Migration consultant vs migration agent: what's the real difference?
In Australia, 'migration consultant' and 'migration agent' almost always describe the same role — a registered migration agent. This film covers the two lawful ways to give paid migration advice, how to verify a MARN, and what to do if you've paid someone unregistered. Figures as at September 2026.
Read the full guide, with official sources →
Watch
Chapters
- 0:00 'Consultant' and 'agent' usually mean the same thing
- 0:14 Two lawful ways to charge for migration advice
- 0:29 Everyone else isn't authorised, whatever they call themselves
- 0:43 How to verify anyone
- 0:55 Every agent has a 7-digit MARN
- 1:07 Overseas credentials that don't authorise Australian advice
- 1:24 Already paid an unregistered 'consultant'?
- 1:39 An education agent isn't a migration agent
- 1:49 The word doesn't matter — the current MARN does
Transcript
In Australia, 'migration consultant' and 'migration agent' usually mean the same thing. The legal term is 'registered migration agent' — and that's what to check for.
There are exactly two lawful ways to run a paid migration advice practice. A registered migration agent, with a current status on the public register. Or an Australian legal practitioner, giving advice in connection with their legal practice.
Everyone else — whatever they call themselves — isn't authorised to run a paid migration advice practice here. Section 280 of the Migration Act makes giving immigration assistance without one of those two an offence.
The check is always the same. Go to mara.gov.au. Search by their name or their MARN. Confirm the status shows, quote, Current.
Every registered agent holds a unique 7-digit MARN, assigned by MARA. They're required to show it on correspondence, fee agreements and the advice they give you.
Some overseas credentials sound official but don't authorise paid Australian migration advice on their own. Canadian RCIC registration. US immigration credentials. Indian ICA registration. None of them substitute for a current MARN.
Already paid someone who turns out not to be registered? Stop sending information. Your application can usually transfer to a registered agent or your own ImmiAccount. And you can report unregistered practice to MARA.
An education agent isn't a migration agent. They help choose courses and institutions, and aren't MARA-registered, unless they separately are.
Whichever word someone uses to describe themselves, the check that matters is the same one: a current MARN on the public register.
The full guide, with the official sources, is on migratio.com.au. The link is in the description. And if you'd like to talk it through, you can compare registered migration agents there, and see their fees before you book anything.
Talk it through with a registered agent
Every agent on Migratio is on the official OMARA register. Compare agents and their consultation fees.