LMIA CheckI already paid.
What do I do now?
You are not alone. An estimated $30 million is lost to LMIA fraud in Canada every year — mostly by people who trusted what looked like a real offer. Here is what to do, step by step.
Stop all further payments — right now
Do not pay any "processing fees," "insurance," "bond," or any other amount — even if they threaten to cancel your application. Fraudsters escalate requests after the first payment. Block the number / email and do not send anything more.
Save every piece of evidence
Before blocking anyone, screenshot everything. Investigators need this.
- WhatsApp / Messenger / email conversations
- Bank transfer receipts or e-transfer confirmation emails
- Any documents you were sent (fake LMIA, offer letter, passport copy request)
- The recruiter's phone number, email, social media profile URL
- Any website or company name they used
Apply for an Open Work Permit — it's free and takes 5 days to first contact
If you are in Canada and in a vulnerable situation (paid fees, abuse, threats), you may qualify for an Open Work Permit for Vulnerable Workers (OWP-VW). This lets you work for any employer in Canada while your situation is sorted out. It is free and you do not need the fraudulent employer's cooperation to apply.
How to apply for OWP-VW (canada.ca) →Call the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre
Report the fraud. This creates an official record and helps investigators shut down the scam. Even if you can't recover the money, your report protects the next person.
When you call, have ready:
- ·Recruiter's name / phone / email
- ·Amount paid and how (e-transfer, wire, crypto, gift cards)
- ·Date of payment
- ·Company or "employer" name used in the offer
Also report online at antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca
Report to Service Canada (ESDC)
If a fraudulent LMIA or employer name was used in the scam, Service Canada (ESDC) can investigate whether a real LMIA was abused.
1-800-367-5693 (Service Canada)Try to recover your money
If you paid by e-transfer or bank transfer:
Call your bank immediately and ask them to attempt a recall. Banks can sometimes reverse transfers made within the last 24–72 hours if the receiving account hasn't been cleared. File a fraud report with your bank at the same time.
If you paid by credit card:
Request a chargeback. Explain it was an unauthorized / fraudulent transaction. Success rates vary but it is worth trying.
If you paid by cryptocurrency or gift cards:
Recovery is very unlikely, but still report it. The Anti-Fraud Centre tracks patterns even when funds are not recovered.
Get free legal help
You may be entitled to free legal aid regardless of your immigration status.
| Province | Organization |
|---|---|
| British Columbia | Legal Aid BC |
| Alberta | Legal Aid Alberta |
| Ontario | Legal Aid Ontario |
| Quebec | Commission des services juridiques |
| Manitoba | Legal Aid Manitoba |
| Saskatchewan | Legal Aid Saskatchewan |
| Nova Scotia | Nova Scotia Legal Aid |
| New Brunswick | NB Legal Aid Services Commission |
Don't see your province? Search legal aid organizations near you or contact a local newcomer settlement service.
This is not your fault.
These scams are sophisticated and target people with legitimate dreams. The people running them are criminals. You did nothing wrong by trusting what looked like a real opportunity.
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