Got a "job offer" asking for money? Don’t pay!
I saw a job posting last week from a "Canadian tech company" offering a full-time role with a salary over $75K. Sounds great—except they asked me to pay $800 upfront for “visa processing and work permit support.” My gut said no. I’ve read about these scams, but seeing it in real time still stung.
Real Canadian employers *never* ask foreign workers to pay for job offers, LMIA processing, or work permits. That’s a hard red flag. I checked the company’s website—no physical address, only a generic email like @gmail.com. The interview was via WhatsApp, not Zoom or Microsoft Teams. I’ve since verified their registration through the provincial business registry, and nothing came up.
Here’s what I’m still unsure about:
1. How can I confirm if a company is truly registered in my target province (e.g., Ontario vs. BC)?
2. If a recruiter says they’re “handling everything,” including the LMIA, is that even possible?
3. Should I report these fake offers to IRCC, or is there a better channel?
4. What are the real risks if I accidentally shared my passport or bank details with one of these recruiters?
I know it’s hard when you’re desperate to move to Canada, especially with PR wait times stretching years. Scammers prey on that hope. But a genuine offer should hold up under scrutiny—company details, wage fairness, hiring process, and document verification.
If you’ve been contacted by a “Canadian employer” asking for money, please share your experience.
👉 Let me know your province, your current status (e.g., student, work permit holder, applying for PR), and when you were contacted.
⚠️ No passport numbers, UCI, bank info, or full names—keep it safe. We’re all in this together, and your story could help someone avoid the same trap.
Real Canadian employers *never* ask foreign workers to pay for job offers, LMIA processing, or work permits. That’s a hard red flag. I checked the company’s website—no physical address, only a generic email like @gmail.com. The interview was via WhatsApp, not Zoom or Microsoft Teams. I’ve since verified their registration through the provincial business registry, and nothing came up.
Here’s what I’m still unsure about:
1. How can I confirm if a company is truly registered in my target province (e.g., Ontario vs. BC)?
2. If a recruiter says they’re “handling everything,” including the LMIA, is that even possible?
3. Should I report these fake offers to IRCC, or is there a better channel?
4. What are the real risks if I accidentally shared my passport or bank details with one of these recruiters?
I know it’s hard when you’re desperate to move to Canada, especially with PR wait times stretching years. Scammers prey on that hope. But a genuine offer should hold up under scrutiny—company details, wage fairness, hiring process, and document verification.
If you’ve been contacted by a “Canadian employer” asking for money, please share your experience.
👉 Let me know your province, your current status (e.g., student, work permit holder, applying for PR), and when you were contacted.
⚠️ No passport numbers, UCI, bank info, or full names—keep it safe. We’re all in this together, and your story could help someone avoid the same trap.
Also, verify the job posting details: real job offers include specific roles, clear responsibilities, and a formal application process. If the offer is vague, overly urgent, or requires payment for "training," "background checks," or "work permits," it’s likely a scam.
Avoid sending money via wire transfer, gift cards, or crypto—these are red flags. If you’re unsure, contact Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) or your provincial immigration office for guidance.
To help narrow it down, could you share: your province of interest, your current immigration status (e.g., study permit, work permit), and when you were asked to pay? Please don’t post personal IDs or documents here.