This page contains information about Australian immigration law sourced from official government legislation. It is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute immigration advice. For advice specific to your circumstances, consult a registered migration agent (MARN).

Some content on this page was compiled with AI assistance. While based on official sources, it may contain inaccuracies — always verify against the source document linked on this page.

Section 236 — Offences relating to visas

Migration Act 1958 s 236 Australia Compilation: 18 May 2026 Verified: 2026-05-23

Text of provision

(1) A person commits an offence if:

(a) the person uses a visa with the intention of:

(i) travelling to Australia; or

(ii) remaining in Australia; or

(iii) identifying himself or herself; and

(b) the visa is a visa that was granted to another person. Penalty: Imprisonment for 10 years or 1,000 penalty units, or both.

(2) A person commits an offence if:

(a) the person has a visa in his or her possession or under his or her control; and Migration Act 1958 413 Part 2 Arrival, presence and departure of persons Division 12 Offences etc. in relation to entry into, and remaining in, Australia

(b) the visa is a visa that was not granted to the person. Penalty: Imprisonment for 10 years or 1,000 penalty units, or both.

(3) Subsection (2) does not apply if the person has a reasonable excuse.

Note: A defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matter in subsection (3) (see subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code).

(4) The fault element for paragraph (2)(a) is intention.

Note: Section 5.2 of the Criminal Code defines intention.

Plain English

Practical effect

Information only. Nothing on this page is immigration advice or legal advice. Only a registered migration agent (MARN) or Australian lawyer may give immigration advice.

© 2026 IMMI.TV PTY LTD (ABN 61 685 250 784) — Privacy · Terms · About Last reviewed: 2026-05-23