How do I check a migration agent is registered?

Search the OMARA register using their name or MARN.

Lawyer or migration agent?

Both can prepare and lodge visa applications. For refusals, cancellations and court appeals, or where there are criminal or character issues, an immigration lawyer is usually the better choice.

What can I do if my visa is refused?

Many refusals can be reviewed by the Administrative Review Tribunal, but strict and short deadlines apply. Get advice as soon as you receive the decision.

Registered Migration Agent (non-lawyer) lawyers in Australia

What to discuss at the first meeting

Ask the provider to identify their registration and the work they will undertake. A registered migration agent and a legal practitioner have different professional statuses even when both provide immigration assistance.

Confirm whether any tribunal or court work is within the agreed service and professional scope.

How the engagement may progress

Gather identity documents, visa records, decision letters and application history. Confirm who will give the advice and their scope of work.
Ask which requirements and evidence need assessment, including translations or reports. No provider can guarantee the application outcome.
Agree who receives correspondence and tracks requests. Keep a complete copy of lodged material and understand what you approve before submission.

Fees and the scope of work

Separate professional fees from government charges, translations and other expenses. Preparing an application does not necessarily include a review or court proceeding.

Ask for a written scope identifying the work you are authorising, the person responsible and when costs will be reviewed. If you only want advice on one step, say so before the firm begins wider work.

Dates to raise at first contact

Provide expiry dates and the entire decision letter immediately. Review rights and dates depend on the particular decision and circumstances.

Questions to ask a registered migration agent (non-lawyer) adviser

How can I verify your registration?
Which work would require referral to a lawyer?
How can I verify your professional status?
Does the scope include further-information requests or review work?
Who monitors correspondence and urgent dates?

Registered Migration Agent (non-lawyer) lawyers

Why registered migration agent (non-lawyer) matters

The Australian context

Registered Migration Agent (non-lawyer) lawyers near you

77 registered migration agent (non-lawyer) firms

Aussizz Migration & Education Consultants

Knowbal Migration and Education

PARISH PATIENCE IMMIGRATION LAWYERS

Australian Migration Lawyers

KBA Global Darwin

ACET Migration Services

Carina Ford Lawyers

Hope Immigration Services

Aurelia Legal Pty Ltd

JL Hallam & Partners Pty Ltd

Hermis & Associates

Wickham Lawyers

WPM Lawyers

Southern Stone

Active Migration Australia

Glob Migration Consulting

Buttar Immigration Consultants Pty Ltd

JKN Migration consultant

Shaheen Legal

CJMigration

VISATASKER PTY LTD

Dizon and Associates

Miller & Co Lawyers & Migration Agents

HFM Legal

A practical guide to registered migration agent (non-lawyer)

What to discuss at the first meeting

How the engagement may progress

Fees and the scope of work

Dates to raise at first contact

Questions to ask a registered migration agent (non-lawyer) adviser

Frequently asked questions

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