For many Vietnamese people, being granted an Australia visa is the first step to implementing the study abroad, travel, work or family reunion. Because of the great demand, the visa consulting market has also become a target for those who take advantage of the lack of information to promise certainty, offer an “easy” path or require applicants to pay large sums of money.
The Australian Department of Home Affairs warns that scammers may pretend to be legitimate immigration service providers, give false information, fail to submit applications after receiving money or even use fake documents and information in applications. People who use the services of these subjects are at risk of losing money, having their Visa refused or canceled and having difficulty applying for an Australian Visa in the future.
Therefore, before handing over money or documents to any individual or organization, the applicant needs to clearly understand who has the right to provide immigration consulting services, where the application is submitted and who is ultimately responsible. Therefore, before handing over money or documents to any individual or organization, the applicant needs to clearly understand who has the right to provide immigration consulting services, where the application is submitted and who is ultimately responsible.
Only the Australian Department of Home Affairs is the authority to decide on visa issuance
An important principle to remember is: No individual, consulting company or agent has the right to issue Australian visas on their own. The decision to grant or refuse a visa is under the authority of the Australian Department of Home Affairs. A consultant can assist an applicant in preparing and submitting an application to the extent permitted, but no one can legally guarantee that an application will be granted a Visa.
Even a registered migration agent cannot guarantee Visa results. OMARA also warns service users to check the representative’s registration status before using the service
Warning signs of Australian visa fraud
1. Commitment to definitely pass Visa
This is one of the most warning signs. If a person says: “This application will definitely pass.” “Visa parking”; “I have an acquaintance in the Immigration Department,” “Just pay the money.” Be especially cautious.
Visa results depend on legal regulations and the status of each application. No consultant can turn an ineligible application into a certain application for a Visa.
2. Asking to pay a large amount of money in advance for “fast processing”
Some subjects may say that your application needs to pay more to:
- fast processing;
- takes precedence;
- does quick biometrics;
- someone “intervened” in the file;
- or get a visa before someone else.
Applicants should clearly distinguish between official visa fees and consulting service fees. Don’t transfer money just because someone says they can use it to “speed up” the Visa decision.
3. Saying that you can go to Australia with a Tourist Visa and then work
This is one of the dangerous promises that people looking to go to Australia to work may encounter. Not all Australian Visa types allow work. Right to work depends on Visa type and accompanying conditions. Visa holders must check their own Visa eligibility, even if the application is prepared and submitted by someone else. The Australian Department of Home Affairs also emphasizes the responsibility of the applicant to understand the conditions of the Visa they are holding. Therefore, advertisements like: “Just get a tourist visa and find a job.” or “Going to Australia and then changing to another Visa is very easy.” Needs to be checked extremely carefully before trusting.
4. Promise that you will definitely have a job when you come to Australia
Some subjects may combine the Visa invitation with the promise: “Come to Australia and I will apply for a job for you.” “There is an employer waiting.” “Guaranteed to have a job with a high salary.” Workers need to be especially careful with these promises. Visa and employment are two different issues. Just because a person has a Visa does not mean they are guaranteed a specific job in Australia. __________ For applications submitted online, ImmiAccount is the official system used by the Australian Department of Home Affairs to submit and manage a variety of Visa applications. Submitters can use their accounts to track applications, receive additional requests, and update information. If the consultant continually avoids providing profile information or does not let the client know where the profile is, this is something to take seriously.
6. Requesting false information or fake documents
This is the most serious risk. Some subjects may suggest that customers:
misrepresent marital status;
hides travel history;
- change job information;
- falsified financial documents;
- thay đổi thông tin công việc;
- làm giả giấy tờ tài chính;
- creating bogus academic or employment records;
- provided incorrect information about Visa history.
The applicant should not agree to any such request. The Australian Department of Home Affairs warns that using false information or documents can lead to serious consequences for Visa applications. What is especially dangerous is that the applicant can still face consequences even if false information is prepared or submitted by someone else.
