14 years (over $5,000) / 2 years (under $5,000)
Fraud over $5,000 carries a 14-year maximum — serious criminality under IRPA s.36(1). Fraud under $5,000 is a hybrid offence creating inadmissibility under s.36(2). Fraud convictions are viewed very seriously for immigration purposes as they relate to character and honesty.
Every one who, by deceit, falsehood or other fraudulent means, whether or not it is a false pretence within the meaning of this Act, defrauds the public or any person, whether ascertained or not, of any property, money or valuable security or any service (a) is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to a term of imprisonment not exceeding fourteen years, where the subject-matter of the offence is a testamentary instrument or the value of the subject-matter of the offence exceeds five thousand dollars; or (b) is guilty (i) of an indictable offence and is liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years, or (ii) of an offence punishable on summary conviction, where the value of the subject-matter of the offence does not exceed five thousand dollars.