New Express Entry Scam Shakes Canada’s Immigration System In 2025

Canada’s plan to attract more French-speaking immigrants has hit a serious roadblock. A rising number of candidates are using fake French test results to get permanent residency through the Express Entry system. Officials worry this growing scam could damage the credibility of the entire program.

The federal government aims to raise the share of Francophone immigration outside Quebec from 8.5% in 2025 to 10% by 2027. To encourage applicants, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) gives up to 50 bonus points for French skills and holds special draws for French-speaking candidates. But these rewards have turned into a loophole for fraud.

The Rise of a Black Market for Fake Scores

Investigations show several networks selling fake TEF and TCF certificates, which are required French language tests. Some candidates pay up to $4,000 for documents showing perfect scores. Others hire someone else to take the test on their behalf.

“I was approached on WhatsApp,” said an immigration consultant. “They offered real certificates with my client’s name, no test required. It’s an open secret in some circles.”

Social media platforms are filled with posts asking for “trusted French test agents.” Frustrated applicants say they see others getting “miraculous” scores after only a few weeks of study.

Honest Applicants Left Behind

Many genuine applicants now feel defeated. “It feels like there’s one set of rules for those who pay and another for everyone else,” said Richa S., an applicant from Ontario who failed several times. “How do I compete with someone who buys a fake score?”

This wave of fake results has made it harder for sincere French learners to qualify. Candidates who studied for years now struggle to keep up with those submitting false documents.

CRS Scores Show Unusual Patterns

In 2025, French-language draws under Express Entry have seen unusually high CRS cutoffs. The lowest cutoff of the year was 379 in March, but scores jumped to 481 by August—the same period when whistleblowers reported major fraud activity. The October draw stood at 432. Many believe fake test results inflated the competition and pushed honest candidates out.

Weak Oversight Raises Concerns

Former IRCC staff have admitted that detection methods are limited. “We were asked to check 20% of test results randomly,” said one former officer. “What about the other 80%?”

Lawyers say the odds of getting caught are very low. Few cases reach court, and most fraudulent applicants simply face quiet rejections, not legal charges. Fraud networks in Africa and Asia continue to operate freely, while fake documents also circulate within Canada.

Who Loses in the End

Experts warn that the real victims are genuine French-speaking immigrants. Employers who rely on real language skills may lose trust in the system. Canada’s reputation as a fair and transparent immigration destination could also suffer.

Steps Needed for Real Change

Experts suggest several urgent actions:

• Suspend certificates from suspicious test centres.
  
• Conduct in-person language interviews for French applicants.
  
• Launch public investigations and protect whistleblowers.
  
• Report fraud findings regularly to the public.
  

Without firm action, Canada risks sending the wrong message — that cheating pays and honesty hurts.