7. Claiming to be a migration expert but unable to check registration
If a person provides fee-based migration consulting services in Australia, users need to check whether they are a Registered Migration Agent or a lawyer authorized to provide migration assistance. Each Registered Migration Agent has a MARN – Migration Agent Registration Number. Users can use OMARA’s system to search for representatives by name, business name or MARN. OMARA advises that if a person does not appear in the search results, that person is not registered to provide immigration support services in Australia, except where permitted by law.
Check Registered Migration Agent on OMARA
Note: Do not just look at the fact that a business has a beautiful office, website or advertises a lot on Facebook and conclude that the consulting individual has been registered to practice immigration.
8. Contact mainly through social networks and make overly attractive offers
Visa scams can be promoted through social networks. Channels like Facebook, Zalo, WhatsApp or other messaging platforms are not in themselves a sign of a scam. However, if a social media account simultaneously makes a firm visa promise, requests quick money transfers, and does not provide clear legal information, users need to stop and check. The Australian Department of Home Affairs also warns that visa scams are often promoted on social networks and can demand very high fees.
9. Suggest taking a “special route” to enter Australia
If someone suggests you use an unusual route to avoid immigration controls, transit through a third country to “avoid” regulations, or use an illegal entry method, stop immediately. There is no legal shortcut that turns an ineligible person into an eligible person. Such promises can expose travelers to exploitation, loss of money or serious immigration consequences.
10. Advised to apply for Asylum just to stay in Australia
A particularly serious problem is that some people may be advised to apply for a Protection Visa without appropriate grounds, simply for the purpose of extending their stay in Australia or seeking the right to work. The Protection Visa is not an alternative to other Visa types when a person wants to stay in Australia. Providing dishonest information or documents in your application can seriously affect your current and future immigration records.
If you are being advised to file a protection application but do not clearly understand your legal basis, you need to find out official information and use appropriate support before deciding.
Australian visas are your own responsibility
One of the most important messages from the Australian Department of Home Affairs is: You are responsible for the information in your Visa application.
Even if someone else prepares and submits the application on your behalf, you still need to check important information such as: Full name, date of birth, nationality, passport number, marital status, travel history and information related to criminal record. Do not sign or confirm a document that you have not read and do not understand.
The Australian Department of Home Affairs also recommends that applicants carefully check information and documents before submitting to create a complete application that is ready for decision.
Keep control of your ImmiAccount
For applications submitted online, ImmiAccount plays a very important role. Through ImmiAccount, applicants can track application progress, receive requests for additional information or documents, and update some information related to the application. Therefore, submitters should not be completely “information blind” about their own records. If a service provider is not transparent about documents, does not tell customers whether documents have been submitted or refuses to provide necessary information, that is a sign that needs to be checked.
Don’t believe the stories about “Visa approval” on social networks
Social networks are full of stories about: “If this profile does this, it will pass.” “In this case, just submit it.” “There is a sure way to go to Australia.” “This visa can be changed to Australia.” But someone else’s success doesn’t mean yours will have the same results.
Australian visas are evaluated based on the conditions of each visa type and each person’s circumstances. The Australian Department of Home Affairs also notes that processing times and outcomes may depend on the quality of the application, information and documents provided. Therefore, please consider stories on social networks as reference information, not a legal basis to decide your profile.
Where should I check Australian Visa information?
The simplest rule is: Prioritize official Australian Government sources. You can start from: Australian Department of Home Affairs:
- Visa information, conditions, documents, fees, ImmiAccount and fraud warnings. Australian Department of Home Affairs official page on visa scams
- ImmiAccount: online platform used to submit and manage a variety of Visa applications. Official information about ImmiAccount
- OMARA: where to check Registered Migration Agent information. Search Registered Migration Agent
In addition, Vietnamese people can refer to information from Australian diplomatic missions in Vietnam and official channels of the Australian Government.
If you suspect being scammed, what should you do?
Don’t continue transferring money just because the person says your records will be affected if you stop. Please save relevant evidence such as messages, contracts, invoices, transfer information, emails and advertising content. The Australian Department of Home Affairs allows reporting of suspicious migration activity through Border Watch, and reports can be made anonymously. Report suspicious immigration activity – Border Watch
