Migrate to Australia Safely: Tips to Avoid Australian Visa Scam
We’ve seen many Australian visa fraud cases with sweet lies forcing people to bury their dreams of migrating to Australia. It’s easy yet tricky to avoid being a victim of an Australian visa scam. To ensure a fake migration agent is not scamming you, you must check whether the agent is registered with the Office of Migration Agent Registration Authority (OMARA). Generally, a registered migration agent will have a unique Migration Agent Registration Number to assist people with Australian visa application.
We have summarised the five red flags signalling Australian visa fraud or scam. Don’t fall for these five sweet lies for a safe journey to the land of Down Under!
5 Red Flags Signalling Australian Visa Fraud
It is easy to avoid Australian visa fraud if you are urged to do further research before engaging with a migration agent. And for the first step, check if you find these five red flags on your agent:
1. Your agent does not have MARN
Note this: all Australian-registered migration agents must have a Migration Agent Registration Number (MARN) to provide Australian visa application assistance legally. MARN has seven unique numbers, like our principal Migration Agent and Managing Director, Indah Melindasari, with her MARN of 0961448.
But Australian visa scammers are getting more cunning these days. They may show you a fake MARN with seven random numbers behind their name. To avoid Australian visa fraud, you can check their MARN on MARA’s official website.
2. Your agent runs the business without ABN
This is obviously a red flag! All businesses in Australia must have an ABN (Australian Business Number) to run legally. If your agent does not have an ABN or any evidence showing their business is running legally, do not engage with them!
3. “I can guarantee 100% you will get your visa”, your agent says
No registered migration agent will ever give you a 100% guarantee that your Australian visa application will be successful. A registered migration agent cannot guarantee your Australian visa applications will be 100% successful. You must understand that the outcome of your Australian visa application is 100% in the Department’s hands.
The primary responsibility of a registered migration agent is to ensure that you submit the correct Australian visa application, provide all necessary documents and information, and enhance your chances of having your application approved.
So, if someone gives you a 100% guarantee that you will get your visa, walk away! It’s one of the sweet lies all Australian visa fraud subjects say.
4. “I have someone in the Department that can help with your case”, they say
The Case Officer from the Department of Home Affairs will never make any personal communication or interaction with a registered migration agent. For this reason, there is no chance that a registered migration agent will have a personal connection with the Department of Home Affairs. Overall, this is strictly prohibited.
So, if your migration agent claims they have someone in the Department who can process your Australian visa application quicker or ensure your case will be successful, don’t trust them and walk away!
5. Your migration agent only provides handwritten agreement of services and only accepts payment in cash
A professional and registered migration agent will also provide a professional agreement of services. A handwritten agreement of services is far from “professional.”
Most Australian visa scam cases begin with handwritten documents and only cash payments. In that way, you won’t have any concrete or legal evidence for your case.
So, you should be aware that they only accept cash payments. A professional and registered migration agent will provide you with various payment methods, including bank transfers.
Read more: Should I Seek Registered Migration Agent Help For My Australian Visa Application?
Why do people get scammed by a fake migration agent?
Based on our experience in the Australian migration field, there are three reasons why people are trapped in Australian visa scam cases:
- Lack of knowledge and information on Australian visas.
- Don’t engage with a registered migration agent.
- Tempted by “easier migration pathway”.
1. Lack of knowledge and information on Australian visas
This is the most common reason for Australian visa fraud cases, and we understand why most people lack knowledge and information on Australian visas. First, the Australian Government provides many visa options (or too many) with specific yet complicated requirements to understand.
For example, you are currently in Australia and planning to extend your stay, aiming to work legally. So, you ask someone not a registered migration agent what visa you should consider. They suggest you apply for the Protection Visa (subclass 866) only because it provides full work rights. Unfortunately, you didn’t do further research on whether you’re eligible for the visa; you were blinded by the fact that the visa provides full work rights, and the cost is within your reach.
Little did you know that you don’t meet a single requirement of a Protection Visa (subclass 866). So, your visa ended up being rejected. You’ve lost your money and legal permission to live and work in Australia for not doing further research.
2. Do not engage a registered migration agent
Now, you can get visa suggestions from anyone, including your coworkers or even some strangers on the street. But are they qualified to provide the suggestion? Obviously, no.
If you want your Australian visa application to proceed without a hitch, seeking advice exclusively from a registered migration agent is crucial. Only a registered migration agent with the necessary knowledge and experience in the Australian migration system can provide you with the most accurate visa advice, and you will be free from Australian visa scams.
3. ‘Easier migration pathway’
It’s crucial to understand that the allure of ‘easier migration pathways’ can be a trap. We recognize your desire for a straightforward migration process, but it’s important to be cautious and aware that such shortcuts may lead to Australian visa scams and rejections.
You must meet all requirements for your targeted Australian visa and provide the most genuine documents and information to complete your application.
Read more: How to avoid Australian Visa Scam
Is an Australian visa application complex?
It’s natural to wonder about the complexity of the Australian visa application process. It’s indeed intricate, with all forms and information provided in English. If English isn’t your first language, understanding the process can be a challenge. However, with ONE derland Consulting‘s comprehensive support, you can feel informed and prepared for every step.
Another hurdle to overcome is unfamiliarity with the Australian migration laws and the jargon used in the Australian visa application process. Generally, only those engaged with the Australian migration laws system, including registered migration agents, can give professional advice on getting an Australian visa.
Rest assured, ONE derland Consulting, with its years of experience and expertise in all visa matters, is here to ensure your migration journey to Australia is not only smooth but also stress-free and secure.
We are here to help you!
Our visa specialists at ONEderland Consulting will assist you and give you professional advice on how to avoid Australian visa scams. We have a 98% success rate and are one of Australia’s most highly recommended migration agents. Read our 4.9* score customer reviews.
We are complex visa specialists. As registered Australian migration agents with Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA), we are regulated in our professional practice and bound by the MARA’s professional Code of Conduct.
Take the first step and get in touch with us. Our team members are professional and honest and speak various languages, such as Mandarin/ Chinese, Bahasa Indonesia, Arabic, Japanese, and Thai. Contact us through email at [email protected] or via phone at 1300 827 159. Alternatively, you may book your consultation online, and it is backed by our 100% Money Back Guarantee Program.
