Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority

How to choose and find an agent


Choosing an agent

It is important to choose the right registered migration agent. Here are some questions and answers that will help you do this.

What kind of help do you need?

Think about what help you need and check that the agent can give this help. A registered migration agent is qualified to give immigration assistance, which includes lodging your visa application or applying to the Migration and Refugee Division of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal for review of a visa decision.
Using a registered migration agent

Think about what else is important in an agent. Do you need:

  • advice about visa options?
  • help to lodge a particular type of visa?
  • advice on a particular type of visa?
  • an agent who is also a lawyer (legally qualified)?
  • an agent who speaks your language?
  • advice about issues such as education?


How much will it cost?

Most agents charge for services. They must only charge you a fair and reasonable fee. How much depends on your case.

To ensure you are charged fairly, it is recommended that you talk to three different agents about their services and fees, before you choose one and sign a written contract with them.

What to expect from your agent and agent fees

If you cannot afford to pay what the agent will charge, you can look for an agent who works for free (a not-for-profit agent). You can search the Register of Migration Agents on this website to find a not-for-profit agent.
What to expect from your agent
Agent fees
Search the Register of Migration Agents


Do you need an agent who is also a lawyer (legally qualified)?

Some agents are also lawyers (legally qualified). Most of the work performed by agents does not require legal skills, but some does. For example, you might need an agent who is also a lawyer when you:

  • are applying to a court to review a decision not to grant you a visa (only agents who are also lawyers can help you with this)  
  • need legal advice on your visa application.

 

Things to consider when you first meet with an agent

You need to be sure you choose the best person to be your agent. Before you sign an agreement with an agent, you might want to talk to a few on the phone or in a meeting. Then you can compare them, including the initial advice they give and how much they will charge (their fees).

Here are some questions you can ask an agent when you first talk to them.
 

Does the agent have the right skills and experience to help you?

You can check if the agent has the right skills and experience by asking:

  • about their experience with the type of visa application you want to apply for
  • for their advice on how likely it is your application will succeed and why they think this (the agent must give this advice in writing if you ask them to)
  • about the steps they will take to help you.

Does the agent speak your language or can they arrange an interpreter?

You can ask the agent if they speak a particular language. An agent must give you access to an interpreter if you need one. If you need an interpreter, ask the agent for one in your first phone call or meeting.

What fees does the agent charge?

Ask the agent to tell you in writing how much they will charge for their services. Make sure you understand the difference between the agent’s fees and extra costs (for example, visa application charges).

Has the agent given you a contract to read?

An agent must give you a written agreement (contract) with their fees and services. They must also give you a written receipt for any payments you make. Make sure you ask for these.

Finding an agent

Register of Migration Agents

You can search the Register of Migration Agents for all individuals who are registered with the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority to provide immigration assistance. A company or business cannot be registered, only an individual migration agent can.   
Search the Register of Migration Agents

You can access the register by using the search function on the top right hand side of any page on this website.

We also provide information about agents who have been sanctioned (had penalties imposed against them), and a list of formerly registered agents whose registration has ceased within the last 12 months.
Disciplinary decisions
Former agents