Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Changes (LIN 26/001)
Migration Agents (CPD Activities, Approval of CPD Providers and CPD Provider Standards) Instrument 2026 (LIN 26/001) includes several changes for registered migration agents (RMAs) and their requirements for CPD.
As of 1 April 2026, the new CPD Instrument requires the completion of
both:
- a mandatory CPD activity on Ethical standards (worth 1 CPD point)
- a mandatory CPD activity on the Code of Conduct for RMAs (worth 1 CPD point).
This new instrument also implements the following changes:
- Provides an amended definition of ‘interactive’ workshop to include one or both of real time discussion among participants and the use of interactive participation tools.
- Private study CPD activities must be completed within 12 months of enrolment.
- Inclusion of an optional CPD activity on the protection of workplace rights.
Transitional provisions for the new CPD requirements
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.
- 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. This can be counted towards applications received by OMARA until 31 March 2027.
- Private study enrolled prior to 1 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.
Occupational Competency Standards (OCS)
LIN 26/001 removes a specific date reference to the current issue of the Occupational Competency Standards (OCS). The department is currently working to update the OCS and will engage stakeholders for their input.
Changes to the Migration Agent Regulations 2026
Statement of services
The statement of services wording has been amended in relation to the calculation of the 28-day period for the purposes of section 313(3)(c) of the
Migration Act 1958 (Migration Act). Regulation 42 in the Migration Agents Regulations 2026 states that the 28-day period commences the day the decision in relation to the immigration assistance is made about a:
- visa application
- cancellation review application
- nomination or sponsorship application
- Ministerial request under section 351 of the Migration Act.
If the immigration assistance covered by a service agreement ends before a decision mentioned above is made, the 28-day period commences the day the service agreement ends.
Updating of language
The language has been modernised and section titles, section format and location of information used in the 1998 Regulations have been updated to reflect current legislative drafting practices, and to ensure consistency.
There are some minor amendments including additional definitions and updates to some definitions. For example, there is a slight expansion to the definition of ‘close family member’ for the purposes of providing immigration assistance, which now includes de facto partners and step-children/siblings.
Infringement Notices
If an Infringement Officer intends to issue an infringement notice for an offence committed under section 280(1) of the Migration Act (providing immigration assistance when not registered as a migration agent) they must now do so within 12 months of the alleged offence.
Repeal of certain provisions
Certain parts of the 1998 Regulations will be repealed and are not remade. These include the repeal of regulations 3E to 3G (Assistance given by professional development sponsors) as they relate to a now obsolete visa product. Regulation 3XA (regarding application for repeat registration) and regulation 9 (regarding complaints) will also be repealed as they are no longer fit for purpose.
FAQs for Registered Migration Agents
| Question | Answer |
|---|
How do I meet CPD requirements after 1 April 2026? | You still need to complete 10 points of CPD to be eligible for repeat registration as an RMA. The number of points needed to register remains unchanged. From 1 April 2026: - Both the Ethical Standards and the RMA Code of Conduct subjects are mandatory (1 CPD point each)
- A maximum of six CPD points can be gained online in one day
- Private study must be completed within 12 months of enrolment
However, transitional provisions apply as outlined earlier. |
Do I need to do Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards courses to re-register? | Yes. After 1 April 2026 you must complete both Ethical Standards and the RMA Code of Conduct (1 CPD point each). However, transitional provisions apply as outlined earlier. |
Will my previous CPD be counted? What if I’ve already done training that doesn’t meet the new rules? Are there transitional arrangements? | Yes. Transitional provisions apply to study completed before 1 July 2026 and registration before 31 March 2027. Please see the information on transitional provisions above. |
What is the “6-point online” rule? | The new instrument
LIN 26/001 introduces a limit of six points gained through online CPD activities within a 24-hour period. Please see the information on transitional provisions above. |
Why does my private study have to be completed within 12 months? | The 12 month limitation ensures that the learning content is up to date. |
What is the optional CPD activity on the protection of workplace rights? | Please contact approved CPD providers for details of the activities they offer. |
