IMMIGRATION-IN-CONFIDENCE

Australian Government Department of Immigration and Citizenship

Integrity Alert Notice 03/2010 MIOLS

24/09/2010

Fake spouses Update Indian Student and GSM applications

Key Issues o This Integrity Alert Notice (IAN) is an update to an IAN issued by MIOLS on 16/08/2010 refer to IMtel 240923, TRIM ADD2010/821302. o
s. 47E(d)

s. 37(2)(b)

have been identified

o GSM Brisbane is currently conducting analysis of cases o NSW Investigations are looking into this issue o Operational Integrity Steering Group (OISG) to be briefed on fake spouse issue on 29 September 2010 Risk Indicators of this fraudulent activity include o Integrity of Student and GSM caseloads o
s. 47E(d)

Situation/Background o listed below have been identified by GSM Brisbane in relation to applications with suspect spouse cases.
s. 37(2)(b) s. 37(2)(b)

o The following

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s. 22(1)(a)(ii)

o Searches in ICSE reveal that three (3) of the above agents:

s. 22(1)(a)(ii)

s. 37(2)(b)

belong to migration

o Listed below are all the active Safeguards profiles related to the above agents:
s. 22(1)(a)(ii)

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o The following have been linked to community allegations and/or a higher number of suspect spouse cases.
s. 22(1)(a)(ii)

s. 37(2)(b)

o Searches in ICSE did not find any links for migration agents for the above o GSM Brisbane has also identified multiple applications:
s. 37(2)(b)

s. 37(2) (b)

which have been used on

s. 22(1)(a)(ii)

s. 47E(d)

o Post is currently undertaking analysis of student caseload (Operation Student Dependant) where preliminary data shows increased volume of applications recently (lines up with changes to student (and GSM) visa policy and procedures) and a rate of non-genuine relationships of around 30%.

Action Undertaken
s. 22(1)(a)(ii) o IAN issued on 16/08/2010 forwarded by PMOI New Delhi to Director of Risk, Fraud and Integrity Division, who advised that NIAS has just completed an Integrity Scan on the possible impacts the recent changes to GSM legislation may have on the behaviour of overseas students.

o On advice from New Delhi Post, MIOLS contacted Victoria Student Centre to see whether they had more information on this issue. o Victoria Student Centre are not aware of this trend; however, Victoria Student Compliance advised that there are many cases of students and their dependant spouses arriving at the airport and then going their separate ways which suggests that the relationship was

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not genuine. Victoria Student Compliance advises that analysis on this trend should be available in the next few months. o Operational Integrity Steering Group (OISG) to be briefed on fake spouse issue on 29 September 2010. Action Required Recommendations o Visa processing officers should scrutinise visa applications which are using
s. 37(2)(b)

o The creation of a safeguards profile which matches on applications using This would alert case officers to the visa applications which require further scrutiny and ensure that these cases are not finalised without additional checks. o The creation of a Safeguards profile is pending OSIG treatment plan.
MIO LS is interested in receiving reporting from other areas of DIAC and other immigration agencies of similar immigration fraud activity. This can be directed to the MIO LS Mailbox at MIO.Liaison.Section@immi.gov.au or your region specific MIO Liaison mailbox.

s. 37(2)(b)

Onshore Contact Officer:

s. 22(1)(a)(ii)

, Migration Integrity Liaison Officer, MIOLS

Distribution and Releasability: PMOI New Delhi, Assistant Director Student Visa Centre (SA), Director ASPC, GM Visas (Skills and Family), GM Temporary visas, Director Student Visa Centre (SA), SMOI New Delhi, IAS, SMO New Delhi, South Asia Regional Director, Director NIAS, GM Operational Integrity, NSW Investigations, Student Compliance Victoria, Victoria Student Centre

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