Australian Visa Scams

Warning: Fake email migration invitation scams

We are aware of third-parties sending emails purporting to be associated with the Department of Home Affairs (the Department), offering migration visas. The Australian Government does not offer Visa opportunities to individuals. Also, genuine emails are sent from 'gov.au' email domain names (not 'com.au').

Any clients who have lodged a visa for Australia can log on to their ImmiAccount to see updates on their visa applications at any time.

Protect yourself from ETA scams

We are aware of third-party websites purporting to be associated with the Department of Home Affairs (the Department), charging exorbitant fees to lodge ETAs on behalf of visa applicants.

All ETA-eligible passport holders must apply for an ETA using the Australian ETA app. For more information, see our Step by step guide.

There is no Visa Application Charge (VAC) for an ETA, however there is an application service fee of AUD20 to use the Australian ETA app.

Be aware that you are being scammed if:

you apply for your ETA via a website – ETAs can only be applied for using the ETA app
you pay more than AUD20 to lodge the application
you are told to pay extra fees for premium service or extra charges for ‘expedited’ visa processing
the information you are relying on hasn’t come from an official website ending in .gov.au

Some of the known websites which are not official Departmental approved platforms to make an ETA application are:

If you choose to use one of these third-party websites, you risk:

losing any upfront cash that you have paid to the agent
having your ETA refused
not being permitted on the flight to Australia
being refused entry to Australia at the Australian border by the Australian Border Force

In order to protect yourself from visa scams, you should only deal with reputable travel agents, or official Australian Government channels via the Department of Home Affairs website: www.homeaffairs.gov.au

If you are aware of, or suspect a scam in relation to ETAs, or other visas to Australia, please report it to Australia’s Border Watch by visiting www.homeaffairs.gov.au/report

Warning: Fake website

We are aware of a fake Department of Home Affairs website. Please ensure you use the official website (www.homeaffairs.gov.au) to find information about visas and citizenship products, and lodge applications.

It is your responsibility to maintain the safety of your personal information online. You can report instances of alleged fraud on our website at: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/visa-scams.

Protect yourself from Work Scams

An Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) is not a work visa. You are not allowed to work in Australia on an ETA. If someone says you can work on an ETA, they are lying to you.

Don’t risk it. You can be refused entry to Australia by the Australian Border Force if you are suspected of coming to Australia to work illegally.

All ETA-eligible passport holders must apply for an ETA using the Australian ETA app. For more information, see our Step by step guide.

Important information: There is no Visa Application Charge (VAC) however there is an application service fee of AUD20 to use the Australian ETA app.

Be aware that you are being scammed if:

the advertisement lists only a first name and number
you are told to pay extra fees for premium service or extra charges for ‘expedited’ visa processing
the employer or agent demands that you pay them a large upfront amount of cash for an ETA
you are told you can get an ETA for work
you are told to set up a company and to apply for an Australian Business Number (ABN) in order to work
the agent organises fake documents and photographs
the agent will only provide you with a handwritten contract or handwritten agreement
you are promised permanent residence in Australia
the employer or agent uses the Australian coat of arms on their website to deceive people into thinking that what they are offering is approved by the Australian Government
you are told you will be paid in cash only
you are told you won’t be required to get an Australian Government Tax File Number (TFN)
the employer or agent in Australia does not have an ABN
you are offered a rate of pay below the minimum Australian wage, which all foreign workers are entitled to (The national minimum wage | Fair Work Commission (fwc.gov.au))

If you choose to engage in visa fraud, you risk:

losing any upfront cash that you have paid to the agent
having your ETA refused
not being permitted on the flight to Australia
being refused entry to Australia at the Australian border by the Australian Border Force
being stranded at an Australian airport or city
being exposed to forced or slave labour
not being paid at all by the employer or agent
being located and detained by the Australian Border Force and removed from Australia
going home with far less Ringgit than when you arrived.

If you are aware of, or suspect a scam in relation to ETAs, or other visas to Australia and working in Australia, please report it to Australia’s Border Watch by visiting www.homeaffairs.gov.au/report or by sending an email to [email protected].