ABUJA – A Nigerian woman has reportedly lost her life savings of $13,000 (about N21 million) to an alleged fraudulent visa agent after her application for a Canadian study permit was rejected over falsified documents.
The woman, whose identity was not disclosed, was also handed a five-year ban from entering Canada after immigration authorities found that altered bank statements had been submitted as part of her application.
According to reports, the victim entrusted a visa agent with handling her study permit application, believing the individual would facilitate the process. However, the application was refused after officials with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) detected discrepancies in the financial documents submitted.
The situation reportedly worsened after the applicant failed to respond to a procedural fairness letter issued by the Canadian immigration authorities, resulting in a finding of misrepresentation and the imposition of a five-year inadmissibility ban under Canada’s immigration laws.
The incident has sparked widespread reactions on social media, with many Nigerians warning prospective travellers against relying on unregulated visa agents instead of applying through official channels.
Observers say the increasing number of visa-related scams reflects the desperation of many Nigerians seeking opportunities abroad amid the country’s economic challenges.
Canadian authorities have repeatedly advised prospective immigrants and international students to use only authorised immigration representatives and to report suspected cases of fraud. They also note that individuals can submit visa applications directly through the official IRCC online portal without the need for third-party agents.
The latest case serves as another reminder of the risks associated with patronising fraudulent visa consultants, whose actions can result not only in financial losses but also long-term immigration consequences for unsuspecting applicants.
