Consequences of Submitting Forged Documents for Australian Visas

Are you intending to move to Australia by providing bogus or forged documents in your visa application. Read this blog first!

After reading this blog post you might rethink it. As you know, the Australian Government puts stringent measures in place to maintain the integrity of the immigration system. So, whether you are submitting an application for a working visa, a skilled visa or a tourist visa, you must display honesty and integrity. 

An essential part of Australian immigration policy that tries to stop visa fraud is Public Interest Criterion 4020. It demands that candidates submit accurate information and authentic evidence. In order to ensure compliance with PIC 4020, the Department of Home Affairs uses stringent assessment procedures to confirm the veracity of the information and documents submitted by visa applicants. 

So, If you fail to meet the visa terms and conditions set by the Government, you will be subjected to several consequences, including visa cancellation, severe penalties, fines, and jail punishment. Therefore, you must be careful before applying for an Australian visa.

To learn more about bogus or forged documents and what happens if you submit forged documents for Australian visas, read this blog post. But before moving towards details, let’s first discuss what a forged or fraudulent document is.

What is a Bogus or Forged Document?

According to the Migration Act 1958 (section 5), any false or fake document will be regarded as a bogus document. Section 5 defines forged documents as

• Documents that appear to be issued to a person but actually were not.
• Fake or altered documents by an unauthorized individual.
• Documents obtained as a result of providing misleading information intentionally or unintentionally.

In the context of a visa application, fraud can take many different forms, such as presenting forged paperwork, giving misleading information, or purposefully hiding facts. This includes circumstances in which applicants or their agents provide bogus documents or misleading information to the Department of Home Affairs. 

Have a look at the following table to differentiate a bogus document from misleading information;

Forged Documents that Can Result in Visa Cancellation

Have a look at the following forged documents that can result in visa refusal or cancellation in Australia. 

• If you are applying for a working holiday visa and provide the incorrect information in Form 1263 for a Working Holiday Visa.
• Providing false statements about your marital status to gain additional points on the skilled migration visa.
• Providing the incorrect or bogus work experience certificates. 
• Showing the forged payslips related to your job or occupation.
• Changing identity information such as name or re-issuing the passport.
• Manipulating the bank account information and statements.
• Providing the forged documents showing your university qualifications or skills.

So, if you provide any of these above-mentioned bogus or forged documents with your application form to the Department of Home Affairs, you will be subjected to severe consequences. Let’s discuss what happens if you provide forged documents for an Australian visa. You can also consult a professional for any kind of help, book your appointment now.

Consequences of Submitting Forged Documents

The Department of Home Affairs will thoroughly and comprehensively analyze your visa application. The case officer will determine whether your submissions are fraudulent or not. Below is the list of consequences that you may face if you submit forged documents.

1. Visa Cancellation

Let’s discuss under which circumstances the Government of Australia will cancel your visa application. 

• If you submit a fraudulent or forged document with your visa application, the Government will cancel your visa.
• If your family member submits a visa application and provides misleading or fraudulent documents, there are chances that it will affect your visa application.
• Similarly, suppose you attach fraudulent documents to your visa application. In that case, it can also affect visa applications for your family members who want to apply for a visa in Australia in the future. 
• If you submit your application with bogus documents and that application also includes your family dependents, the Australian Government will not grant a visa to your dependents. 
• If you provide misleading information in your application, the Department can also put a ban on you, preventing your entry into Australia for the next three years.
• If you are an Australian visa holder but the Department finds bogus documentation in your application after your entry into Australia, your visa will be canceled. They can also deport you from the country. However, under certain circumstances, you can apply for another visa offshore.

What to Do If Your Visa is Canceled?

The Department of Home Affairs will notify you if they find any forged documents in your application. The notification letter will ask you to comment on your behavior within a window of 28 days. Remember, if the case office finds false information and you cannot provide valid evidence, the Department will ask you to appeal for the decision review through the Migration Review Tribunal (MRT).

Here is important information for you: If the Australian Government has recently canceled or refused your visa application or you received a Notice of Intention to Consider Cancellation, you can contact us at The Migration. We will assist you in discussing your case with the tribunal or court or submitting an appeal to review the Government’s visa cancellation decision.

In addition to visa cancellation by the Australian Government, below are some other consequences you may suffer after providing forged documents in your visa application.

2. Legal Consequences

In Australia, immigration fraud is a crime. People who submit false documents may be subject to penalties and perhaps jail time, depending on the extent of the fraud and the specificities of the case. 

3. Credibility Damage

If you engage yourself in fraudulent activity, your credibility and reputation will be damaged by this act. It will also affect your relationship with the Australian community and your home community as well.

4. Immigration Record

The immigration authorities present in Australia keep a record of all candidates engaged in forged documentation. They can also share this record with other countries, impacting your visa applications to other countries. 

5. Deportation

If someone enters Australia with false documentation and their fraud is subsequently uncovered, they may be deported. Deportation can lead to an individual’s immediate departure from the nation, frequently at their expense, and a temporary restriction from returning for a predetermined amount of time.

Still confused? Read these blog posts for better understanding.

What to Do After Visa Cancellation in Australia?

Explore the Grounds for Australian Permanent Visa Cancellation

What is Australian Visa Cancellation on Character Grounds?

Get Professional Help

The Australian visa application process is quite challenging and stressful. It demands a proper understanding of the immigration system and careful consideration before applying. Therefore, you must seek professional advice to avoid visa cancellation. The Migration is a registered authority that provides its clients with authentic and genuine consultation services. Our team of experienced and MARA-certified agents in Australia will help you get successful approval for your visa application.

Schedule a meeting now if you need guidance regarding visa application filing, skills assessment, documentation submission or verification at affordable rates. We are here to help you. So, take advantage of the opportunity to contact us now.

FAQs

What should you do if you make a mistake on your application form?

Inform the Department of Home Affairs if you make a mistake in your application form. You can do this in the following ways;

• Check on the official website of ImmiAccount whether you can import your application or not. 
• Fill out Form 1023 Notification of Incorrect Answer and send it by email to the application processing department.

What offenses cause deportation in Australia?

The following crimes can result in your deportation from Australia;

• If you fail to pass the “good character” test.
• If you are unable to meet the visa requirements.
• If you violate the terms and conditions of your visa. 
• If you enter the country by deception or misrepresentation.

What happens if you provide false information on your visa application?

If the Department finds out that you provided false or misleading information in your visa application form and you are unable to justify your behavior, your visa will be canceled. However, under certain circumstances, you can appeal for a review or challenge the decision through the Migration Review Tribunal (MRT).

Contact Us for More Information

By now, you have understood the consequences of providing the forged documents in your visa application. Many candidates overlook aspects of providing bogus documents in the application form, resulting in visa cancellation or refusal by the Department. 

Therefore, you must get assistance from immigration lawyers or experts. You can also contact us at The Migration if you want help regarding filling out the application form carefully or want to appeal for a review; we are here to assist you.