Fake Spouse Scams in Australian Visa Applications: How to Protect Yourself

Fake Spouse Scams in Australian

Beware of Fake Spouse Scams in Visa Applications: What Every Migrant Needs to Know

Recent investigations have uncovered a disturbing trend in the Australian migration program involving the sale of fake spouses for permanent residency applications. This black market scam targets vulnerable migrants seeking visas under subclasses 189 and 190 by promising a shortcut to residency through fabricated relationships.

What Is the Fake Spouse Scam?

As reported by SBS News, scammers and unregistered migration agents have been advertising on platforms like Xiaohongshu (Little Red Book), offering "ready-made" primary applicants with high migration points who accept secondary applicants posing as spouses. Victims pay substantial fees—often tens of thousands of dollars—to join these applications as fake spouses.

To fabricate the appearance of genuine relationships, scammers instruct victims to stage photos, open joint bank accounts, and produce false cohabitation evidence such as utility bills. However, many discover that no legitimate visa applications were lodged, losing both money and hope.

The Risks and Legal Consequences

Submitting false information or documents in visa applications is a criminal offence under Australian immigration law. The Department of Home Affairs can refuse or cancel visas and impose a three-year ban on future applications. Criminal charges may include fines and imprisonment of up to 10 years.

This kind of misconduct can cause long-lasting damage to a person’s immigration record and chances of lawful permanent residency.

How to Protect Yourself from Visa Scams

For the best chance of success, only engage with registered migration agents or immigration lawyers verified by the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA). Beware of anyone promising guaranteed visas, shortcuts, or demanding cash upfront without official paperwork.

If you encounter or suspect fraudulent activity related to visas or fake spouse offers, report it immediately to the Department of Home Affairs or your local police.

Why Use a Registered Migration Agent?

A registered migration agent understands Australia’s complex immigration system and ensures applications are accurate and genuine. They provide lawful, tailored advice and help avoid costly mistakes or scams.

If you are uncertain about your visa options or suspect you may have been targeted by a fake spouse scam, seek professional advice as soon as possible.

Source: “Spouses for sale: Inside the black market for skilled visa applications,” SBS News, October 2025