Dear Mr Brown,

I read online about Canada announcing a visa lottery programme that is valid until March 2017. Is this true?

— BDDear BD:

— BD

Dear BD:

I am not certain which specific website you are referring to. However, I can state that fraudulent information has been circulating online regarding a new immigration lottery for Canada. Please be advised that the Government of Canada has not launched a new programme for visitor’s visas.

Based on information that I have gathered online, the story claims that the Parliament of Canada has approved a visa lottery programme similar to the United Stated for 16 eligible countries.

The list of countries includes: Jamaica, Oman, Ethiopia, Philippines, Ghana, Guyana, Nigeria, Gambia, Cameroon, Kenya, Pakistan, Zambia, Thailand, Uganda, Fiji, and Lesotho. The story encouraged applicants to apply on their own for the programme that is supposedly to open March 1, 2017, with interviews for successful applicants scheduled to begin on August 1, 2017.

The story is a complete falsehood. For accurate information regarding Canadian immigration policies and programmes, please visit the website of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada.

Please visit jamaica2canada.com for additional information on Canadian Permanent Residence programmes, including Express Entry, the Study and Work progamme, visitor’s visas or appeals, etc.

Antonn Brown, BA, (Hons), LLB, MSc, RCIC, is an immigration counsel and an accredited Canadian education agent of JAMAICA2CANADA.COM — a Canadian immigration and education firm in Kingston. Send questions/comments tojamaica2canada@gmail.com

Antonn Brown, BA, (Hons), LLB, MSc, RCIC, is an immigration counsel and an accredited Canadian education agent of JAMAICA2CANADA.COM — a Canadian immigration and education firm in Kingston. Send questions/comments to

jamaica2canada@gmail.com