, an immigration lawyer, or a regulated immigration consultant under RCIC. Notarios in Canada are not licensed to give you legal advice.

According to the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants, anyone indulged in providing paid Canadian immigration or citizenship advice or representation must follow one of the following conditions:

 

• Licensee in good standing with the College
• Member of a Canadian law society, or
• Member of the Chambre des notaires du Québec.

 

Don’t fall for the diploma scam

Just because a consultant has acquired a diploma or certificate in immigration does not allow them to give immigration services. Their credentials and certifications are useless if they fail to obtain a license to practice their profession. An immigration consultant must secure a license from the College to offer Canadian immigration services before providing services to immigration aspirants.

To check the license status of your consultant, you may go to the Public Register section of the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC) website. You may search by first or last name, RCIC number, name of the company, geographic location, city, or license number. RCIC Licence Numbers are six-digit numbers that begin with the “R” while RISIA Licence Numbers start with the “S.”

 

Don’t forget to sign the service agreement

A service agreement is a compelling document you need to understand the range of services offered and the fee charged for the same. Any genuine immigration consultant will not hesitate to give you a service agreement or contract. Both parties must sign it before working with each other. After signing, keep a copy with you for the record.

 

Sign a Use of a Representative Form (IMM 5476)

If you are using an visa consultant for filing the Canada immigration Visa application, Please use form IMM 5476 and it must be signed by you and the consultant. The purpose of filling out this form is to prove to IRCC that your consultant can represent you in case of any doubts or queries related to your immigration process.

 

Be wary of services that require you to pay in cash

Cash payments are generally untraceable; hence, more chances for fraud. Canadian immigration authorities do not accept cash payments as well. Their fees are in credit cards, debit cards, money orders, or certified checks. Do NOT trust consultants who ask you to provide cash while filling out forms with the IRCC.

Also, do not forget to obtain invoices and receipts of all your payments.

 

Ensure your services only include immigration, not job guarantees

No immigration consultant can promise you a job in Canada or any country for that matter. Job placement is an entirely different area, which should be listed in a separate agreement. Beware of consultants who promise to get you a job and immigration done for one fee. No one has the right to charge you an unnecessary cost for job placement, whether the person is an employer, a recruiter, or an immigration consultant.

Make sure that your consultant handles a detailed service agreement outlining every service along with the amount you will pay for the services availed by you.

 

Get Real Help

Take a note of the below crucial pointers to avoid immigration scammers:

 

• Check your consultant’s status on the website of the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants. Make sure their status is “active” and not “revoked” or “resigned.” If you see any of them, your consultant is not authorized to provide you with services.
• Ask for references, client reviews, or testimonials to know their service quality.
• Double-check their credentials
• Visit the office to evaluate their work and learn more about immigration.
• Ask as many questions as you can to avoid doubts or confusion.
• Beware of fake immigration websites, fake calls, or emails.
• Thoroughly read forms and paperwork before signing them.

Want to know more? Just get in touch with our certified immigration consultants by ringing us at 8595338595 or mail us at [email protected]