Under Migration Agents (CPD Activities, Approval of CPD Providers and CPD Provider Standards) Instrument 2026 (LIN 26/001) CPD providers now must keep records of all presenters and facilitators for 2 years.
LIN 26/001 defines an "interactive" workshop to include one or both:
- real time discussion among participants
- interactive participation tools for greater engagement in learning.
LIN 26/001 removes a reference to a specific date for the current issue of the Occupational Competency Standards (OCS). The department is currently working to update the OCS this year and we will engage stakeholders for their input.
The new instrument also removes obsolete references to the discontinued Practice Ready Program which ceased in 2018.
Changes to CPD requirements for RMAs
The new CPD Instrument requires RMAs to complete both a mandatory CPD activity on Ethical Standards and a mandatory CPD activity on the Code of Conduct for RMAs. RMAs will need one point for each activity.
The new instrument limits the number of online CPD points in a 24-hour period to 6 points. Under the sunsetting instrument, all requisite 10 points could be completed in one day, so some transitional arrangements are included in the new instrument.
Private study CPD activities must be completed within 12 months of enrolment, so that learning content is up to date.
An optional CPD activity on the protection of workplace rights has been included in the instrument.
Transitional provisions
The new Instrument commences on 1 April 2026, with most provisions applying from that date. However, there are some specific transitional provisions which will allow RMAs to meet certain CPD requirements to the previous standard where CPD activities have already been completed or commenced.
Assuming that other CPD requirements are met:
- CPD activities completed online in a 24-hour period prior to 1 July 2026 may earn up to 10 points that can be counted towards repeat registration applications received by OMARA, until 31 March 2027.
- A CPD topic on either an Ethical Standards topic or a Code of Conduct topic will meet the requirements for repeat registration as an RMA if completed prior to 1 July 2026, and can be counted towards applications received by OMARA until 31 March 2027.
- Private study enrolled in prior to 01 July 2026 may be completed and recognised for registration up to 31 March 2027. This applies even if it is more than 12 months between enrolment and completion.
Record keeping changes
In addition to other records previously specified, you will also need to keep records of all presenters and facilitators of CPD activities for two years.
