Brijesh Mishra, the owner of Education Migration Services located in Jalandhar, is facing charges laid by the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) for defrauding 700 Indian students. The charges are linked to violations of four sections under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA), as reported by CIC News. The fraud came to light when it was discovered that these students were issued false letters of admission from Canadian educational institutions. Many of these students had already completed their studies, gained work experience in Canada, and were in the process of applying for permanent residence when the deception was uncovered.
As the investigation progressed, it was revealed that Mishra the owner of Education Migration Services had charged these students exorbitant amounts for college admission and visa applications. Despite the firm’s subsequent closure, Mishra remained elusive until recently when he was apprehended while living illegally in Surrey, British Columbia. His visa had been revoked in 2019 due to involvement in “ghost consulting.”
In response to this situation, Canada’s immigration minister, Sean Frase, emphasized that students who knowingly engaged in rule-breaking would face consequences, including removal. However, students who were unaware of the fraud would not be deported. Instead, they would be issued temporary resident permits, allowing them to continue their stay in Canada.
Frauds with international students:
International students are often vulnerable targets of fraud, with “ghost consultants” being a common form of deception. These unlicensed immigration representatives pose as legitimate agents offering services to international students, only to vanish after receiving high fees. Other fraudulent schemes include phishing, fake job offers, and housing scams. To safeguard against such scams, CIC News advises international students to be cautious and thoroughly verify any offers or opportunities that seem too good to be true. Taking the time for proper verification can protect them from falling victim to fraudulent schemes.
