Doc Summary
Applying for an Australian visa is a major milestone—don’t let scammers stand in your way. This guide explains the most common visa scams targeting prospective students, skilled workers, families, and visitors, and provides practical steps to verify information, protect your money, and stay compliant with Australian law.
Quick answer: the most common visa scams #
The most common visa scams involve fake “guaranteed visa” offers, unregistered migration agents, phishing emails and fake websites impersonating the Department of Home Affairs, job-offer scams, and document/biometrics fraud. Always verify through the Department of Home Affairs and check agent registration with OMARA before you pay.
What visa scams look like in 2025 #
- “Guaranteed visa” promises: Claims that your visa is assured or “pre-approved” for an upfront fee. No one can guarantee a visa.
- Unregistered or fake migration agents: Individuals posing as experts who are not registered with the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (OMARA).
- Phishing emails, SMS, and fake portals: Messages impersonating Home Affairs asking you to click a link, pay, or upload documents to a look‑alike website.
- Job-offer scams tied to visas: Non-existent employers offering sponsorship if you pay a “processing” or “training” fee, or hand over personal data.
- WhatsApp/Telegram “agent” groups: High‑pressure sales in chat apps with unverifiable identities and no Australian business footprint.
- Document fraud and “shortcut” offers: Offers to provide fake English test results, work experience, police checks, or RPL certificates—this can lead to bans and criminal penalties.
- Payment redirection scams: Scammers send fake invoices or new bank details “due to system upgrades” to divert your fees.
Red flags you should never ignore #
- Pressure to pay immediately via cryptocurrency, gift cards, or personal transfers.
- Refusal to provide a written service agreement, ABN, or receipt.
- Agent cannot provide an OMARA registration number you can verify at https://www.mara.gov.au.
- Unsolicited messages claiming to be from Home Affairs—especially if they contain links or attachments.
- Assurances that “connections” or “inside contacts” will approve your visa.
- Requests for your ImmiAccount login, passports, or biometrics outside secure channels.
How to verify and stay safe #
- Use official sources only: Create and manage your own ImmiAccount at https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au. Do not log in via links received by email or social media.
- Check the agent’s registration: Confirm your adviser is registered with OMARA at https://www.mara.gov.au. Note the name, MARN, and status.
- Validate Australian businesses: Look up the business or consultancy ABN at https://abr.business.gov.au and check contact details.
- Verify job offers: Research the company, call official numbers from its website, and be wary of any request for payment to secure sponsorship.
- Secure your information: Turn on multi‑factor authentication and follow cyber safety guidance from the Australian Cyber Security Centre.
- Cross-check fees and processes: Visa charges and procedures are published at Home Affairs. If someone’s process or price is “special” or “secret,” walk away.
- Keep your own copies: Store all contracts, receipts, application forms, and correspondence.
Phishing and fake website checklist #
- Does the URL exactly match immi.homeaffairs.gov.au? Look for HTTPS and the domain spelling.
- Were you asked to pay via a personal bank account or crypto? Official portals use secure payments, never gift cards.
- Are there grammar errors, urgency (“48‑hour deadline”), or threats of cancellation?
- Did the message arrive from a free email address (e.g., Gmail) or via WhatsApp?
Student, skilled, and family visa scam specifics #
- Student visas: Beware of agents guaranteeing “unlimited work rights” or offering fake CoEs. Confirm institution CRICOS registration and processes via Home Affairs.
- Skilled/work visas: Check that the employer and position are genuine. Be suspicious of fees to be “added to sponsorship lists.”
- Family/partner visas: Anyone promising to “fast track” processing is misleading you—timelines are public and cannot be bought.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) fraud risk #
RPL is legitimate when conducted by reputable Registered Training Organisations (RTOs). Avoid providers selling “instant certificates” or falsified evidence. Fraudulent RPL can jeopardise your visa. Engage only with credible advisors and RTOs aligned to Australian Standards.
What to do if you suspect a scam #
- Stop communication and payments immediately.
- Report it to Scamwatch (ACCC) and the Australian Cyber Security Centre.
- Contact your bank to attempt a chargeback or halt transfers.
- Preserve evidence: emails, chats, invoices, account details.
- Notify Home Affairs if your application details were compromised: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au.
- Seek reputable guidance from trusted education and migration advisors.
Frequently asked questions #
Can anyone guarantee my Australian visa? No. Decisions are made solely by the Department of Home Affairs. Guarantees are a red flag.
How do I verify a migration agent? Search the agent’s name or MARN on https://www.mara.gov.au.
Is it normal to be asked for my ImmiAccount password? No. Do not share your login. If using a representative, authorise them properly and retain control of your account.
Where should I pay visa application charges? Through your secure ImmiAccount or other official payment channels listed on Home Affairs.
Your safe next steps #
- Plan your pathway using official resources at Home Affairs.
- Verify any advisor via OMARA and business details via ABN Lookup.
- Engage trusted education and migration guidance to keep your application compliant and fraud‑free.
Work with a trusted Australian education and migration partner #
Skills Campus helps students, skilled professionals, and families navigate study options, Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), and pathways to Australia with integrity and transparency. Speak with our team for compliant, scam‑safe guidance tailored to your goals: https://skillscampus.com.au. To get started today, contact us at https://skillscampus.com.au/contact.
