The Following Methods Can Help You Identify a Fake Canadian Visa

1. Check the Holograms

• Look for official holographic designs that are unique to Canadian visas.
• Use a magnifying glass to examine the clarity, sharpness, and accuracy of the hologram.

2. Examine Security Features

• Check for microprint text, which is only visible under magnification.
• Look for UV patterns that can only be seen under ultraviolet light.

3. Validate the Visa Number

• Enter the visa number on the official Government of Canada website.
• Ensure that the visa details match the applicant’s personal information.

4. Review the Photograph

• Look for inconsistencies or alterations in facial features.
• Make sure the photo matches the applicant’s current appearance.

5. Verify Through Official Sources

• Contact Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) by email or phone.
• Confirm the visa’s authenticity directly with immigration authorities.

Additional Identification Methods

1. Check for Spelling Errors or Design/Printing Mistakes

A genuine Canadian visa should be free of spelling errors, design flaws, or printing defects.
Any spelling mistakes, poor layout, printing issues, or missing essential information may be a strong indication that the visa is fake.

If you have received a visa but something does not seem right, seek assistance from qualified professionals or immigration specialists.

2. Examine the Font Used on the Visa

One of the fastest ways to identify a fake Canadian visa is to compare its font with that of genuine visas.

• Even minor font differences can indicate forgery.
• The font must be consistent, uniform, and clearly readable throughout the entire document.

If you notice any inconsistency in fonts, consult an immigration professional immediately.

3. Check the Watermark on the Family Name

On a genuine Canadian visa, there is always a watermark beneath the family name.

• The watermark appears first, and the family name is printed over it.
• Fake visas may lack a watermark or place it incorrectly.
• In many fake visas, the family name is printed in large bold letters, whereas in genuine visas it is usually printed in smaller, more precise text.

4. Errors in French Words – A Common Sign of Forgery

Canada has two official languages: English and French.
Official Canadian visas display information in both languages.

While scammers may be skilled at copying layouts, they are often not fluent in French, which can result in spelling or grammatical errors in the French text.

If you suspect a visa is fake, ask a French-language translator to review the French sections. Even small mistakes can be a strong indicator of fraud.

5. Pay Attention to the Layout Under the “CANADA” Heading

A valid Canadian visa includes a clear heading labeled “CANADA.”

Fraudsters often fail to properly replicate the spacing and alignment of elements beneath this heading.
In fake visas, the spacing between elements is often too narrow or visually inconsistent compared to authentic visas.

If you notice unusual or illogical formatting, have the visa reviewed by a knowledgeable professional.

6. Check Your Passport Expiry Date and Visa Validity

Visas with no expiry date or expired validity are invalid and likely fake.

A fake Canadian visa may:

• Have no expiry date
• Display an unreasonable or incorrect validity period

In general:

• The validity of a Canadian visa often corresponds to one year from the applicant’s initial medical exam.
• A multiple-entry visa is typically valid for up to 10 years or one month before passport expiry, whichever comes first.
• A single-entry visa allows entry to Canada only once.

If your visa expiry date does not align with these rules, it may be forged.

7. Match the Visa Type With Your Application

For example, if you applied for a work visa but find a study visa label in your passport, this is a strong indication of fraud.

In such cases, immediately verify the authenticity of your visa through official channels.

8. Verify the Visa Registration Number on the Government of Canada Website

All Canadian visas have a valid registration number recorded in the Government of Canada’s system.

A simple way to identify a fake visa is to check your application status and visa number on the official IRCC website.

How to Check Your Visa Application Status:

1. Log in to your IRCC account using your GCKey ID and password.
2. After logging in, go to “View my submitted application and profile.”
3. Click on “Check full application status.”
4. On the next page, you will see your visa issuance status and all recent updates.

By following these steps, you can compare the visa number in your passport with the official IRCC records.

Key Note About GCKey

GCKey is a unique username and password used to securely access Government of Canada services.

• If you applied through an immigration lawyer or consultant, they may have created and managed your GCKey account.
• If you applied independently and forgot your GCKey credentials, you can easily recover them by selecting “Forgot your password” and completing the security steps.