Getting immigration help safely: avoiding scams and unregistered advisers
This is national law, so it applies across Australia. Some services listed here are in Victoria. For services in your state or territory, see Help in other states.
Last checked: 1 November 2026
The short answer
Only some people can lawfully help you with a visa matter. A registered migration agent or an Australian lawyer with a practising certificate can help you and charge a fee. Some others, such as a close family member or your sponsor, can help for free. No one can guarantee you a visa or fast-track it, and anyone who says they can is lying.
Key dates and time limits
- Your deadlines still apply even if an adviser lets you down. Check your own ImmiAccount and letters so you do not miss a review time limit.
Step by step
Check who you are dealing with
A registered migration agent has a Migration Agent Registration Number (MARN). Search for it on the register on the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (OMARA) website. A lawyer must hold a current Australian practising certificate. If they cannot show you either, do not pay them.
Watch for warning signs
Be careful if someone only messages you on apps or social media, promises a visa or permanent residency, asks for a large upfront payment to 'fast-track' your visa, or wants money sent to a personal bank account. Emails from Home Affairs come from an address ending in .gov.au. The government does not charge extra fees to issue a visa.
Get it in writing
Ask for a written agreement, the fees and a receipt for every payment. A registered migration agent must give you the Consumer Guide. Ask for the ImmiAccount receipt for your visa application charge.
Stay in control of your application
Make sure you can see your application in ImmiAccount and that your details and visa type are right. Check any grant in VEVO. Your adviser is appointed on Form 956, and you sign it. Never let anyone put false information or fake documents in your application, because your visa can be refused or cancelled.
If something goes wrong
Report unlawful immigration assistance or visa fraud to Border Watch, and report scams to Scamwatch. You can complain about a registered migration agent to OMARA, but OMARA cannot order a refund. Complaints about lawyers go to the legal regulator in their state or territory.
Change adviser if you need to
You can withdraw your adviser's appointment using Form 956 and appoint someone else. If they also receive your letters, withdraw them as your authorised recipient with Form 956A. Get free advice if you are worried a deadline has passed.
Who can help
Victoria Legal Aid Legal Help
Free legal information and referral, including help with some visa appeals and mandatory cancellations.
Refugee Legal
Free advice and casework for people seeking asylum, refugees and disadvantaged migrants, including people in detention. Call the telephone advice line first.
Asylum Seeker Resource Centre
Legal advice and support for people seeking asylum in the community and in detention.
Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National)
Free phone interpreting so you can talk to a service in your language.
Forms and the law
OMARA: Search the register of migration agents
Check that a migration agent is registered.
portal.mara.gov.au/search-the-register-of-migration-agents ↗Home Affairs: Visa scams, what you need to know
Warning signs of scam agents and fake visas.
immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/visa-scams/what-you-need-to-know ↗Home Affairs: Using a migration agent
Who can give immigration assistance and how to complain.
immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/who-can-help-with-your-application/using-a-migration-agent ↗Home Affairs: Reporting visa scams
How to report migration fraud to Border Watch and Scamwatch.
immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/visa-scams/reporting ↗Migration Act 1958 (Cth), section 276 (immigration assistance), section 280 (who can give it) and section 281 (who can charge for it)
legislation.gov.au/C1958A00062/latest/text ↗Where this information comes from
These are public sources we used to write this guide. They are general information, not legal advice about your situation.
- Department of Home Affairs Overview
- Department of Home Affairs Home Affairs: Using a migration agent
- Department of Home Affairs Using a legal practitioner
- Department of Home Affairs Home Affairs: Visa scams, what you need to know
- Department of Home Affairs Home Affairs: Reporting visa scams
- Administrative Review Tribunal Immigration and citizenship
- Federal Register of Legislation Migration Act 1958 (Cth)
- Federal Register of Legislation Migration Act 1958 (Cth)
- Victoria Legal Aid Other support immigration and migration
- Refugee Legal How to get help
- Asylum Seeker Resource Centre Home page
- TIS National Contact us
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