Migration Agent Scams: How to Spot & Avoid Them

### Unregistered "Agents"

The most basic scam: someone offering migration advice who isn't registered with MARA. In Australia, it's actually illegal to provide immigration assistance for a fee unless you're a registered migration agent or a lawyer. Yet plenty of people do it — often advertising on community Facebook groups, at cultural events, or through word-of-mouth in migrant communities.

They might call themselves "visa consultants," "immigration advisors," or "education agents who also do visas." If they're not on the MARA register, they're operating illegally. Full stop.

### The Guaranteed Visa

No legitimate agent will ever guarantee you a visa. The decision rests entirely with the Department of Home Affairs. If someone says "I guarantee your visa will be approved" or "I have contacts in the Department," run.

### Ghost Agents

This one's sneaky. A registered agent puts their name on the application, but the actual work is done by unregistered staff or overseas operators. You pay premium rates but get bargain-basement service from people who may not understand Australian migration law.

### The Bait and Switch

You're quoted a low fee to get you in the door, then hit with escalating charges for "additional services," "urgent processing," or "complications" that may not actually exist.

### Document Fraud

The most dangerous scam. An agent creates or modifies documents — fake employment letters, bogus skills assessments, fraudulent relationship evidence. If the Department discovers this (and they often do), you cop the consequences: visa cancellation, a ban on future applications, and possible criminal charges.

Keep your radar up for these red flags:

• - No MARN (Migration Agent Registration Number) — Every registered agent has one. If they can't or won't provide it, walk away. Verify any agent here
• - Pressure to sign immediately — Legitimate agents give you time to consider
• - Cash-only payments with no receipts — Professional agents issue proper invoices and receipts
• - No written agreement — MARA requires agents to provide a written client-agent agreement before starting work
• - Too-good-to-be-true fees — If they're charging $500 for a partner visa application when everyone else charges $4,000+, something's off
• - Communication only via WhatsApp or social media — Professional agents have proper business communications
• - They suggest providing false information — This is a criminal offence and will destroy your migration prospects
• - They won't let you see your own application — It's your application. You have every right to see it

Scammers prey on vulnerability. You're at higher risk if you:

• - Are new to Australia and unfamiliar with the system
• - Have limited English skills
• - Are in a desperate situation (visa expiring, facing deportation)
• - Come from a country where corruption in government services is normalised
• - Are relying on community networks for referrals without independent verification

This isn't about blame — it's about awareness. Scammers deliberately target people in these situations because they know you're less likely to question them or report them.

1. Always verify MARA registration

Before engaging any agent, check their registration on our MARA verification tool or the official Office of the MARA register. This takes 30 seconds and could save you thousands.

2. Get everything in writing

A registered agent must provide you with a written agreement covering services, fees, and your rights. If there's no agreement, there's no protection.

3. Compare multiple agents

Don't just go with the first person you find. Search our directory and get quotes from at least three agents. This helps you spot outliers — both suspiciously cheap and unreasonably expensive.

4. Check online reviews

Look for Google reviews, check forums, and ask for references. A pattern of complaints is a pattern for a reason.

5. Understand your visa pathway first

Take our visa quiz to get a basic understanding of which visa might suit you. The more you know, the harder you are to scam.

6. Never hand over original documents unnecessarily

A good agent works with certified copies. If someone demands your original passport "for safekeeping," that's a major red flag.

If you believe you've been the victim of a migration scam:

1. Report to OMARA — The Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority investigates complaints against registered agents. Learn how to complain
2. Report to the ABF — If an unregistered person provided immigration assistance, report them to the Australian Border Force
3. Contact the police — If you've lost money to fraud, file a police report
4. Contact the ACCC — The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission handles scam reports via Scamwatch
5. Get a new agent immediately — A legitimate agent can assess the damage and help you recover your case if possible
6. Document everything — Keep all communications, receipts, and records

Don't be embarrassed about being scammed. Reporting helps protect others in your community.

Knowing the typical costs of a migration agent helps you spot dodgy pricing. If someone's charging dramatically less than the market rate, they're either cutting corners or running a scam. Use our cost estimator to understand what you should expect to pay for your visa type.