How to choose a migration agent in Australia

Short summary

The single most important thing to check is whether the person is a registered migration agent. In Australia it is against the law to charge for immigration assistance unless you are a registered migration agent, an Australian lawyer, or an exempt person. Once you have confirmed registration, look at their fees, experience, and how clearly they communicate, and watch for a few common warning signs.

Check the register first

Every registered migration agent has a seven-digit Migration Agents Registration Number (MARN). You can search the official register at mara.gov.au by name, business name, or MARN. A legitimate agent makes their MARN easy to find, on their website, email signature, or documents.

If you cannot find the person on the register, or the number does not match their details, treat that as a major warning sign. While you are there, you can also check whether the agent has any disciplinary history recorded by the regulator.

What a good agent must do

Registered agents must follow the Code of Conduct. Among other things, it requires them to:

• Give you correct advice and keep you informed about your application.
• Act lawfully and in your interests, and protect your privacy.
• Tell you if they have a conflict of interest.
• Give you a written statement before starting work, setting out the services, estimated fees, and other costs.

A trustworthy agent should also give you a copy of the Consumer Guide, which is available in many languages, and should be honest about both your chances and the challenges in your case.

Warning signs to avoid

Be cautious if an agent:

• Cannot or will not give you a MARN, or is not on the register.
• Guarantees a visa or promises "100 percent approval". No one can guarantee a visa outcome, because the final decision rests with the Australian authorities.
• Asks for large payments upfront without a clear written agreement.
• Uses pressure or urgency, such as "act now or miss out".
• Asks you to provide false information or backdate documents. This can lead to a lengthy ban from Australia and puts your future at serious risk.
• Wants payment by untraceable methods, such as cryptocurrency or a personal account, or will not give you a tax invoice.

Even one of these is a reason to pause. Two or more is a serious risk.

Other things worth checking

Beyond registration, consider the agent's experience and whether they specialise in your type of visa. An agent who handles skilled migration every day is better placed for a skilled application than a generalist. If English is not your first language, look for an agent who speaks your language, which can make the process much clearer. Reading reviews can help, especially where you see a repeated pattern rather than a single comment.

If something goes wrong

If you have a problem with your agent, try to resolve it with them first. If that does not work, you can complain to OMARA. A complaint will not affect your visa application, but note that OMARA cannot order a refund or change a visa decision. If your problem is with an immigration lawyer rather than an agent, you complain to the legal body in their state or territory.

What to do next

Not sure whether you need an agent or a lawyer? See our guide on the difference. When you are ready, you can search VisaMatch for verified migration agents and immigration lawyers, filtered by visa type, location, and language, so every professional you compare is already registered or licensed.