The UK, Canada, and Australia launch a coordinated visa fraud campaign to protect travellers and uphold secure immigration systems

The diplomatic missions of the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia have jointly launched a new international initiative to combat visa fraud, amid growing concerns over criminal networks exploiting vulnerable applicants seeking travel, study, or work opportunities.

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Unveiled during International Fraud Awareness Week (16–22 November), the #FightingVisaFraud campaign represents unprecedented cooperation between the three countries, building on outcomes from the Five Country Ministerial and demonstrating a shared commitment to protecting legitimate visa applicants.

Officials warned that fraudulent facilitators often lure applicants with false promises of guaranteed visas, unqualified job offers, or expedited processing in exchange for high fees.

Victims risk visa refusals, financial loss, travel bans, and in some cases, trafficking and exploitation.

British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr Richard Montgomery, stressed the human cost of visa scams.

“Visa fraud destroys dreams and devastates families. Criminal facilitators prey on people’s legitimate aspirations for a better life, stealing their money and putting them at risk of serious harm,” Montgomery said. “Through this joint campaign, we are sending a clear message: use only official channels, verify all advice, and report suspicious activity.”

Canadian High Commissioner Pasquale Salvaggio echoed the sentiment, emphasising international collaboration.

“Canada is committed to working with our partners to combat visa fraud and protect people from exploitation. This campaign reflects our shared values and determination to maintain fair, secure immigration systems while supporting those who seek to travel, study, or work through legitimate pathways,” Salvaggio said.

The missions urged applicants to rely solely on official government websites and registered advisers, while remaining alert to warning signs such as exorbitant fees, urgent payment demands, or promises of guaranteed approval. “No one can guarantee visa approval,” the statement noted.

Applicants using fraudulent channels face severe consequences, including visa refusals, travel bans of up to 10 years, financial losses, criminal charges, and increased vulnerability to trafficking.

Immigration authorities in all three countries are coordinating with law enforcement to investigate and prosecute offenders.

Official guidance is available on gov.uk for the UK and Canada.ca for Canada, with the UK also providing Action Fraud as a reporting mechanism.

Campaign materials and alerts will be shared across the missions’ social media platforms.

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The diplomatic missions emphasised that while the campaign is coordinated internationally, each country will manage implementation in line with national priorities, reinforcing long-standing public warnings about scams involving fake visa services and unlicensed agents.