Attention all Visa (temporary or permanent residence) and Work Permit Applicants:

Citizenship and Immigration Canada has learned that Visa and Work Permit applicants may be tricked into buying false documents.

In several cases, the victims are offered high-paying jobs in Canadian hotels or on offshore ships. In other cases, they are promised a visa (sometimes including travel and accommodation) in exchange for money.

Please be sure you understand the following information BEFORE you take any action that could make you the victim of fraud:

• The official Web site of Citizenship & Immigration Canada (CIC) is at: www.cic.gc.ca
• CIC visa offices do NOT use commercial email addresses
• All forms and guides required to submit an application for any type of visa (immigrant/ visitor/ student/ worker/ refugees, etc…) are available at NO cost on the CIC Web site (go to: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/menu-outside.asp)
• Only authorized officers of Citizenship & Immigration Canada can make the decision whether or not to issue a visa
• Canadian visa offices do NOT ask people to make a deposit to personal bank accounts in exchange for visa services
• The processing fees charged by all Canadian visa offices are fixed by Regulations and are the same (in Canadian dollars) around the world. Go to this Web page for a complete schedule of fees in Canadian dollars: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/fees/index.asp
• For fees in local currency, you should check with the visa office responsible for your area (http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/offices/missions.asp)
• Beware of representatives who claim that you will get a visa, obtain citizenship or benefit from special treatment from the Canadian government by using their services.