Canada's Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued a public warning to Kenyan and other visa applicants about common scam tactics. The advisory, published on September 21, cautions applicants to use only the official IRCC website when submitting immigration applications and to avoid unofficial third-party agents who may provide false information or steal money. IRCC stressed that all visa applications must go through their official channels.
IRCC outlined specific red flags that applicants should watch for, including fraudulent promises of letters of acceptance and guaranteed scholarships. The authority noted that no agent or individual can legitimately promise a letter of acceptance in exchange for payment. A genuine designated learning institution (DLI) will conduct its own assessment of an applicant's academic qualifications, language proficiency, and identity before issuing any admission documents.
IRCC also clarified its communication practices, stating that it never contacts applicants by email to verify basic personal details, request banking or credit card information, send immigration documents, or offer time-limited promotions or cash deals related to visas, permits, or citizenship. Applicants are advised to be cautious of unsolicited emails or messages with such requests.
The authority paid particular attention to applicants seeking study permits, outlining a series of scenarios that should raise immediate concern. Anyone who is told they can apply for a student visa without first obtaining a letter of acceptance from a DLI should treat this as a warning sign. Other red flags include being offered a discounted tuition rate for a fee or being asked to pay money to apply for or guarantee a scholarship.
IRCC directed applicants to search its official list of designated learning institutions to identify eligible schools and programmes before beginning any application process. Applicants are also advised to have the institution send the letter of acceptance directly to them to reduce the risk of fraud. This can help ensure the authenticity of the admission documents.
In other news, Canada announced skilled job opportunities for Kenyans in various sectors, including carpentry, plumbing, machining, STEM, healthcare, and other critical sectors. Interested applicants can search for vacancies through the official Job Bank and explore immigration pathways. Canada is seeking foreign workers to address labour shortages linked to an ageing workforce and growth in key industries.
IRCC encouraged applicants to apply for their Canadian visa safely online through the official IRCC website, the only official source of information about Canada's immigration programs and services. By using official channels, applicants can avoid the risk of using unauthorised third-party services that might scam them and provide incorrect information.
Key points
- Canada's IRCC warns Kenyan visa applicants of scams and stresses the use of official channels.
- Red flags for applicants include fraudulent promises of letters of acceptance and guaranteed scholarships.
- Canada offers skilled job opportunities for Kenyans in various sectors.
