How to Check If Your Canada Visa is Real or Fake?
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Using a fake Canadian visa can have dire consequences. Want to know how to check if your Canada visa is real or fake? Don't risk your money on fake visas. Scroll through and learn how to identify fake visas along with other crucial details.
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Immigrating to a new country is a life-changing step, which is why it is essential to be doubly sure when you seek help from consultants. When you spend your hard-earned money to get a Canadian visa, the last thing you want to find out is that the visa is fake. So, how to check if your Canada visa is real or fake?
Read the article till the end to see how to check for a fake Canada visa with the help of our step-by-step guide.
Common Canada Visa Fraud Indicators
Fake Canadian visas are a big problem in the world of international travel. If you are planning on travelling to Canada, it is important to identify an original or fake Canada visa before you leave. Here are some tips to help you check if your Canadian visa is original or fake in some easy steps.
- Look for Security Features: Check for holograms, microprinting, and patterns visible under UV light.
- Verify Details & Accuracy: Verify if your name, photo, DOB, visa number, and expiry date are correct and free from spelling errors or blurry text.
- Official Markings: Look for distinct barcodes and official government seals/watermarks.
- Check Font & Layout: Authentic visas have consistent and certain fonts and proper alignment. Fake visas often have misaligned or blurry text.
Here is what you need to know about the Canada Visa Rejection Reasons 2025
4 Simple Steps to Tell If Your Canada Visa is Fake
When it comes to visas, there are a few ways to tell if an original or fake one is in circulation. The most obvious way to know if a visa is fake is if it does not match the requirements of the country that you are attempting to visit. For example, a Canadian visa might be for tourists only and not for work purposes.
Furthermore, if you find other irregularities in the fonts, photographs, language used in the visa, and other information, your visa can be fake. Always look for the government seal to determine whether your visa is fake or original.
If you find any of the inconsistencies mentioned above in your visa, then the visa may be fake and should be avoided.
The methods listed below will show you how to determine whether a Canada visa is original or fake.
1. Incorrect or Inconsistent Use of Font
To make sure your Canadian visa is valid, be sure to check that the font is correctly used. If it's not, your visa may be invalid. The font must be legible and consistent throughout the document. If you notice any discrepancies, contact the Canadian embassy or consulate.
2. Watermarking Your Surname
A watermark on the front will help you determine the authenticity of the document. If it's fake, the visa will likely not have a watermark, and the name will be printed on the front in large letters. If it's an original, the name will be printed smaller and in a more discreet location.
3. Error in French Words
The Canadian government has started to issue visas that use French instead of English. It means that the information provided in the passport would be in both of these languages, i.e., English and French. Scammers might not be fluent in French and make mistakes that can help identify a fake visa.
You can read about the benefits of learning the French language in Canada here.
4. Check the Government Website for the Visa Registration Number
The Visa number should be registered on the government website. If it is not on the website, it might be a fake visa. This is because fake visas are often made using a fake number that has not been registered on the government website.
Consequences of Using a Fake Canada Visa
The consequences of using a fake Canada visa include deportation, hefty fines, and a potential future entry ban of 5 years. You could even have a permanent record of a fraud case with IRCC.
1. Being Detained by Canadian Border Officials
Using a fake visa to try to enter Canada may get you detained by Canadian border officials. If you are caught using a fake visa, you may be deported or barred from entering Canada again in the future. You may also be subject to fines and other penalties.
They may ask for your passport and visa, and if they determine that you are not in Canada legally, you may be sent back to your country of origin. Make sure that your visa is authentic before attempting to enter Canada.
If you’re not sure if your visa is authentic, ask for a copy of it. If you’re still concerned about its authenticity, you can contact the Canadian Embassy or Consulate in your home country for more information.
2. Having Your Belongings Confiscated
If you are travelling to Canada and have your possessions with you, it is important to know how to identify an original or fake Canada visa. Canada has strict rules about visas, and if you are not travelling on a genuine visa, your belongings may be confiscated, and you may be arrested. You should also bring proof of your financial stability in case your possessions are confiscated. Finally, be aware of the warning signs that indicate that you may be travelling on a fake visa.
3. Being Fined
The Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) is particularly concerned about people who use fake visas to work in Canada without proper immigration status. The fine for using a fake visa is CAD 5,000, which can be doubled if the person has previous convictions for immigration-related offences.
Additionally, the CBSA may bar the person from entering Canada for a period of up to five years. CBSA may issue you a Notice of Violation (NOV). The NOV will state the grounds for your arrest and fine.
4. Being Deported Back to Your Home Country
You may be subjected to deportation back to your home country. This is because the visa you are using is not real and cannot be used to legally stay in Canada. The Immigration and Refugee Protection Act states that any person who uses a fake document to gain entry into Canada is subject to deportation.
This includes both Canadian citizens and foreign nationals. If you are found guilty of this offense, you may be eligible for a criminal record and could face additional fines or jail time.
How to Get an Original Canadian Visa?
If you are planning to visit Canada and want to ensure that your trip is a safe and enjoyable one, it is important to be familiar with the different types of Canada visas for Indians available.
Here we will outline the steps you need to take to get an original Canada visa.
|
Visa Category |
Application Process |
Term of Stay |
|
Visitor’s Visa (TRV) |
1. Online Submission: Complete the application with financial proof and proof of ties to the home country. 2. Biometrics: Submit fingerprints and a photo at a VAC (valid for 10 years). |
Length of Stay: Maximum 6 months per entry Visa Validity: Often a Multiple-Entry Visa, valid up to 10 years. |
|
(Study Permit) |
1. Get LOA & PAL: Secure Letter of Acceptance (LOA) and, for most non-graduate students, the Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL). 2. Apply to IRCC: Submit application, LOA, PAL (if needed), high proof of funds, and biometrics. |
Length of Stay: Program duration plus an additional 90 days to transition or apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). |
|
Canada PR Visa (Permanent Resident Status) |
1. Express Entry Profile: Create an Express Entry profile, get a CRS score, and enter the pool (or get a Provincial Nomination). 2. Receive ITA: Be selected in a draw (often Category-Based) and receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA). 3. Submit eAPR: Submit the complete Electronic Application for Permanent Residence. |
Length of Stay: Granted for a maximum of 5 years. Renewal: Must meet the residency obligation (730 days of physical presence in 5 years). |
Also Read: Canada Visa Requirements for Indian Citizens.
Where to Report Fraud for a Fake Canadian Visa?
To report fraud, a fake Canadian visa fraud, contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) online or call (1-888-495-8501). You can also report this to your local police station, and in case there is any involvement of a fraudulent consultant, also report it to the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC), while using the CBSA's website for border-related issues.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the documents required for Canadian visa applications?
- Valid travel document with at least two blank pages
- properly completed application
- Xerox of round-trip airline ticket or itinerary
- Your name and birthdate are written on the backs of two pictures
- Evidence of one's financial stability, such as the most recent tax return
- Letter of invitation from a Canadian-based business partner (for business visitor visa)
- Medical checkup report from an authorized New Delhi healthcare provider
- Score on an English or French language test.
Note: Depending on the type of Canadian visa you require, you might need to provide more papers.
Will I have to appear for a Canada visa office interview?
Does Canada immigration verify documents?
What do Canada visa officers check?
What happens if you lie to Canada immigration?
Does Canada do background checks on everyone?
Can I check the Canada visa validity online?
What should I do if my Canada visa is refused?
Can IRCC confirm Canada visa authenticity?
