Tips to avoid work visa scam in Australia

Whoever want to come to Australia for work sometimes they are being caught in a visa scam in Australia. To avoid this you need to know and be very careful.

Visa scams in Australia Source: SBS The Feed, SBS Viceland

People come to Australia under various types of visa every year. Some of them want to work here. If you want to work in Australia you should check your visa condition first whether you are eligible for work or not.

Sometimes people are being caught in visa scams. If you want to avoid visa scam you must be very careful.

You could be caught in visa work scam if:

• the individual or agent demands upfront fees/money for an Australian visa
• you are told to get an ETA for work. You must not work in Australia on this visa.
• you are asked to set up a company and to apply for an Australian Business Number (ABN) in order to work.
  (You won't need an ABN if you are an employee, for example working for a business that is not your own, or using the tools or equipment of an employer. If you want to set up your own business in Australia, you should check if you qualify for an ABN before applying, as not everyone is entitled. If you want to find out more information, you should use the ABN entitlement tool.)
• the agent will only provide you with a handwritten contract or handwritten agreement
• you are promised permanent residence in Australia 
• the employer or agent uses the Australian coat of arms on their website to deceive people into thinking that what they are offering is approved by the Australian Government
• you are told you will be paid in cash only
• you are told you won’t be required to get an Australian Government Tax File Number (TFN).
  (You don't have to have a TFN, but without one you pay more tax. You also won't be able to apply for government benefits, lodge your tax return electronically or get an Australian business number (ABN).)
• the employer or agent in Australia does not have an ABN
• you are offered a rate of pay below the minimum Australian wage which all foreign workers are entitled to (see www.fairwork.gov.au).

And You may also check if you're entitled to super. You should see Am I entitled to super tool to check if you're eligible.

If you are aware of, or suspect a scam in relation to ETAs and working in Australia, please report it to Australia’s Border Watch by visiting www.border.gov.au/report.