Use a Registered Migration Agent

February 28, 2007


The Australian High Commission says it is not necessary to use a migration agent when seeking a visa for Australia.

A spokesman for the High Commission’s Department of Immigration and Citizenship Section, Mr David Stewart, said applications lodged through migration agents do not receive any priority and agents are not able to influence the decision making process.

“If people do decide to use an agent to assist with a visa application for Australia, it is recommended that they use a migration agent who is registered with the Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA).

“Migration agents operating in Australia are required by law to be registered with the MARA and are bound by the Migration Agents Code of Conduct, which requires agents to act professionally in their clients' lawful best interests,” Mr Stewart said.

“You can find a registered migration agent on the MARA website at: www.themara.com.au, under the Register of Migration Agents.”

Migration agents registered with the Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA) are required to:
* have a sound knowledge of migration law and procedure
* abide by a Code of Conduct.

All migration agents who are registered with the MARA must:
* make clients aware of all costs involved with their application and the expected time needed to perform the service
* inform clients as to the progress of their application
* provide clients with written confirmation of total costs of their application and all steps of the process have to be documented
* keep all client information confidential
* not make misleading claims as to the likely success of the application.

“The MARA investigates complaints against registered migration agents and may take disciplinary action against them.

“If people have concerns about a registered migration agent, they should contact the MARA,” Mr Stewart said.

The MARA contact details are as follows: email: [email protected],or by mail to PO Box Q1551, QVB NSW 1230, AUSTRALIA (Telephone: 61 2 9299 5446; Fax: 61 2 9299 8448).

Complaints regarding the activity of agents outside of Australia who are not registered with the MARA need to be made to the local authorities in the country where the agent is operating.

“From 2008 any agent who wishes to represent clients in dealings with the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) will need to be registered with the MARA irrespective of whether they operate in Australia or overseas,” Mr Stewart said.

**ENDS**