Got a job offer need advise

Dear Frineds,
Your advise and help in my issue will be of greeat help. Ia m form India and recently i got a job offer form a local consulktant in india for a job in canada.

I passed the interview and he said he will get my visa papers done in 3- 5 months. I have to pay hime money for this. He says the work permti will be 18n months and more and he will arrange accomodation free too. However ai m new to such issues and naive to understand any cheating or confusions involved. That is wy I was aksing him everything in written.

Please tell me what aare the cautions i should take and check before making a decision and pay him.
What are the factors that i can count on> I do not know how canadian market is over there and what thwe reality is.

Please advise any warning about this work visa..

will wait for any help..
thanks