Why do I need to use a registered migration agent’s services?

Why do I need to use a registered migration agent’s services?

A Registered Migration Agent has the skills and knowledge to:

  • provide you with advice on your individual migration matter
  • provide you with a migration strategy to achieve your migration goals in Australia
  • help and assist you in preparation of all the required documentation to support your visa application
  • lodge your visa application with the Department of Immigration and Border Protection
  • appeal on your behalf to review a visa refusal with the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (if there are review rights).

It is recommended that you use Registered Migration Agents because unregistered people acting as migration agents may:

  • be uninformed of the immigration procedures and not familiar with the Migration Act or Migration Regulations
  • make false guarantees about your possibilities of progress
  • give you wrong or incorrect advice.

Appointing a Registered Migration Agent

After a Registered Migration Agent has assessed your migration matter and has found prospects of success for your Australian visa application, they should provide you with an Estimate of Fees. This document will set out the fees and charges payable to Department of Immigration and Border Protection and other institutions and authorities, as well as the Agent’s fees.

After you have agreed on the fees, the Agent will provide you with an Agreement for Services and Fees. It will set out the Agent’s duties and responsibilities as well as your duties and responsibilities to the Registered Migration Agent as a client. You should carefully read and understand all terms and conditions before you sign this document.

Australian Migration Law, procedures, visa subclasses, Department fees and demands change frequently, therefore a Registered Migration Agent can be of a great benefit to you by assisting with your Australian migration matter and ensuring that your visa application is successful.

However, keep in mind that a Registered Migration Agent does not work for the Department of Immigration and Border Protection and therefore cannot guarantee a successful visa outcome. The Agent can only assist you in the preparation of your visa application by using knowledge in Migration Law and experience in preparation and lodgement of visa applications.

New PARENT VISA proposed on 5 May, 2017

On 5 May 2017, a new Temporary PARENT VISA was announced by the Assistant Minister of Immigration and Border protection.

The new PARENT VISA will enable eligible Australian citizens, permanent residents and eligible New Zealand citizens to sponsor their parents for a Temporary visa to Australia for a stay of up to five (5) years, with an option to re-apply for a total stay of no more than 10 years.

The new PARENT VISA will not affect the PARENT VISA arrangements already in place for parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents and eligible New Zealand citizens.

Characteristics of the new parent visa program:

  • available to parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents and eligible New Zealand citizens
  • the sponsor (child of the applicant) will need to be approved by the Department of Immigration and Border protection
  • visa validity for a period of up to five (5) years multiple entry
  • applicants will need to have a health insurance to cover their stay in Australia
  • no work rights, no access to Medicare
  • a five year visa will cost A$10,000
  • a three year visa will cost A$5,000
  • on expiry of the visa, the applicant will be able to re-apply; however, the maximum stay on this visa will be 10 years in total.

What is an Australian Registered Migration Agent?

What is an Australian Registered Migration Agent?

In Australia, only a Registered Migration Agents can legally give advice on migration matters to Australia.

A Registered Migration Agent has completed a course in Australian Migration Law and Practice and is registered with Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA).

Immigration assistance (under section 276 of the Migration Act 1958) is when a person uses or claims to use knowledge of, or experience in, migration procedure to assist with visa applications or other visa matters by:

  • preparing, or helping to prepare, a visa application or other document
  • advising on a visa application or visa matter
  • preparing for proceedings before a court or review authority in relation to a visa application or visa matter
  • representing in proceedings before a court or review authority in relation to a visa application or visa matter.

A Registered Migration Agent is obliged to act in the best interests of their clients. The professional standards and obligations are administered by the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority. The Registered Migration Agents must follow the Code of Conduct. It sets out Registered Migration Agent’s obligations to a Client.

If you choose to use a migration agent, you should choose to use a Registered Migration Agent. Registration gives you protection and helps ensure people working as migration agents are aware of current Australian Migration Laws and Procedures and give you a correct advice.