Applicants who submit false or altered documents or information as part of a Canadian immigration application could face serious consequences, including a ban from Canada of at least five years, according to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.

IRCC warned applicants on Wednesday on X that immigration fraud can involve a range of false or altered documents, including passports, travel documents, visas, language test results, employment records, educational documents, relationship certificates, police certificates and court documents.

“Providing false or altered documents or information can have serious consequences,” IRCC said in a warning shared on X.

The department said applicants must also provide truthful information during medical examinations.

“Providing false medical documents or misleading a panel physician about existing or previous medical conditions is considered fraud,” IRCC warned.

Applicants must also accurately disclose their physical presence in Canada when applying to renew permanent resident status or for citizenship.

According to IRCC, where false information or documents are submitted by an applicant, representative or interpreter, the application could be refused.

The person could also receive a permanent fraud record with IRCC, lose temporary or permanent resident status or Canadian citizenship, be barred from applying for citizenship for five years, or be removed from Canada.

The department also warned applicants about so-called relationships of convenience, in which a marriage, common-law or conjugal relationship is entered into primarily to obtain Canadian immigration status.

“Immigration officers may use document checks, interviews and home visits to determine whether a relationship is genuine,” IRCC said.

Canadian citizens or permanent residents involved in a marriage of convenience for immigration purposes could also face criminal charges.

IRCC further cautioned applicants about chargeback fraud, which occurs when a visa application fee paid by credit card is reversed by the applicant or someone acting on their behalf.

“A reversed payment could result in your application being cancelled, delayed or refused,” the department said, adding that applicants could potentially face a ban from travelling to Canada for up to 10 years.

IRCC said it works with the Canada Border Services Agency, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, foreign police services and document-issuing authorities to detect and investigate immigration fraud.

The department said it contacts issuing authorities to verify documents, uses programme-integrity measures to deter fraud and pursues cases of misrepresentation involving people attempting to exploit Canada’s immigration system.

IRCC urged applicants to ensure that all information and documents submitted as part of an immigration application are genuine and accurate.

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