A Canadian immigration pathway designed to help educated Hong Kong residents settle in Canada is now under scrutiny after several applicants were accused of using ghostwriters and fraudulent academic credentials to gain eligibility.
On This Page You Will Find
- Allegations of fraud in the Hong Kong visa pathway
- Details from Federal Court immigration cases
- Expert commentary on academic cheating and credential verification
- Response from universities and immigration authorities
- Broader implications for Canada’s immigration system
Federal Court records show at least seven cases where immigration officers rejected applicants for misrepresentation, citing issues like plagiarised essays, hastily earned degrees, and a lack of basic knowledge about their own claimed areas of study.
According to an article by CBC News, these applicants allegedly exploited a special program introduced in 2020, which allowed Hongkongers with recent post-secondary qualifications to apply for permanent residence or open work permits. The program was introduced after China imposed a controversial national security law in Hong Kong, and was intended to offer a safe and fair path for pro-democracy residents.
Fake Degrees, Ghostwritten Work, and Visa Rejections
Court documents reveal that applicants were questioned about postgraduate diplomas and MBA degrees obtained through questionable means, often from UK universities named in investigative reports. In one case, an applicant submitted a graduation essay on the same day she was awarded her MBA. In another, an applicant failed to answer basic questions related to their claimed field of study, leading officers to suspect ghostwriting.
Canadian visa officers cited the South China Morning Post’s 2022 report, which exposed agencies in Hong Kong offering ‘homework guidance’ packages – essentially selling degrees with completed coursework. Institutions named in the report included Anglia Ruskin University and the University of Chichester. Both schools later denied involvement in misconduct and said they would take action if their names were misused.
Immigration Experts Raise Concerns
Vancouver-based immigration lawyer Richard Kurland noted the difficulty immigration officers face in distinguishing between genuinely qualified applicants and those who purchase fake credentials. He called it “an administrator’s nightmare.”
Other experts say the issue exposes deeper concerns around education fraud and the lack of regulatory controls in Canada. Sarah Eaton, a professor at the University of Calgary and expert on academic integrity, warned that Canada may be particularly vulnerable due to limited oversight and few legal deterrents against contract cheating and diploma mills.
Calls for Better Oversight, But No Specific Government Response
Although IRCC did not comment on the individual fraud cases, it confirmed that new rules are in development, including penalties of up to $1.5 million for consultants who coach applicants to misrepresent themselves.
Immigration advocates stress that the cases represent a small minority. Calvin Wong of the Hong Kong Pathway Alliance said the vast majority of Hongkongers applying to Canada through this route hold legitimate credentials and contribute positively to Canadian society.
Still, questions remain about how far immigration officers should go when verifying foreign academic credentials, and whether Canada is equipped to detect fraudulent documents at scale.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Hong Kong immigration program under scrutiny?
It was a special immigration stream introduced in 2020 to help Hongkongers apply for permanent residence or open work permits if they had recent academic credentials.
What kind of fraud were applicants accused of?
Some applicants were found to have used ghostwriters or plagiarised work to obtain academic qualifications from diploma mills or untrustworthy institutions.
How did Canadian visa officers uncover the fraud?
Officers conducted interviews and questioned applicants on their field of study. Some failed to answer basic questions, and documents were linked to diploma-selling agencies.
What has IRCC done in response to the fraud?
IRCC has proposed new fines of up to $1.5 million for consultants who encourage misrepresentation, though it said these were unrelated to the Hong Kong cases.
Does this affect all Hong Kong applicants?
No. Immigration advocates emphasise that most Hongkongers applying to Canada through this program are genuine and make valuable contributions to Canadian society.
