Applying for a visa can already feel complicated. Unfortunately, scammers can take advantage of that uncertainty by promising faster approvals, guaranteed visas or ways to get around Australia’s immigration rules.
The Australian Department of Home Affairs warns that scam agents may pretend to be legitimate migration professionals, with some scams promoted through social media. Knowing the warning signs can help you protect your money, personal information and visa status.
What does a visa scam look like?
Visa scams can take different forms. A scammer might claim they can guarantee you a visa, provide misleading immigration advice or charge you large amounts of money without actually submitting an application.
According to Home Affairs, scam agents may also provide false documents or statements, give you very little information about your application, or fail to tell you when a decision has been made.
Be especially careful if someone:
- Promises that your visa will definitely be approved
- Encourages you to provide false or misleading information
- Offers to create fake documents for your application
- Gives you little or no access to information about your application
- Asks for significant payments without clearly explaining what they are for
- Claims they can help you work illegally in Australia.
Remember: there is no legitimate way to guarantee the outcome of an Australian visa application.
Be careful who you trust with your application
If you decide to get professional help, check who you are dealing with.
In Australia, a person providing paid immigration assistance generally needs to be a registered migration agent or an Australian legal practitioner. Home Affairs recommends checking that a migration agent is registered with the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (OMARA).
You can find information about registered migration agents through OMARA.
Even if someone else prepares or submits your application, you are still responsible for checking your visa conditions and the information provided in your application.
Never agree to provide false information
A scammer may tell you that changing a few details or submitting a fake document will improve your chances of receiving a visa.
Don't do it.
Becoming involved in immigration fraud can have serious consequences. Home Affairs warns that you could lose money, have your visa cancelled, be refused entry to Australia, become ineligible for future visas or even be banned from returning to Australia.
If something doesn't sound right, check the requirements yourself through the official Department of Home Affairs website.
Watch out for visa and job combinations
Be particularly cautious if someone asks you to pay money in exchange for both a job and a visa.
Home Affairs states that it is against the law for someone to ask you to pay money for a job or a visa. Your employer also cannot cancel your visa. Only the Department of Home Affairs, including the Australian Border Force, has the authority to grant, refuse or cancel visas.
This means threats such as “pay us, or we'll cancel your visa” should be treated as a major warning sign.
Keep control of your application
For most visa applications, you can apply and manage your application through ImmiAccount, the Australian Government's official online visa application system. You can also use it to check the status of an application you've lodged online.
Use ImmiAccount and official Home Affairs information rather than relying solely on information sent to you through social media, messaging apps or unofficial websites.
And protect your personal information. Your passport, identity documents and visa details contain valuable information that shouldn't be handed over to someone unless you're confident they are legitimate and genuinely need it.
Think you've spotted a visa scam?
If you're aware of or suspect a scam involving Australian visas or working in Australia, you can report suspicious immigration activity to Border Watch. Home Affairs says reports can be made anonymously.
You can find reporting options through the Department of Home Affairs contact and reporting page.
Most importantly, don't let someone pressure you into making a quick decision. Check the information independently, use official Australian Government sources and make sure anyone providing paid immigration assistance is authorised to do so.
