Providing false information in immigration applications punishable under Ontario Immigration Act
The Ontario government has announced that it will release the names of individuals sanctioned for providing false information in immigration applications.
Beginning May 3, the provincial government will publish the names of candidates, employers, and representatives who have received an administrative order for providing inaccurate, incorrect, or misleading information to the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP).
Under the Ontario Immigration Act, 2015, candidates, employers, and representatives applying to the OINP must provide information that is “accurate,” “correct,” and “not misleading.” Otherwise, an administrative order may be issued against them.
An administrative order allows the immigration director to ban the candidate, employer, or representative from applying to the OINP for five years or impose an administrative monetary penalty. The penalty cannot exceed $150,000 for each violation and must be paid within 60 days after service of the order.
In addition, the candidate, employer, or representative may also be subject to other sanctions, such as denial of OINP applications, cancellation of any related approvals, or prosecution under the Provincial Offences Act.
“Publishing contraventions of the Immigration Act is an important measure to protect the public and further strengthen the integrity of the program,” the OINP said.
