For International Students

In danger right now? Call 911
Need confidential help? VictimLink BC: 1-800-563-0808 — 24/7, 240+ languages

You Are Not Alone

If someone is threatening you — demanding money, threatening your family, your immigration status, or your safety — this is a crime. You are the victim. You have not done anything wrong.

International students are being specifically targeted by extortion groups in Canada. These criminals know that students on study permits may fear:

Losing their visa and being sent home
Their family finding out
Police not believing them
Their school punishing them
Deportation

These fears are exactly why extortionists target you. But you have rights, and there is help.

Common Threats Against International Students

The “Job Tax” or “Protection Money”

Someone demands regular payments to “protect” your job, apartment, or status. They may claim to have influence over your employer or school.

Threats to Your Family Back Home

They contact family members in your home country and threaten harm if you don’t pay. They may use information from your social media.

Fake Job Recruitment

They offer “easy money” for delivering packages, driving, or other tasks. These tasks are often connected to extortion, drug trafficking, or violence. They may threaten to report you to immigration if you refuse.

Threats to Report You to Immigration

They claim they will report you for working too many hours, changing employers, or other violations — even when you have done nothing wrong.

“Tuition” or “Fee” Scams

Someone claims to represent your school or a government agency and demands immediate payment for fake fees, threatening deportation if you don’t pay.

What to Do If You Are Threatened

1. Do Not Pay

Paying almost never makes the threats stop. It tells the extortionist that you are a target who will pay.

2. Do Not Negotiate Alone

Speak with someone before making any decisions:

VictimLink BC: 1-800-563-0808 (24/7, confidential, multilingual)
Your school’s international student office — they are required to help you
A trusted friend or community member — someone who will not judge you

3. Save Everything

Take screenshots of messages, calls, and threats
Write down dates, times, and what was said
Save phone numbers and social media profiles
Do not delete anything

4. Know Your Rights

Your immigration status:

Being a victim of crime does not automatically make you deportable
In most cases, reporting extortion will not affect your study permit
Your school’s international student office cannot cancel your visa for being a victim
Police victim services do not report your status to CBSA

Your employment rights:

You are allowed to work on-campus without restrictions
Off-campus work is limited to 20 hours/week during academic sessions
Being a victim of crime does not affect your work rights

5. Get Help

Your school’s international student office:

First point of contact for any work or safety concern
They can connect you to counselling, legal aid, and victim services
They are required to maintain your privacy

Legal aid and low-cost services:

Legal Aid BC: 1-866-577-2525 — free for low-income individuals
Access Pro Bono: 1-877-762-6664 — free legal advice from volunteer lawyers
Your school’s legal clinic (if available)

How to Report Safely

If You Fear Retaliation or Deportation

You can report without giving your name:

Crime Stoppers: 1-800-222-8477 — completely anonymous
Online reporting — many police services allow online reporting for non-emergency crimes

If You Want to Report But Need Protection

Tell police or victim services that you fear retaliation
Ask about safety planning
Ask about your rights as a victim — not as a suspect
Request an interpreter if you need one — this is your right

If Your School Is Involved or You Fear Losing Your Status

Contact victim services before reporting — they can advise you
Contact your international student office — they cannot cancel your visa for being a victim
Document any threats or retaliation from employers or others
Consider speaking with an immigration lawyer before any major decisions

Signs Someone Is Trying to Recruit You

Be extremely cautious if someone:

Offers easy money for delivering packages, driving, or “running errands”
Asks you to open bank accounts or transfer money
Wants you to recruit other students from your community
Tells you to keep your work secret from your school or family
Claims they can “fix” your immigration status for money
Pressures you to meet in person after contacting you online
Threatens to report you to immigration if you refuse

If this is happening to you, you are being groomed for criminal activity. This is not your fault. Contact VictimLink or police — they have seen this before and can help you get out safely.

Resources by Province

British Columbia

VictimLink BC: 1-800-563-0808 — 24/7, 240+ languages
MOSAIC: 604-254-9626 — newcomer and settlement services
PICS (Progressive Intercultural Community Services): 604-596-7722 — Surrey, Delta, Abbotsford
DIVERSEcity: 604-597-0205 — multilingual counselling
Surrey Police extortion tip line: 236-485-5149

Ontario

Victim Support Line: 1-888-579-2888
Toronto Police non-emergency: 416-808-2222
Peel Police non-emergency: 905-453-3311

Alberta

Alberta victim services: Search “Alberta victim services [your city]”
Edmonton Police non-emergency: 311
Calgary Police non-emergency: 403-266-1234

Manitoba

Manitoba victim services: 1-866-4VICTIM

Saskatchewan

Victim services: Contact your local RCMP detachment or police service

For Family Members Back Home

If your family is being threatened in your home country:

Do not hide this — it is a common tactic, and silence helps the extortionist
Contact your local police in Canada — they can advise on international reporting
Contact your consulate or embassy — they may have resources or advice
Preserve all evidence of threats to family

Remember: - You are the victim of a crime, not a criminal - Your study permit does not erase your right to safety - Help is available in your language, confidentially, 24/7 - You do not have to pay, and you do not have to face this alone

Last updated: June 12, 2026 Sources: BC Government, VictimLink BC, CBSA, Surrey Police, Legal Aid BC, MOSAIC