Picture this: you’ve spent lakhs of rupees chasing your dream of working or studying abroad, only to realize you’ve been scammed.
Sadly, this is not a rare story. Across India, from Delhi and Mumbai to smaller cities like Mohali and Zirakpur, visa fraud continues to trap thousands of hopeful migrants every year.
Unlicensed “immigration consultants” and fake agencies promise quick approvals, guaranteed jobs, or university admissions abroad, but many vanish once they’ve taken the money.
The result? Victims lose not only their savings but also precious time and peace of mind.
Visa fraud in India is evolving fast, with scams ranging from fake visas and forged offer letters to full-fledged agencies running elaborate operations.
Understanding how these scams work and how to recognize red flags can protect you from becoming the next victim.
What Is Visa Fraud?
At its core, visa fraud occurs when individuals or agencies deceive you into believing you’ll receive a legitimate visa, work permit, or study placement abroad, when, in reality, it’s all fake.
Common tricks include:
- Supplying forged visas, passports, or offer letters.
- Claiming “100% guaranteed” visa approvals.
- Operating under fake consultancy names or temporary office setups.
- Demanding advance payments or full fees upfront, then disappearing.
These scams can happen anywhere, in major metros, online, or even through word-of-mouth referrals in smaller towns.
Types of Visa Scams Operating in India
Not all scams work the same way. Knowing different types helps you stay alert.
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Job Offer Visa Scams
Scammers pose as recruitment agencies. They advertise high-paying jobs abroad, which are part of a growing wave of foreign job scams.
Salaries sound unbelievable: ₹2–3 lakh per month for basic jobs.
They ask for “processing fees” upfront. After payment, the job disappears. No company. No visa. Nothing.
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Student Visa Frauds
Fake education consultants target students. They promise admission to top universities.
They create fake offer letters. Some even fake scholarship documents.
Students pay ₹5-8 lakh for complete packages. They reach the country. The university has no record. Students face deportation.
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Tourist Visa Scams
These target elderly people and families. Scammers offer “guaranteed” Schengen visas. Or US tourist visas.
They charge premium fees.
Documents submitted are genuine. But appointments never get booked. Or fake appointment confirmations are provided.
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Investment Migration Scams
Golden visa programs are legitimate in some countries. Portugal, Greece, and Malta offer them. Scammers exploit this.
They promise residency through investment. Take ₹30-50 lakh. No investment happens. No residency comes.
How Visa Fraud Happens?
Visa scams often follow a pattern: emotional persuasion, false promises, and fabricated documents. Here are the most common tactics used across India:
- Fake Documentation: Fraudsters use forged visa stickers, counterfeit embassy letters, and even fabricated airline tickets.
- Third-Country Routing: Victims may be told to travel through smaller nations like Cambodia or Azerbaijan, which can lead to trafficking risks.
- Bogus Job Offers: Fake overseas employment agencies promise high-paying jobs abroad in exchange for “processing fees.”
- Unlicensed Agents: Many agents operate without proper registration under the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), making their businesses illegal.
- Organized Networks: Some scams involve entire call-center-style operations, managing multiple victims simultaneously with fake paperwork.
Major Visa Fraud Cases
Over the years, multiple large-scale visa fraud cases have surfaced across India, exposing how agents exploit students and job seekers with fake promises and forged documents.
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The Jalandhar Canada Student Visa Scam (2018-2023)
Brijesh Mishra’s Education Migration Services in Jalandhar issued fake admission letters to nearly 700 students aspiring to study in Canada.
Students paid ₹15-20 lakh each and flew to Canada only to discover colleges had no record of their admission.
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The ₹1.5 Crore Visa Scam by Sahil Sharma (2025)
A 35-year-old MBA graduate, Sahil Sharma, ran a fake immigration network across Punjab and Haryana.
He promised jobs and visas to countries like Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, and collected huge sums from aspirants.
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The Mumbai New Zealand-Azerbaijan Job Scam (2024)
Mohammed Shafique Khan, a 42-year-old from Mumbra, set up a fake job consultancy in Agripada, Mumbai.
He collected ₹35.90 lakh from seven victims, promising overseas jobs with complete documentation packages.
How to Spot a Visa Scam?
Here are some warning signs that can help you identify visa fraud before it’s too late:
- “Guaranteed” Approvals: No legitimate consultant or embassy can promise visa success — immigration decisions are made only by official authorities.
- Upfront Cash Demands: Avoid paying large sums in cash or through untraceable methods. Always insist on receipts.
- Lack of Paperwork: If there’s no written contract, it’s a red flag.
- Fake or Copied Documents: Always verify offer letters and visa details with the issuing embassy or institution.
- No Credentials: Genuine agents are registered under the MEA (Ministry of External Affairs). You can verify them on the official MEA website.
- Suspicious Travel Routes: Be cautious if advised to travel via third countries instead of through standard visa processes.
How to Report a Visa Scam in India?
If you suspect you’ve been targeted by a visa scam, take immediate action:
- Preserve All Evidence: Keep receipts, payment proofs, chat logs, and emails.
- File an FIR: Report to your nearest police station with complete details of the agency and transactions.
- File a Cyber Crime Complaint: Visit the cyber crime portal and draft your complaint. Upload all the documents and save the acknowledgment number after tracking.
- Notify Your Bank: If you transferred funds, inform your bank immediately to block or trace the transaction.
- Spread Awareness: Sharing your experience can help others avoid falling into the same trap.
Need Help?
Don’t wait. If you’ve been a victim of visa fraud, register with us now to get immediate support and safeguard your funds.
Conclusion
Visa fraud in India is a growing concern, especially in regions with high migration aspirations like Punjab, Gujarat, and Kerala. Scammers prey on dreams, but awareness is your strongest defense.
Always verify agency credentials, read contracts carefully, and never rush into payments, no matter how convincing the offer sounds.
If something feels off, trust your instincts — and report it before it’s too late.
