How to Find a Registered Migration Agent in Australia
Migratio Editorial · Last updated
TL;DR: A registered migration agent must hold current MARA registration — verify their Migration Agent Registration Number (MARN) on the OMARA public register before paying anyone. Get a written service agreement that spells out fees, scope & timelines. Never trust an agent who promises a guaranteed outcome or asks you to make false claims.
Australia's visa system is one of the most rule-bound in the world. Subclass numbers, points tests, character requirements, bridging visas, sponsor obligations — the detail can overwhelm even people who have navigated it before. A good registered migration agent takes that complexity off your plate. A bad one — or an unregistered one — can cost you money, time, and in the worst cases, your visa eligibility.
This guide covers what to look for, how to check an agent's registration, what your legal protections are, where agents and immigration lawyers differ, and the questions worth asking before you sign anything.
What a Registered Migration Agent Is (and Isn't)
How to Verify an Agent on the OMARA Register
Migration Agents vs Immigration Lawyers — Which Do You Need?
How Migration Agents Charge — Fees & What to Expect
Your Protections Under the Code of Conduct
Red Flags — Warning Signs to Take Seriously
Questions to Ask Before You Engage an Agent
Onshore vs Offshore Applicants — Does It Matter Where the Agent Is?
How to Compare Agents Before Committing
Frequently asked questions
Compare MARA-registered migration agents — free