Protecting International Students from Immigration Fraud: A Guide for School Counsellors
As Pakistani students continue to set their sights on studying in Canada, the role of school career counsellors becomes more crucial than ever. One key area where counsellors can protect students is by guiding them away from unauthorized agents and immigration fraud — a growing concern in the education consultancy sector.
Why It Matters
Immigration fraud doesn’t just cost money — it can cost a student their future. Every year, hopeful students fall prey to unlicensed agents who promise guaranteed admissions, falsify documents, or charge excessive fees. This not only jeopardizes their visa applications but can also lead to long-term bans from entering Canada.
What Counsellors Should Know and Share
1. Only Authorized Representatives Can Legally Offer Immigration Advice
Canadian law allows only three types of representatives to offer immigration-related services:
RCICs – Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants
Lawyers and paralegals who are members in good standing of a Canadian law society
Notaries in Quebec
To verify whether a consultant is legally authorized, counsellors and students can use the official IRCC search tool:
College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC) Public Register
Counsellors should recommend this link every time a student is working with a consultant.
2. Check if the Consultant is a Recognized Representative of a Canadian Institution
Some colleges and universities work with verified education agents in Pakistan. These agents are not licensed to offer immigration advice but can help with admissions and documentation. If a student is working with such an agent, counsellors should ask:
Are they officially listed on the college or university's website?
Is there a direct contact at the institution that can confirm this partnership?
3. Red Flags to Watch Out For
Promises of guaranteed visas
Requests for original documents without receipts
No formal written agreement or unclear service fees
Consultant refuses to let the student contact the university directly
Your Role as a Counsellor
Educate students and families about the importance of using authorized representatives or applying on their own. Many students have successfully applied for their study permits without a representative.
Encourage direct research — students should always check institutional websites and the IRCC site.
Build partnerships with reputable agencies or postsecondary institutions who are transparent and provide student-centered support.
“You don’t need to hire a representative! It’s your choice. Using one will not draw special attention to your application and doesn’t mean we’ll approve it.
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By equipping students with the right tools and awareness, counsellors can play a powerful role in safeguarding their futures — and upholding the integrity of the path to Canadian education.
How Can Go 2 Canada Education Services Help Students?
At Go 2 Canada Education Services, we do not process study permits. In keeping with IRCC guidelines, we provide resources and basic immigration information that is publicly available. As we are not licensed with the Canadian government, students are directed to government resources and the university or college they will be attending. We can also provide study permit information sessions for interested school counsellors. It is recommended that students apply for their study permit independently. Upon request, students can receive a list of IRCC registered consultants in Pakistan.
We invite school counsellors to reach out to us for further information.