Why Use a Registered Migration Agent in Australia?

What is a registered migration agent?

A registered migration agent (RMA) is a professional licensed by the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (OMARA) to provide immigration assistance in Australia. Registration is required by law - it is illegal for any person (other than a qualified Australian lawyer) to charge for immigration advice unless they hold current OMARA registration.

As of 2026, there are approximately 6,000 registered migration agents in Australia.

What services can a migration agent help with?

Registered migration agents can assist with:

• Partner and family visas (spouse, de facto, parent, child)
• Skilled migration (subclass 189, 190, 491, 482, 186)
• Student visas and graduate visas
• Tourist and visitor visas
• Employer-sponsored visas
• Citizenship by conferral
• Character and health waivers
• Visa appeals and merits review before the AAT
• Bridging visas

Do you always need a migration agent?

No. For straightforward applications - such as a standard tourist visa or an online student visa - many people apply successfully without professional help. The Department of Home Affairs website provides detailed guides for each visa subclass.

However, professional help is worth considering when:

• Your situation is complex (previous visa refusals, health or character issues, complicated relationship history for partner visas)
• You're unsure which visa pathway applies to your circumstances
• You're facing a tight deadline or at risk of becoming unlawful
• You're appealing a decision to the AAT
• The visa involves significant financial or personal stakes

How to verify a migration agent is registered

Before engaging any migration agent, verify their registration. You can:

1. Search the OMARA register at mara.gov.au - enter their name or MARN (Migration Agent Registration Number)
2. Check their MARN on their business materials - registered agents are required to display their MARN on all correspondence
3. Confirm the registration is "current" (not expired or cancelled)

All migration agents listed on AusCareGuide are sourced from the OMARA register and verified as active at the time of listing.

Protecting yourself from migration fraud

Migration fraud is a serious problem in Australia. Warning signs include:

• Someone offering to "guarantee" visa approval
• Unusually low fees that seem too good to be true
• Pressure to pay large sums upfront in cash
• Inability or unwillingness to provide a MARN
• Advice to provide false information to the Department

If you suspect you've encountered a fraudulent agent, report it to OMARA or the Australian Border Force. Victims of migration fraud may have grounds for a complaint and compensation.

Finding a registered migration agent near you

AusCareGuide lists all OMARA-registered migration agents across Australia, searchable by suburb and state. When choosing an agent, consider their experience with your specific visa type, their communication style, and their fee structure before signing a written agreement.