Who Can Give Immigration Advice?2019-02-20T04:14:07+00:00

Subclass 188

Who Can Give Immigration Advice ?

Labour Agreement is a four-year provisional visa for business owners and investors.

Subclass 188

Who Can Give Immigration Advice ?


Who can give immigration advice?

Under Australian law, a person who wishes to operate as a Migration Consultant or Agent must be registered with the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (OMARA). All our Migration Agents are registered with MARA which is responsible for administering the Code of Conduct.

What are the five things to consider when choosing a Migration Agent?

Is your Migration Agent registered with OMARA (Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority)?

A person giving migration advice in Australia must be registered with the OMARA (Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority). In order, to be registered with OMARA a person must have sound knowledge of immigration law, meet English language requirements and undergo police checks. They must also hold professional indemnity insurance, a professional library and undertake compulsory professional development training to renew their registration every year. Engaging a Registered Migration Agent ensures that there is accountability and the person meets the required professional standards.

Registered Migration Agents must also adhere to the OMARA ‘Code of Conduct’, which stipulates that Migration Agents maintain sound knowledge of immigration law, respond to their clients in a timely and efficient manner, maintain proper records, manage client monies, etc. A Registered Migration Agent who follows the Code of Conduct is generally well versed in immigration law, reputable and reliable.

 Before engaging a Migration Agent check the OMARA website to see if they are registered.

Is your Migration Agent suitably experienced?

We have all heard the saying ‘Experience is the best teacher’. This is especially true in the migration industry, where experience counts for a large part of a Migration Agent’s professional acumen. Australian immigration laws and requirements change frequently. Experienced Migration Agents are better able to interpret how the changes affect their clients and what needs to be done to achieve a favourable outcome. An experienced Migration Agent will be able to advice you on the requirements and documents and how to overcome any drawbacks in your application.

The first two digits of a Registered Migration Agent’s number indicates the year they were first registered. A Migration Agent with the registration number 0530747 was first registered in 2005.

Does you Migration Agent have a track record of successful applications?

It is vital that your application is prepared and presented in the best possible manner to achieve a successful outcome. With increasingly higher application costs and processing times there is room for zero error. A good agent will have the attitude that this is your first and last chance to secure a particular visa and will ‘check, double check and recheck’ your application before lodging it. It makes a world of difference when someone has experienced the process themselves, understands your individual circumstance and is as invested as you are in securing a positive outcome.

Our near 100% track record of successful visa applications goes to show how deeply we care about achieving a positive outcome for our clients.

Does your Migration Agent have a transparent fee structure and deliver value for money?

Migration Agent fees can vary significantly. Does your Migration Agent offer you a range of services/fees to suit your individual needs?  Do they have a fixed fee, hourly billing or will they be hidden fees that can give you a nasty shock? At the end of the day you want to ensure that you are getting the best service possible at the most competitive price and the experience of engaging a Migration Agent has been of value to you.

Check the MARA website for average Migration Agent fees.

Will engaging your chosen Registered Migration Agent offer you peace of mind?

Engaging someone’s services can be a daunting task especially when it comes to an important decision like migrating for a better life. Obtaining an Australian visa can change the course of not only yours but also the lives of your loved ones. You certainly want to have peace of mind that you have made the right decision before engaging a Migration Agent. It always pays to check if your Migration Agent has systems and processes in place to maintain your privacy and the confidentiality of your information and documents as per Australian standards, if they offer secure payment methods, etc.? As the visa process can take several months you want to ensure that your Migration Agent will be easily accessible throughout the process to allay any concerns you may have.

If a website browser displays the URL with HTTPS along with a pad lock, this indicates that the website is genuine, trusted, and the information being sent will be encrypted.

What to expect from a Registered Migration Agent?

Do you need help applying for an Australian visa?