Posted on December 21 2023
The Department of Home Affairs in Australia received 2,796 allegations for visa scams from 2014 to 2019. The visa scams were reported to the Department’s migration fraud division.
As per Freedom of Information Request FA 19/09/01554, Border Watch has received 2,796 scam related allegations between the period July 1, 2014 to September 19, 2019.
The number could be much higher, allege immigration experts.
Apparently, many visa scams are not reported to the authorities as there is a lack of incentive to report. There has been found to be a lack of meaningful protection for those visa applicants and visa holders that had been affected by fraudulent migration advice.
Generally, the Department of Home Affairs does not offer any visa security or alternate solution in situations wherein a person’s visa has been cancelled or refused due to immigration fraud or visa scam.
Individuals who become unsuspecting victims to such visa scams usually prioritize securing their visa status over filing and pursuing a complaint.
As per Home Affairs 2019 FOI Disclosure Logs, the “Border Watch has received 56 unauthorised immigration assistance scam related allegations” in the same period between 2014 and 2019.
In such unauthorized immigration assistance scams, individuals that are offshore apply for a visa through authorized persons based in Australia during the same duration of time.
Immigration experts are of the opinion that the number of such complaints is low specifically due to the circumstances that many of the offshore visa applicants find themselves in.
Border Watch urges people to report all such unlawful operators. All submissions received by Border Watch are acted upon.
Due to privacy reasons, the complainant is not provided with information on either the progress of the investigation or its outcome.
Immigration can have serious and far-reaching consequences if not done the right way.
Always get advice that you can trust. Taking chances with immigration is simply not worth it.
If you are looking to Migrate, Study, Invest, Visit, or Work Overseas, talk to Y-Axis, the World’s No. 1 Immigration & Visa Company.
If you found this blog engaging, you may also like …
Tags:
Australia visa scam
Visa Frauds News
Share
Get it on your mobile
Get News alerts
Contact Y-Axis
Can Indians apply for the Sweden Residence Permit?
Yes, Indians can apply for the Sweden Residence permit at the Embassy of Sweden in New Delhi or online through the official Swedish website. To qualify for a Swedish residence permit, candidates must have a valid reason to stay in the country, such as employment, studies, or as a family member of a Swedish resident. The eligibility and requirements for the Swedish residence permit vary based on your purpose of visit, such as study, work, or family reunification. The Swedish residence permit offers a pathway to permanent residency after a qualifying period of residence in the country.
*Want to apply for a Sweden Residence permit? Let Y-Axis help you with the process.
The eligibility criteria for a Swedish residence permit vary depending on the type of permit you are applying for and the purpose of your travel.
However, the general eligibility requirements for a Sweden Residence permit include the following:
You can apply for a Swedish residence permit for studies, work, or family reunification. Given below is a detailed breakdown of the eligibility requirements for each:
The eligibility requirements for a Sweden Residence permit for studies are as follows:
Also, read…
Can a student get PR in Sweden?
The eligibility requirements for a Sweden Residence permit for work are as follows:
*Want to apply for a Sweden Residence permit for work? Let Y-Axis guide you with the steps.
You can follow the steps below to apply for a Sweden Residence permit from India:
Step 1: Prepare your visa application
Step 2: Apply online
Step 3: Attend the visa appointment and submit biometrics
Step 4: Await a decision
Step 5: Get your residence permit
*Are you looking for step-by-step assistance with overseas immigration? Contact Y-Axis, the world’s No. 1 overseas immigration consultancy, for end-to-end assistance!
Indians looking to move to Sweden for work or study purposes for over 90 days, as well as those seeking to reunite with their family in Sweden, can apply for a Swedish Residence permit from India. The requirements vary by purpose, but generally include a valid passport, sufficient funds, and submitting the application online through the official website.
The eligibility requirements depend on whether you apply for studies, work, or family reunification. A general checklist includes:
Sweden offers both temporary and permanent residence permits. Common categories include:
Documents vary by permit type, but generally include:
Processing typically ranges from 3 to 24 months, depending on the permit type. Study and work permits can take around 3–4 months, while self-employment permits may take up to 24 months. Timelines depend on where you apply, the category, application completeness, and overall volume. After approval, the physical residence permit card may take 2–4 weeks to arrive.
Yes. You can work in Sweden if you have a residence permit for work (or a separate work permit, as applicable). After living and working in Sweden for a qualifying period, you may be eligible for permanent residence, allowing you to work freely without being tied to a single employer.
The application costs generally range from SEK 750 to SEK 2,200, depending on the permit type. Typical fees include:
| Type of Residence Permit | Applicant Category | Application Fee (in SEK) |
| Work Permit | Main applicant | SEK 2,200 |
| EU Blue Card (Skilled Work) | Main applicant | SEK 2,200 |
| Student Residence Permit | Main applicant | SEK 1,500 |
| Family Residence Permit | Adult applicant | SEK 1,500 |
| Family Residence Permit | Child under 18 years | SEK 750 |
| Researcher Residence Permit | Main applicant | SEK 1,500 |
Fees are indicative and may change; check the official website before applying.
Yes. Spouses/partners and dependent children of the primary applicant can apply for residence permits. Requirements vary based on the primary applicant’s status (worker, student, or person with protected status) and typically include proof of relationship, sufficient funds, and other supporting documentation.
Can Indians apply for a Portugal Skilled Work-Seeking Visa?
Yes, Indians can apply for a Portugal Job Seeker visa, which has now been replaced with the new Portugal Skilled Work-Seeking Visa, starting October 23, 2025. With this visa, you can enter Portugal and search for employment for a maximum of 120 days. The Portugal Skilled Work-Seeking visa is valid for up to 4 months and can also be extended for an additional 60 days upon eligibility. To qualify for the new Portugal Skilled Work-Seeking Visa, Indian nationals must meet specific requirements, including holding a valid university degree, providing proof of relevant work experience, or demonstrating professional qualifications. You can also convert your skilled work-seeking visa to a work permit if you manage to secure a job in Portugal within the 120+60 days.
*Want to apply for a Portugal Skilled Work-Seeking Visa? Let Y-Axis guide you with the process.
You can apply for the new skilled work-seeking visa in Portugal if you are a highly skilled professional with specialized skills in fields such as engineering, IT, and health sciences.
The primary criteria for the Portugal skilled work-seeking visa include:
Some of the other general eligibility requirements for the Portugal skilled work-seeking visa include:
Note: Applications for the new skilled-work seeking visa are currently not open and will soon be made available.
*Want to work in Portugal? Talk to experts at Y-Axis to assist you with the process.
To apply for the skilled work-seeking visa, you must arrange the documents required, including proof of identity, proof of accommodation, sufficient funds, and medical insurance. You will then be required to fill out the visa application form, book an appointment at the nearest Portuguese embassy, arrange the necessary documents, complete the biometrics and fee payment process, and wait for a decision from the officials.
You can follow the steps given below to apply for the Portugal Skilled work-seeking visa:
Step 1: Check if you are eligible for the Portugal skilled work-seeking visa (meeting the criteria)
Step 2: Arrange the documents required for the visa
Step 3: Apply at the nearest Portuguese consulate
Step 4: Await a decision
Step 5: Upon approval, you will get your skilled work-seeking visa
*Are you looking for step-by-step assistance with overseas immigration? Contact Y-Axis, the world’s No. 1 overseas immigration consultancy, for end-to-end assistance!