Deportations for International Students Caught in Fraud Scheme Put on Hold

Federal Immigration Minister Sean Fraser speaks at a news conference highlighting the government’s inflation relief efforts for those hardest hit by rising food prices, in Calgary, April 3, 2023. (The Canadian Press/Jeff McIntosh)

Immigration Minister Sean Fraser says deportation orders for international students caught up in a fraud scheme have been put on hold while a task force investigates each case.

Hundreds of students might have been affected by the scheme, which saw immigration agents issue fake acceptance letters to get international students into Canada.

Some students had no idea their documents were forged until it came time for them apply for permanent residency.

Fraser says the department is aware of only few dozen who have been ordered to leave the country, and that process will be paused.

A task force of senior immigration and border control officials will go through each case to determine whether the student was in the know about the scam or not.

The minister says those who are believed to be innocent victims will be offered the chance to stay in Canada for several years while they apply for permanent residency or complete their studies.