MIFI warns against unscrupulous people offering opportunities in Quebec

In a Notice on internet fraud posted on their official website, Quebec’s Ministry of Immigration, Francisation and Integration [MIFI], warns regarding unscrupulous individuals using the internet for offering “foreign nationals false educational, employment or immigration opportunities in Quebec”.

As per the MIFI, many of such individuals claim that they represent either the government, large corporations or some well-known organizations. Certain others make use of fabricated and false documentation for convincing potential Quebec immigrants as to the credibility of their proposals.

Taking note of such instances of internet fraud involving Quebec immigration, the MIFI suggests individuals be on their guard in situations wherein –

• Someone that they had ‘met’ on any of the chat websites promises to have the necessary contacts for getting them into an immigration program for migrate overseas in any specific immigration category for which they did not qualify in the first place. Also, be cautious if someone asks you to search for and find other individuals for participating in such an immigration program.
• Individuals – claiming to be representatives of the government, large corporations, or well-known organizations – using e-mail addresses like Gmail, Hotmail or Yahoo!.
• Fees to be paid is asked to be transferred via a money transfer agent. Do keep in mind that reputable money transfer agents do not recommend using their services for remitting money to strangers.
• Individuals claiming to be representatives – either of the government or well-known organizations – promise expedited processing if a higher fee is provided or certain other documents are supplied.
• There is a requirement of entering their file number on a website. Quebec’s MIFI will never ask for a candidate’s file number be entered on its website, except on secure platforms for – filing the Expression of Interest [EOI] via the Arrima portal, or on online applications for either temporary selection for studies or permanent selection.

Before responding to any offers of opportunities in Quebec, MIFI suggests finding out – through an online search engine, for example – about the organizations or individuals a person might be dealing with.

Always ask for proof for establishing if the organization or individual is indeed who they claim to be. Do ensure that due verification of their claims is done with the appropriate authorities.

Look for a ‘gouv.qc.ca’ at the end of website addresses claiming to be of the Quebec government. Do note that the addresses of the different sections of the MIFI’s official website will always have a ‘gouv.qc.ca’ ending.

The MIFI also recommends avoiding long-distance transactions without there being an initial contact with the representative. Always make sure of the legal existence of any representative. Under ideal situations, an immigration candidate must be able to personally visit the office of the intermediary for a discussion.

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