Anyone planning a move to Australia will quickly come across the term MARA and the phrase “registered migration agent”. Knowing how to verify a migration agent before you share personal documents or pay any fees is one of the simplest ways to protect yourself. The good news is that the check itself takes only a few minutes.
This FAQ answers the questions applicants ask most often about registration, the public register and what a legitimate agent should provide.
What Is MARA and Who Regulates Migration Agents?
MARA originally stood for the Migration Agents Registration Authority. Today, the regulator is known as the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (OMARA), which sits within the Department of Home Affairs. Many people still use “MARA” as shorthand for the whole system.
OMARA maintains the public register of migration agents, sets professional standards through the Code of Conduct and handles complaints about registered agents. For a plain-language overview, see our page on what MARA means.
Who Is Allowed to Give Immigration Assistance in Australia?
Under Australian law, a person who gives immigration assistance in Australia generally must be a registered migration agent, unless they fall within an exemption. Australian legal practitioners holding a current practising certificate can also provide immigration legal assistance. Some other people, such as close family members helping without a fee, may be exempt in limited circumstances.
If you want to understand the role itself, read what a registered migration agent actually does.
How to Verify a Migration Agent: Step by Step
- Ask for the agent’s full name and MARN. Every registered agent has a Migration Agent Registration Number, usually a seven-digit number.
- Search the official register. Use the OMARA register of migration agents on the government website and search by name or MARN.
- Check that the details match. Confirm the name, business name and contact details match the person you are dealing with.
- Check the registration status. Make sure the registration is current and look for any listed sanctions, suspensions or cancellations.
- Confirm who will handle your case. In larger businesses, ask which registered agent will be responsible for your application and advice.
If an agent is reluctant to share their MARN or the details do not match the register, treat that as a serious warning sign.
What Should a Registered Agent Give You?
Registered agents must follow the Code of Conduct. In practice, before starting work you should expect:
- A copy of the Consumer Guide, which explains your rights
- A written agreement setting out the services to be provided
- A clear estimate or statement of professional fees, separate from government charges
- Information about how client money is handled
- Clear communication about progress and any requests from the Department
Transparency about fees is a good sign. Our guide to how much an Australia visa costs explains the difference between government charges and other costs.
Warning Signs When Checking an Agent
- A promise that your visa is guaranteed. No one can do this, as explained in why no migration agent can guarantee an Australian visa.
- Pressure to pay large sums quickly or in cash
- Refusal to put services and fees in writing
- Advice to provide false or misleading information
- Keeping your passport or original documents without a clear reason
- A name or number that does not appear on the register
How Consultancies Fit Into the Picture
Some businesses provide coordination, document preparation support and guidance while working with registered professionals for the parts of the process that require registration. When dealing with any service provider, ask directly who is registered, which tasks they perform and how responsibility is divided. Our Is IC Australia legit FAQ explains how this model works in our case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is MARA registration the same as being a lawyer?
No. Registered migration agents are specialists in migration assistance. Australian lawyers with a current practising certificate can also provide immigration legal assistance. Both are regulated, but by different bodies.
Can an overseas agent help me with an Australian visa?
People outside Australia who give advice outside Australia are not always required to register. That means they may not be covered by the same Code of Conduct or complaints process, so extra care is needed.
What if I have a problem with a registered agent?
You can first raise the issue with the agent. If it is not resolved, complaints about registered agents can be made to OMARA.
What if my visa has already been refused?
Act quickly, because review deadlines are strict. Our guide to what happens if your Australian visa is refused explains the options.
Does using a registered agent speed up my visa?
Not necessarily. Processing times are set by the Department. A well-prepared application may avoid delays caused by missing information, but no agent can control the timeline.
Quick Verification Checklist
- Full name and MARN obtained
- Register searched and details matched
- Registration current, no sanctions listed
- Consumer Guide and written agreement received
- Fees explained in writing
Next Steps
Checking registration is a simple step that gives you real peace of mind. For more answers to common questions, visit our Australia visa FAQs, or contact us if you would like to talk through your situation.