Applying for an Australian work visa is an exciting prospect, but it’s not always straightforward. The process can be quite complex and time-consuming. From calculating the right points for visa eligibility to gathering the required documentation, it’s easy to feel confused and overwhelmed. That’s where expert guidance from a migration agent can make all the difference. 

But it shouldn’t be just any migration agent. They should be registered. Why? Because your visa application isn’t a gamble. It’s your future. 

When your Australian migration dream is on the line and you’re investing your hard-earned money applying, you need someone who is properly trained, legally authorised and held to strict standards; not someone who disappears when things don’t go to plan.

What are registered migration agents?

In Australia, only three categories of people are legally permitted to give you immigration assistance:

1. A registered migration agent
2. A legal practitioner, or
3. An exempt person (for example, your nominator/sponsor, a parliamentarian etc. Note – by law, exempt people are not allowed to charge for their services.)

While it’s not mandatory to get help with the visa process, it can be highly beneficial to ensure you not only pick the right visa, but also follow the process correctly. After all, one misstep can delay your application or in the worst case, lead to visa refusal.

When dealing with something as important as your migration to Australia, utilising the expertise of a migration agent is a smart move. Choosing a registered agent is an even smarter one. 

Registered agents undergo a strict vetting process by the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (OMARA or MARA). MARA ensures agents meet the correct standards to provide you with accurate advice and support. For instance, agents must:

1. Pass the Capstone assessment (an exam testing their immigration law knowledge)
2. Be deemed a ‘person of integrity’
3. Have a clear registration history (i.e. no suspensions, bars or refusals)
4. Have the right English language skills
5. Hold professional indemnity insurance

While MARA looks after migration agent registration, they’re also responsible for ensuring agents continue to improve their immigration knowledge and skills. This is especially important in a space where things change so fast.

MARA does this by approving continuing professional development (CPD) providers. These providers run sessions that agents attend to meet their annual mandatory 10-point CPD requirement.  

What benefits do registered migration agents offer?

Choosing a registered migration agent means you can be sure their qualifications are verified. But it also means they practise in an honest and ethical way because to achieve their registration, they must meet (and maintain) integrity standards. If they don’t, you can report them to OMARA and disciplinary action may follow. 

There are a number of ways a registered migration agent can help you obtain your visa. These include, but are not limited to:

• Explaining your visa options & recommending the most suitable one
• Preparing visa application documents
• Submitting your application
• Liaising with the Department of Home Affairs to discuss your case
• Representing you in (or preparing for) reviews if your visa is refused

How do you find registered migration agents?

The easiest way to begin your agent search is via MARA’s registered migration agents database. 

After you have searched and clicked on an agent option, it will give you details of their registration, including their Migration Agent Registration Number (MARN). 

Importantly, you can also review whether the migration agents you’re interested in have had any disciplinary action taken against them on the MARA site.

While both of these are great search starting points, there are a number of questions you should ask agents to ensure they’re the right fit for you. Examples include:

1. Do you have experience with the type of visa I want to apply for?
2. Would you recommend a different one and why?
3. Have you handled cases like mine before?
4. What does the process involve and what are the associated timelines?
5. What are my realistic chances of success?
6. What are the risks?
7. What is your response time like?
8. Can you help with visa refusals and if so, how?

Expert visa support when you need it

It’s clear how important it is to choose a MARA registered migration agent to help you with your visa application. While it gives you peace of mind knowing they practise ethically, it’s also a valuable safeguard against unscrupulous operators.

At Migration Ways, every agent you deal with is MARA-registered. This means you’ll be supported by qualified professionals who put your best interests first. Contact us to book a consultation and get clear and honest advice tailored to your situation.