Fake “FIFA Visa” Scam Sparks Alarm; Public Warned Against Unlicensed Immigration Agents

Chandigarh/Toronto ( Gurpreet Singh/ Rajeev Sharma): Immigration experts have sounded a strong warning after National Times Media highlighted a surge in fraudulent claims about so called “FIFA visas” for Canada, calling the scheme a deliberate scam designed to exploit hopeful migrants.

Experts quoted in the report stressed that no “FIFA visa” category exists under Canadian immigration law. They cautioned that any agent or individual promising a special, fast-track, or guaranteed Canadian visa linked to FIFA events is providing false information.

According to Balwinder Singh from  BMS immigration and other immigration professionals, the scam is being aggressively promoted by unlicensed agents, particularly in parts of Punjab, who are allegedly charging large sums by falsely claiming connections with FIFA, international events, or special government approvals. Victims are often misled into believing that Canada is issuing temporary or permanent visas under exclusive sports related programs, which is entirely untrue.

The warning emphasized that all Canadian visas are processed solely by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and that applications can only be submitted directly or through a licensed Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) or authorized lawyer. Any third party operating outside this framework is acting illegally.

Experts cautioned that falling for such scams can result in serious consequences, including financial loss, application refusals, travel bans, and future inadmissibility to Canada due to misrepresentation. They urged applicants to independently verify all claims through official IRCC channels before paying any fees or sharing personal documents.

The report also called on authorities to tighten enforcement against fraudulent agents and increase public awareness, particularly in regions where misinformation is widespread. Members of the public were encouraged to report suspicious offers and verify consultant credentials through official regulatory bodies to protect themselves and others from immigration fraud.

Officials reiterated that there are no shortcuts or special visas linked to FIFA or any other sporting event, and urged aspiring applicants to rely only on verified, lawful immigration pathways.