tomhudson's Journal: Never thought I'd see an immigration scam on /.

Or worse, asking for help.

Canada has required all immigration consultants to be registered since 2004, and has had to put a cap on the investor immigrant classification because of extreme fraud.

Here's what the web site says:

About Rodolfo Martinez

I am the Executive Director of Ontario Immigrant Network, and currently we are working to connect newcomers to rural business succession opportunities.

In other words, "buy your way into the country by buying some dead persons' business or a business that is being sold."

Mr. Martinez is not licensed to advise immigrants - not in how to get into the country, not in how to get connected with businesses they might want to buy to "queue jump", etc.

BTW: Non-profits can be VERY profitable for the people who run them.

For those who want to quibble - forget it. From the official government site

With the coming into force of Bill C-35, anyone who provides paid advice prior to the filing of an application or the commencement of a proceeding will need to be an authorized representative. This means that some third parties who were not formerly required to be recognized to provide paid advice will now have to refer people to an authorized representative or become authorized themselves. Some examples of paid advice or representation that will now be captured through the implementation of Bill C-35 include:

representing the applicant during an immigration proceeding by speaking on their behalf.

providing guidance to a client on how to select the best immigration stream and complete the appropriate forms.

Connecting potential immigrants to "investment opportunities" that allow them to take advantage of the investor immigrant class requires being licensed.