Videos making erroneous assertions about Canada's immigration regulations are surfacing on TikTok and Instagram, aiming to deceive individuals traveling for FIFA World Cup events this summer, as per immigration and fraud prevention specialists.

An investigation by the CBC’s visual analysis team discovered that the social media profiles linked to these posts are located in several countries, including India, Pakistan, and Canada. CBC News has independently translated videos in Hindi, Urdu, and Punjabi and identified multiple instances making false statements about entering the nation for the global soccer event.

One video presents screenshots from the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website, a graphic of a Canadian passport, and a fluttering Canadian flag accompanied by a large green check mark.

In the background, a woman speaking in Hindi repeats a common assertion noted by CBC News: that individuals arriving in Canada on visitor visas for the World Cup can also work and reside long-term.

"For those who have desired to settle in Canada for a lengthy period ... this is a prime chance," she remarked.

"In most instances, these are deceptions," Mandeep Lidher, an immigration consultant based in Calgary, stated. "They are exploiting vulnerable individuals who are uninformed or who do not go online to verify the official requirements."

These employment-related statements are misrepresenting a temporary policy from the IRCC, introduced in November, that allows certain FIFA-invited foreign nationals — like the organization's employees and contractors — to bypass the usual governmental permits to work in Canada, according to specialists.

The IRCC noted in a statement to CBC News that the FIFA World Cup does not serve as a platform to seek asylum, and "visitors to Canada must adhere to the conditions of their stay and depart once their authorized period concludes."

Another frequent assertion observed by CBC News in the videos was the mention of a "special category" for visitors arriving in Canada for the World Cup.

"For those who wish to apply for this visa, we have a great offer for you," a man speaking in Urdu declared in another video.

He was marketing a visa application package for 150,000 Indian rupees (approximately $2,220 Cdn) that allegedly covers "embassy fees, match tickets, biometrics, and consultancy fees." The man claimed the "approval rate would be high" for these kinds of visas.

However, a unique visitor's visa for the World Cup does not exist, and standard checks and criteria for entering the country remain in effect, Lidher asserted.

Deceptive FIFA World Cup visas aim for migrants to Canada

"As is customary, they will evaluate your finances, your travel background," he noted. "One of the primary concerns is that you can return to your home country and will not overstay in Canada or seek asylum."

CBC News reached out to each social media account for comments but did not receive responses before publication. One of the posts was no longer visible just moments after contacting them.

The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre stated that it "is aware and receiving reports of FIFA-related fraud" and noted that "fraudulent activities generally increase around major international events."

The agency further stated, "we cannot confirm whether these frauds are originating from within Canada."

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is scheduled from June 11 to July 19, with matches occurring in Toronto, Vancouver, and 14 other host cities across the U.S. and Mexico.

Anticipating visitors from around the world, the Canadian government is participating in international efforts to alert the public about scammers.

Joshua Tabah, Canada’s high commissioner to Kenya, is involved in a press initiative in that country to warn locals about potential immigration fraud.

"Canada already has the stadiums. We’re not constructing new stadiums for the FIFA World Cup," he informed the media in Nairobi earlier this month, adding that if someone is offering construction jobs in Canada for cash, "that's a scam. Don't believe it."

The IRCC emphasized that World Cup tickets do not assure a traveler’s entry into Canada and that "border officers will make the ultimate decision on entry when the visitor arrives."

Lidher, the Calgary immigration consultant, advised fans to be cautious of any agents claiming they can ensure entry.

"In numerous cases, these agents fabricate documents, and they even modify individuals' documents. This could ultimately lead to a five-year ban [from Canada] for misrepresentation."

The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre highlighted that reporting scams is essential to combat fraudsters.

"When Canadians report incidents, it enables us to recognize patterns, share fraudulent websites, bank accounts, phone numbers, emails, and social media activities for disruption efforts and provide actionable intelligence to investigative partners."