How to Check If a Migration Agent Is MARA Registered (OMARA Lookup Guide)

The OMARA Public Register: Where to Check

The official public register of all registered migration agents in Australia is maintained by the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (OMARA) and is accessible at no cost at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/search/mara. The register is publicly searchable — you can search by: the agent's name (first name, last name, or firm name); their Migration Agent Registration Number (MARN); their location (state or postcode). The search results show: the agent's full registered name; their MARN; their registration status (current, suspended, cancelled, or lapsed); the type of registration (local or overseas); the agent's registered business name; expiry date of their current registration. Only agents with a status of 'current' are legally permitted to provide immigration assistance for payment.

Step-by-Step: How to Verify an Agent

Step 1: Ask the agent for their MARN. Any legitimate migration agent will give you their MARN immediately and without hesitation. It should appear on their website, their email signature, their business card, and any written quote or client agreement. If an agent refuses to give you their MARN or says 'I don't need one' — do not engage them. Step 2: Go to immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/search/mara. This is the only official OMARA register. Step 3: Search by MARN or by name. Both work — searching by MARN is more precise. Step 4: Check the result. The registration status must show 'current'. Check that the name on the register matches the person you are dealing with. If the MARN is not found, or the status is 'suspended', 'cancelled', or 'lapsed', the agent is not legally permitted to assist you. Step 5: Screenshot the result. Keep a record of your verification in case you need to reference it later.

Red Flags: Signs an Agent May Not Be Legitimate

Beyond the OMARA check, several red flags should make you cautious when evaluating a migration agent: They guarantee visa approval — no registered agent can legally guarantee a visa outcome. The Department makes all decisions; agents advise and assist. They won't provide their MARN upfront or it doesn't check out on the register. They request payment in cash only or to a personal bank account rather than a business account. They ask you to sign blank forms or forms in a language you don't understand. They claim to have 'connections' inside the Department of Home Affairs that will speed up or guarantee your visa. They pressure you to sign a client agreement immediately without giving you time to review it. They charge an unusually low fee with no written agreement — the fee often increases dramatically mid-application. They communicate only via WhatsApp and have no verifiable business address. They cannot explain which visa subclass they are recommending and why.

What MARA Registration Actually Means

OMARA registration means the agent has: completed formal qualifications in Australian migration law and practice; passed a registration exam; met character requirements; holds active professional indemnity insurance (protecting you if they make a mistake); agreed to comply with the OMARA Code of Conduct; committed to ongoing professional development (CPD) to stay current. Importantly, OMARA registration is not a guarantee of quality or experience — it is the minimum legal requirement. An agent can be fully registered and still provide poor service, give incorrect advice, or mismanage your file. Registration screens out unqualified and unlicensed operators; it does not screen for competence, diligence, or specialist expertise in your specific visa type. When choosing an agent, look beyond registration to their experience with your specific visa type, their reviews, and how they communicate with you during the initial consultation.

How Migratio Verifies Every Agent in Its Directory

Migratio sources its agent data directly from the MARA register. Every agent listed in the Migratio directory is a MARA-registered migration agent with a current registration number. Their MARN is displayed on their profile, and every profile includes a direct link to their OMARA register entry so you can verify their registration independently in seconds. When you use Migratio to get matched with a migration agent, you are matched with agents who are: currently MARA registered; have expressed interest in your visa type; located in a relevant state or remote territory for your application. The pre-qualification step eliminates the need to independently research and screen agents before initial contact — you know from the outset that every agent you speak to is legally registered and operating under OMARA's regulatory framework.

What does 'suspended' mean on the OMARA register?

A suspended agent's registration has been paused — they are not currently permitted to provide immigration assistance. Suspension can be temporary (pending investigation) or the result of a disciplinary finding. Either way, a suspended agent cannot legally act for you.

Can an education agent help me with my visa application?

Education agents have a limited exemption to assist with student visa applications without being MARA registered. They cannot advise on other visa types. For anything beyond a straightforward student visa application, you need a MARA registered migration agent.

What should I do if I suspect an agent is unlicensed?

You can report an unregistered person providing immigration assistance to OMARA by calling 1300 226 272 or submitting a complaint through the OMARA website. You should also report to the Department of Home Affairs.

Is a 'visa consultant' the same as a migration agent?

No. 'Visa consultant' is an unregulated title. Anyone can call themselves a visa consultant regardless of qualifications or legal authority. Only a registered migration agent (with a current MARN) or an Australian legal practitioner is legally permitted to provide immigration assistance for payment in Australia.