Any agent that guarantees visa issuance is a scammer —Immigration experts

Immigration experts have identified the desperation to travel out of the country for greener pastures by Nigerians as the main factor responsible for how they are easy targets for scammers and are victims of visa fraud.

Immigration experts; Kehinde Olalere and Taiwo Olalere, who are twin brothers and partners in Olalere law office, stated that if Nigerians exhibit patience and erase the mindset of I must travel by force, they will be more weary  of the unreasonable packages scammers sell to  them and not fall victim to exploiters.

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The duo, who had been in immigration law since 2004 while speaking on the topic stated that, “the bad economic situation in Nigeria and Nigerians’ desperation to travel abroad make them easy targets for scammers. Other factors are lack of knowledge by the masses about visa processes and greed by unlicensed agents. Everyone can avoid being scammed if they follow the right steps.

“They must do their research; the internet can be a starting point. Contact immigration lawyers in the countries they want to visit and have a consultation, visit the embassies to gather information about requirements and lastly, Nigerians must realize that if an agent is making guarantee of visa issuance, the agent is a scammer. How can he/she guarantee visa issuance if he/she is not a visa officer?” they asked.

The twins, who said making peoples’ dreams and hopes for a better future come to fruition inspired them to go into immigration law, explained that the influx of people claiming to be immigration experts in the society doesn’t affect or threaten them because they have built a name in the business, “We always tell people that it is not compulsory they go with us. They can always shop around and compare,” they said.

When asked what would be the surest way to be denied visa, they stated it is simply, “lying on your visa application which not only results in visa refusal in Canada but also attracts a five year ban. We would advise that anyone that doesn’t want to be scammed should research on the visa process and requirements of the country they are interested in, do not lie or submit false documents, if you are not confident about preparing your application, retain the services of an immigration professional, doing these will ensure you don’t have unnecessary issues.”

The identical twin brothers founded their law firm 15 years ago, are responsible for fulfilling many immigrants’ dreams of migrating to Canada and with over 20 years collective experience in immigration law, they are said to run one of Ottawa’s best Canadian immigration law firms.

They were awarded a certificate of excellence in 2017 by ThreeBestRated, a Canadian based firm, for their outstanding service; this feat had looked impossible to them years back when they began their journey on June 16, 1993, when they left Nigeria with 500 dollars each to their names.

Kehinde and Taiwo graduated from Carleton University in 1998, where they obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Law and Political Science and furthered their education at the University of Windsor Law school where they graduated with a Bachelor of Law degree (LL.B.). After being licensed as lawyers in 2004, Kehinde spent three years working at Canada’s immigration department (IRCC), where he became a Manager of Citizenship, Immigration and Settlement.

In 2007, he was given an award by Canada’s former Deputy Minister for Citizenship and Immigration, Mr. Richard Fadden, for his valuable contributions to the work of the Department of Citizenship and Immigration Canada.

Taiwo is a member of the highly respected Canadian professional organization for lawyers. He has helped many individuals and families from various countries to migrate and stay in Canada.

He has worked with over 17 Canadian embassies, High Commissions and Consulates around the world. Taiwo has also worked in four Canadian government departments and agencies.

The Olalere brothers continuously strive in their practice in helping individuals find better opportunities in Canada through study visa, work permit, permanent resident and spousal sponsorship approval.