Stay safe from visa scams
STAY INFORMED. YOUR VISA, YOUR RESPONSIBILITY.
Protect yourself from visa scams and false promises.
Thinking of applying for an Australian visa? Read this first
Every year, thousands of hopeful Indians are tricked by false promises and fake agents claiming to offer "easy" ways into Australia. Some are told that there’s a simple way to change visa once in Australia.
The information here is to set the record straight, protect you and your family, and help you understand your real, legal visa options.
To work legally in Australia, you must have a visa with work rights
This could be a temporary work visa, student visa, permanent work visa, or a family or partner visa.
Some visas, like student visas, have restrictions on the number of hours you’re allowed to work.
It is against the law to do paid work in Australia on a Visitor visa.
Beware of scam agents
Scam agents often pretend to be legitimate migration professionals and encourage people to come and work in Australia illegally.
If someone guarantees you an Australian visa, be cautious. Scam agents frequently charge high fees and submit applications with false information and documents, which can lead to large fines, jail time, and removal from Australia for the visa holder.
If someone promises you a visa or permanent residency in Australia, or demands a large upfront payment to "fast-track" your application, it is probably a scam. Tell the local police and make an anonymous report to Australia’s Border Watch Online Report.
Learn more at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visascams
Your Australian visa is your responsibility
Never allow someone to apply for a visa on your behalf without making sure all the information in the application is true and accurate. If you are involved in a visa scam (even if you didn’t realise it) this may exclude you from future Australian visas and for visas to other countries.
Learn more about who can legally provide immigration assistance in Australia.
Top 5 ways to spot a scam
- They ask for large upfront payments or pressure you to act quickly.
- They charge a lot more for the visa than the cost listed on the Australian Department of Home Affairs website.
- They falsely claim you can work on a Visitor visa.
- They say you can easily switch from a Visitor visa to a Student visa once in Australia.
- They claim to be registered in Australia but do not have a Migration Agent Registration Number (MARN) or are not listed on the Office of Migration Agents Registration Authority (OMARA) website.
Misinformation is dangerous
There is a lot of false visa information online, especially on social media, including scams and fake success stories.
Bad advice from false sources can lead to removal from Australia at your cost, and being refused future visas.
The number 1 rule for any Australian visa
It’s very simple:
Only use official government sources when looking at what visa to apply for.
These are:
- The Australian Department of Home Affairs
- Registered migration agents listed on the OMARA website
Protection visas are for asylum seekers
Protection visas are not a way to stay and work longer in Australia. False or misleading Protection visa applications are now processed fast and refused. A refused Protection visa application:
- Stays on your record for life
- Can lead to fines and jail time
- Can impact all future visa options to Australia and other countries for you and your family.
The consequences are serious if you do the wrong thing
Providing false information or documents in a visa application can result in financial penalties, jail time, and removal from Australia.
A refused Protection visa remains on your immigration record for life and can impact future visa applications for you and your family.
Don't take the risk.
