Migration Agents: OMARA Registration and the Code of Conduct

Under Australian law, individuals in Australia who provide migration advice or migration assistance must be registered with the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (OMARA). It is illegal in Australia to give advice about migration to Australia without being registered with the OMARA.

A Registered Migration Agent (RMA) is bound by OMARA’s Code of Conduct, which details the professional and ethical standards for Registered Migration Agents.

When Registered with OMARA each Agent is provided with a unique 7-digit Migration Agent’s Registration Number (MARN), which can be used by to identify them.All RMAs must:

Meet the qualification requirements for Registration;
Be of good character;
Abide by the OMARA Code of Conduct. The code includes responsibilities such as acting in a timely and professional manner and providing you with written advice about the fee they will charge and the services they will provide;
Display their OMARA Registration Certificate;
Give you a copy of the Consumer Guide before starting work for you.

A RMA uses their knowledge of Australia’s migration procedures to offer advice or assistance to a person wishing to obtain a visa to enter or remain in Australia. They can also give assistance to people who are nominating or sponsoring prospective visa applicants.

Registration with OMARA is done on a yearly basis and, to continue their OMARA Registration an RMA must undertake Continuing Professional Development (CPD). This is to ensure their level of professionalism and knowledge as RMA agents is improved and enhanced on an on-going basis. Migration legislation is complex and dynamic which is why all RMAs are required to complete CPD.

An RMA does not have any special relationship with the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) and cannot influence the outcome of your application, nor can they fast-track the processing of your visa application.

A Registered Migration Agent cannot influence the outcome of your application, nor can they fast-track the processing of your visa application.

OMARA's Code of Conduct

OMARA's Consumer Guide (IRMAP)