The desire to relocate, often called “japa” in Nigeria, has created a booming industry. Some agents and consultants provide honest help. Many others exploit desperation, taking huge sums for jobs that don’t exist, visas that never arrive and sponsorship that was never real.
Here’s how to spot and avoid immigration scams.
Common Immigration Scams
1. Fake job offers abroad. You receive an offer from a “company” in the UK, Canada or Europe, followed by requests for processing fees, permit fees or training fees. The company either doesn’t exist or never made the offer.
2. Paid sponsorship certificates. Agents sell UK Certificates of Sponsorship or Canadian job offers for large sums. Even when documents are real, buying them can breach immigration rules, and many buyers arrive to find no job at all.
3. “Guaranteed visa” services. No agent can guarantee a visa. Decisions are made only by immigration officers.
4. Fake embassy officials. Scammers claim contacts inside embassies who can “push” your application for a fee.
5. Bogus admission letters. Some agents supply fake university admissions or sell places at institutions that aren’t licensed to sponsor international students.
6. Fraudulent lottery and PR services. Sites charge fees to enter free programmes or promise permanent residence through non-existent schemes.
Warning Signs
- You’re asked to pay for a job offer or sponsorship
- Communication only happens on WhatsApp or personal emails
- Offers arrive without interviews or proper recruitment processes
- Promises of guaranteed approval
- Pressure to pay quickly before a “deadline”
- Requests to pay into personal accounts
- Instructions to lie on forms or hide information
How to Verify Employers and Agents
UK: Check that employers appear on the government’s register of licensed sponsors. Immigration advisers must be regulated.
Canada: Only licensed immigration consultants, lawyers or notaries can charge for immigration advice. IRCC’s page on protecting yourself from immigration fraud explains how to check representatives and recognise scams.
US: Use licensed attorneys or accredited representatives. Notarios and “visa consultants” are not authorised to give legal advice.
Europe and the Gulf: Confirm the employer’s registration and check official government portals for work permit processes.
Do Your Own Research
- Search the company name plus words like “scam” or “fraud.”
- Check the company’s official website and contact them directly.
- Verify job listings on official company careers pages.
- Look up visa requirements on official government sites.
- Ask people who have successfully relocated through the same route.
Protect Your Documents and Identity
Never hand over your original passport to anyone who isn’t an official visa centre. Be careful sharing copies of passports, BVN, bank statements and certificates. Scammers use these for identity fraud.
If You’ve Been Scammed
- Stop all further payments immediately.
- Collect evidence: receipts, chats, emails and account details.
- Report to the police and relevant anti-fraud agencies in Nigeria and abroad.
- Contact your bank to attempt a payment recall.
- Warn others in your community.
The Consequences of Using Fraud
Even if a scam “works,” entering a country through false documents can lead to removal, bans and criminal charges. Your future immigration options may be destroyed.
Legitimate Routes Cost Less Than You Think
Many people turn to agents because official processes seem confusing. In reality, most visa applications can be completed directly on official government websites. The real costs are usually the government fees, health charges, medical tests and language exams, all of which are published openly. If an agent’s quote is far above these official costs, ask what exactly you’re paying for. Paying for honest help with paperwork is fine. Paying for “connections,” jobs or guaranteed approvals is not.
Final Thoughts
Relocating is a big dream, and scammers know it. Slow down, verify everything and use only official channels and regulated advisers. Genuine opportunities don’t require you to buy your way in.