In the world of visas and migration, not all helpers are helpful. Every year, thousands of people lose money — and even face visa bans — after being misled by fake visa agents who promise fast approvals, “guaranteed” results, or insider tricks.

If you’re planning to apply for an Australian visa, choosing the right consultant is critical. This post explains how to identify legitimate support — and how to protect yourself from scams.

Why Fake Agents Are a Real Problem

Visa applications involve large payments, personal documents, and sometimes life-changing decisions. Unfortunately, that makes the industry attractive to unlicensed “agents” who:

• Charge hidden fees

• Forge documents

• Promise guaranteed approvals

• Disappear after payment

Trusting the wrong person doesn’t just waste your money — it can ruin your visa record permanently.

1. No License? No Deal.

Real visa consultants are licensed. For Australian visas, this means being registered with MARA (Migration Agents Registration Authority).

Look for:

• A MARA registration number

• Name listed on the official MARA website

• A written agreement that explains services and fees

Warning sign:
Someone offering immigration services with no registration, or under a different person’s name.

2. “Guaranteed Visa Approval” = Run Away

No one can promise 100% success. Visa decisions are made by immigration officers — not agents.

A good consultant will talk about increasing your chances of approval, not giving false guarantees.

If someone says “don’t worry, it’s guaranteed” — they’re lying.

3. They Want Cash Only or No Receipt

Professional agents provide official payment receipts, clear invoices, and refund policies. If someone asks you to pay in cash, without any paper trail — that’s a red flag.

Ask for:

• An invoice

• A signed service agreement

• Written confirmation of your payments

If everything is verbal or done over WhatsApp only — be very careful.

4. Fake Documents = Big Trouble

Some agents may offer to “fix” your case using fake bank statements, IDs, or job letters. This is extremely dangerous.

Submitting false documents can lead to:

• A 3- to 10-year ban from applying again

• Criminal charges

• A permanent mark on your immigration record

No real consultant will ever suggest this.

5. No Transparency? No Trust.

If the agent avoids explaining how the process works, won’t show your file before submission, or hides your application details — it’s a major red flag.

You should be allowed to:

• See your own application

• Ask questions

• Get updates on progress

Don’t work with someone who says, “Just leave everything to me — you don’t need to know.”

6. Watch Out for “Social Media Experts”

Just because someone has many followers doesn’t mean they’re qualified. Today, many fake agents run flashy pages on Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook — but offer no real credentials.

Do your own research. A website with real contact info, verified testimonials, and business registration is more reliable than social proof alone.

7. What a Real Consultant Looks Like

Here’s what you should expect from a trustworthy migration consultant:

• Honest answers (even if it’s not what you want to hear)

• Proper document checks

• Transparent pricing

• Ongoing communication

• Respect for your privacy and goals

At OzCareerGurus, we believe in responsible, ethical, and clear guidance. We never make promises we can’t keep — and we treat every case with the care it deserves.