The Canadian authorities have warned Nigerians and other foreign nationals against using fake documents for visa applications.

In a statement on Sunday, the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada said any foreign nationals caught using fake documents for visa applications “risk a 5-year inadmissibility ban!”

“Thousands of applications are rejected each month due to immigration fraud. People who get caught submitting fake and fraudulent documents in their Canadian visa application are legally barred from entering or remaining in Canada for at least 5 years,” the IRCC said referring visa applicants to its official website.

The IRCC stated, “There are serious consequences for lying on an application or in an interview, or for sending fake or altered documents.

“It is considered fraud to submit either false or altered documents, such as
passports and travel documents visas, exit and entry stamps language results, transcripts diplomas, degrees and apprenticeship or trade papers proof of relationship, certificates of birth, adoption, marriage, final divorce.”

The IRCC also warned that card payment for visa reversed after transaction would be deemed fraudulent act and sanctioned.

According to the IRCC, a chargeback is when a credit card payment is made during the visa application process and it is reversed, either by the applicant or by a third party acting on their behalf.

It said such is considered fraud.

“If the fee paid with a credit card is reversed, your visa application could be cancelled or delayed. Your visa application could also be denied and you could potentially be banned from travelling to Canada for up to 10 years. Applications you submit in the future can also be impacted,” the IRCC said.