The Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) has taken legal action against Brijesh Mishra for his involvement in defrauding 700 international students from India.
On June 23, Mishra was charged with multiple offenses, including Unauthorized Representation or Advice for Consideration, Counselling Misrepresentation, and Misrepresentation (both direct and indirect communication). These charges emerged after 700 students from India were issued false letters of admission from Canadian educational institutions. CBSA officials made this discovery when the students, who had arrived in 2018-2019 and completed their studies while gaining Canadian work experience, applied for permanent residence in Canada.
The students had sought study visas through Education Migration Services, based in Jalandhar, India. Mishra, who headed the firm, deceived the students by charging exorbitant fees related to college admission and visa applications. The company’s office closed down, and Mishra had remained elusive until his recent apprehension. It was later revealed that he had been living illegally in Surrey, British Columbia, after having his visa revoked in 2019 for “ghost consulting.” In India, two co-directors of the company have also been arrested and denied bail, as reported by the Toronto Star.
IRCC Task Force Combats Fraud
Shortly after Immigration Minister Sean Fraser announced a special task force to investigate the affected students and assess whether they were victims of fraud, the charges against Mishra were brought to light. The task force will conduct a case-by-case examination to determine if students were aware of the fraudulent letters. Those found to have knowingly broken the rules will face appropriate consequences, including removal.
For students deemed unaware of the fraud, deportation will be avoided, and they will be issued temporary resident permits, allowing them to remain in Canada.
IRCC’s Preventive Measures Against Fraud
To combat such fraud in the future, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will collaborate with Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs), provinces and territories, and organizations representing Canadian colleges and universities abroad to detect and prevent similar incidents.
Protecting International Students from Fraud
International students are often targeted by unscrupulous individuals seeking to take advantage of their vulnerable situation. “Ghost consultants,” unlicensed immigration representatives who appear legitimate, are a common threat. They offer services to students, such as educational institution admissions or visa application assistance, but disappear after receiving high fees.
Other common scams include phishing, fake job offers, and housing scams. To protect themselves, students must exercise caution in sharing personal information and refrain from responding to unsolicited or suspicious requests for financial details. If an offer or opportunity seems too good to be true, students should be vigilant, verify the legitimacy of immigration consultants, employers, or landlords, and take the necessary time to confirm any information provided. By being cautious and informed, international students can safeguard themselves against potential fraud.