Study-abroad firm ‘fails to process Canada visa or pay tuition’, woman wins Rs 11 lakh

A study-abroad consultancy in India has been found guilty of unfair trade practices by the Chandigarh Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission. The firm failed to process a student's visa and deposit her tuition fee with a Canadian university, resulting in her losing admission and an academic year. The commission ordered the consultancy to refund Rs 10.34 lakh, along with additional charges and compensation.

The complaint was filed by a 31-year-old woman who approached the consultancy for admission to a Master of Management program at Crandall University in Canada. She claimed the company assured her of their expertise in handling study visas and overseas admissions, accepting payments totaling Rs 6,200. Despite repeated assurances, the company did not process her visa application, deposit her tuition fee, or provide the promised services.

The commission directed the company to pay the full amount, including interest, as well as compensation for mental agony and litigation expenses.