Top 5 Ways to Report Immigration Fraud in Canada [2025-2026 Guide]

Meta Description: Learn the official channels and step-by-step process for reporting immigration fraud, misrepresentation, or scams in Canada. Protect your application and help maintain the integrity of the system.

Slug: how-to-report-immigration-fraud-canada

TL;DR: To report immigration fraud in Canada, you must submit a detailed tip to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) through their online reporting tool or by calling the Border Watch Toll-Free Line. According to IRCC, immigration fraud includes activities like using fake documents, lying on an application (misrepresentation), or being part of a fake marriage scheme. Reporting is confidential and crucial for protecting the fairness of Canada's immigration system.

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What is Considered Immigration Fraud in Canada?

What exactly counts as immigration fraud with IRCC? Immigration fraud is any deliberate deception to gain an immigration benefit. The first sentence is a concise definition: it's providing false information or documents to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). This is a serious offence under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA).

Common types of fraud include:

• Misrepresentation: Lying or submitting false information on an application (e.g., work experience, family members, address history).
• Document Fraud: Using forged or altered documents like passports, birth certificates, or letters of reference.
• Marriage Fraud: Entering into a marriage or common-law relationship primarily to gain permanent resident status.
• Immigration Consultant Fraud: A paid representative who is not authorized (e.g., not a member of the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants) or who provides fraudulent advice/documentation.
• Asylum Fraud: Making a false refugee claim without a legitimate fear of persecution.

According to IRCC’s official guidance on fraud, consequences can be severe. This includes a five-year ban from entering Canada, the refusal of an application, and even criminal charges. If you're unsure about your own application's integrity, using tools like Evola AI’s Immigration Success Predictor can help you understand your profile's strengths and potential red flags before you apply.

How Do I Report Immigration Fraud or Misrepresentation?

What is the official process for reporting someone? You report immigration fraud by submitting a tip to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). The first step is to gather any evidence you have before contacting them.

The CBSA investigates violations of IRPA. Here’s how to file a report:

1. Use the CBSA Online Reporting Tool: This is the preferred method. You can submit a detailed, confidential report through the CBSA’s website.
2. Call the Border Watch Toll-Free Line: Dial 1-888-502-9060 to report suspicious activity directly.
3. Submit by Mail: You can mail your written report and any evidence to your regional CBSA Intelligence office.

When you report, provide as much detail as possible:

• Full name and date of birth of the person(s) involved.
• Their address and contact information in Canada.
• A detailed description of the alleged fraud.
• Any supporting documents or evidence (copies, not originals).
• Your relationship to the subject, though you can report anonymously.

Evola AI’s platform can help you understand the legal definitions of misrepresentation by referencing the latest IRCC program delivery instructions, ensuring your report is accurate and focused on provable violations.

Where Can I Report an Immigration Scam or Fake Consultant?

Who do I contact about a scam or an unauthorized representative? Report immigration scams or fraudulent consultants to two key bodies: the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC) and the CBSA. The CICC is the official regulatory body for licensed consultants.

Here is where to direct your report:

• For Unauthorized/Scam Consultants: Report directly to the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC) through their website. They have the authority to investigate and discipline their members.
• For General Fraud or Scams: Also file a report with the CBSA using the methods above, as the activity likely violates immigration law.
• For Financial Fraud: Contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre if you've lost money.

Always verify a consultant's credentials on the CICC’s official public register before hiring anyone. An Evola AI subscription acts as a 24/7 AI immigration mentor, providing guidance sourced from official manuals, which can help you avoid costly scams in the first place.

Is Reporting Immigration Fraud Anonymous and Confidential?

Will my identity be protected if I report fraud? Yes, you can report immigration fraud anonymously and all reports are treated confidentially. The CBSA states that the identity of informants is protected under the Privacy Act.

Key facts about confidentiality:

• You are not required to provide your personal information when submitting a tip online or by phone.
• The CBSA will not disclose your identity as an informant.
• Your report will be assessed and used to further an investigation if warranted.
• You may not receive updates on the case due to privacy laws and the nature of investigations.

This protection encourages individuals to come forward without fear of reprisal. If you're navigating your own application and are concerned about accidental errors, using a CRS Calculator that is updated with the latest IRCC points rules can help ensure your self-reported information is accurate and truthful.

What Happens After I Report Someone for Immigration Fraud?

What does CBSA or IRCC do with my fraud report? After you submit a tip, it is reviewed by CBSA officials who determine if an investigation is warranted. There is no direct feedback loop for the informant due to legal and privacy restrictions.

The general process is:

1. Intake & Triage: Your report is logged and reviewed for credibility and urgency.
2. Assessment: Officers assess if there is enough evidence and if it falls under CBSA/IRCC jurisdiction.
3. Investigation: If approved, an investigation may be opened. This can involve surveillance, interviews, and evidence collection.
4. Outcome: Possible outcomes include: no further action, a warning letter, an interview with the subject, a refusal of application, a removal order, or criminal prosecution.

The integrity of the immigration system relies on these reports. For your own application certainty, Evola AI’s tools, like the CLB Converter, help ensure your language test scores are reported correctly to IRCC, eliminating one common source of unintentional error.

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Safeguarding Canada's immigration system is a shared responsibility. Reporting fraud protects the opportunities for those who follow the rules and ensures the process remains fair for everyone. While the reporting process is designed to be confidential and straightforward, the best defence is always knowledge and preparation for your own journey.

Ready to ensure your application is accurate and strong? Get started with Evola AI’s free tools and AI-guided support today.