What Is a Registered Migration Agent?
Registered Migration Agents (RMAs) are licensed professionals registered with the Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA) in Australia. They can provide immigration assistance and lodge visa applications on your behalf.
When You DON'T Need an Agent
- Student visa (subclass 500) — straightforward and well-documented. Most international students apply successfully without an agent.
- Subclass 485 (Temporary Graduate) — if you meet the straightforward criteria, this can be lodged independently.
- OSHC and TFN applications — no agent needed, ever.
When an Agent Adds Value
- Complex PR application (if you have an unusual employment history, gaps, or prior visa issues)
- Skills assessment challenges or appeals
- Employer-sponsored visa (482) — the process is more complex and errors are costly
- Visa refusal or cancellation situation
How to Find a Legitimate Agent
Verify MARA registration at mara.gov.au — search by name or registration number. Any agent without a MARA registration is operating illegally and you have no recourse if things go wrong.
Red Flags
- Guarantees of visa approval (no one can legally guarantee this)
- Requests for payment in cash with no receipt
- Cannot provide their MARA registration number
- Promises processing faster than official times through "connections"
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