How to Check If a Migration Agent Is Registered

Why Registration Matters

Registration with the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (OMARA) is not optional for people providing immigration assistance for a fee in Australia. It means the agent holds a Graduate Diploma of Australian Migration Law and Practice, is bound by the Code of Conduct for registered migration agents, maintains professional indemnity insurance, and is subject to complaints and disciplinary action. If someone is not registered and offers immigration advice for payment, they are breaking the law. Your first filter should always be registration status.

How to Check — Step by Step

Visit the official MARA register on the OMARA website. You can search by the agent's name, business name, or MARN (migration agent registration number). The register will show their registration status (current, suspended, cancelled, or inactive), their registration number, and their registered business details. If you cannot find someone on the register, ask them directly for their MARN. If they are reluctant to provide it, that is a serious red flag.

What Registration Status Means

Current means the agent is actively registered and authorised to provide immigration assistance. Suspended means their registration has been temporarily suspended, usually due to a complaint or investigation — they cannot provide assistance during suspension. Cancelled means their registration has been revoked. Inactive means they have not renewed their registration. Only agents with current status should be engaged.

What Registration Does Not Tell You

Registration confirms the agent meets baseline requirements. It does not tell you whether they specialise in your visa type, how many similar cases they handle, how well they communicate, whether their fee is fair, or whether they are a good fit for your situation. Two registered agents can be vastly different in experience, quality, and communication style. Registration is necessary as an early filter but not sufficient as a final decision.

Checking for Complaints or Sanctions

OMARA publishes information about agents who have received formal sanctions, including suspensions, cancellations, and conditions on registration. Checking this can give you additional confidence — or raise concerns — about a particular agent. If an agent has multiple complaints or sanctions, that is worth knowing before you engage them.

After Confirming Registration — What Next

Once you have confirmed registration, the next step is comparing the agent's actual suitability for your case. Through Migratio, all matched agents are verified on the MARA register. You can skip the registration check step and go straight to comparing their experience, communication, and fees against your specific situation.

Where is the official MARA register?

On the OMARA website. Search by agent name, business name, or MARN to verify registration status.

What if an agent says they are registered but I cannot find them?

Ask for their MARN directly and search again. If they cannot or will not provide it, do not engage them.

Can a lawyer provide immigration advice without MARA registration?

Yes. Australian legal practitioners can provide immigration assistance under their legal practising certificate. They are exempt from the MARA registration requirement.

Does registration mean the agent is good?

Registration means they meet baseline requirements. It does not guarantee quality, specialisation, or communication skills. Always assess fit beyond registration.

Can I complain about an unregistered person giving immigration advice?

Yes. You can report unregistered immigration assistance to OMARA. Providing immigration assistance without registration is a criminal offence.