Choosing a migration agent is one of the most important decisions you will make as an international student or visa applicant in Australia. The right agent can secure your visa. The wrong one — or an unregistered impostor — can cost you thousands of dollars and put your immigration status at serious risk.
Step 1: Verify MARA Registration First
Before doing anything else, verify that the agent holds a current registration with the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA). Every registered agent has a Migration Agent Registration Number (MARN).
Go to mara.gov.au → Search for Registered Migration Agents → enter the agent's name or MARN. If they do not appear with a current (not lapsed or cancelled) registration, do not engage them.
Under Australian law, only registered migration agents and Australian legal practitioners can charge fees for immigration advice. Operating without registration is a criminal offence — but it does not stop unregistered operators from targeting vulnerable students.
Step 2: Check Their Specialisation
Not all migration agents specialise in student visas and education-related pathways. For international students, look for agents with demonstrated experience in student visa (subclass 500), graduate visa (subclass 485), and transition to skilled migration (subclass 189, 190, 491).
Step 3: Read Independent Reviews
Check the agent's reviews on ConsultancyCheck, Google, and other independent platforms. Pay particular attention to how they handled complex cases, communication quality, and whether their fee structure was transparent.
Step 4: Ask These Questions at Your First Consultation
1. Can you show me your MARN and current registration certificate?
2. Have you handled cases similar to mine before?
3. What is your fee structure, and what does it include?
4. What is your honest assessment of my case?
5. Who specifically will be working on my case?
6. What is your turnaround time?
Step 5: Get Everything in Writing
A MARA-registered agent is required by law to provide you with a written service agreement before they begin work. This must include the scope of services, the fee schedule, their MARN, and your rights as a client. If an agent refuses to provide a written agreement, do not proceed.
Red Flags to Watch For
- No verifiable MARN — walk away immediately
- Guaranteed visa outcomes — no legitimate agent makes this promise
- Vague fee structures or pressure to decide immediately
- Asking you to sign blank or incomplete forms
- No written service agreement
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I verify a migration agent is MARA registered?
Go to mara.gov.au and use the "Search for Registered Migration Agents" tool. Enter the agent's name or their Migration Agent Registration Number (MARN). Their registration status, registration period, and any disciplinary history is publicly visible.
Can a migration agent guarantee my visa will be approved?
No. No registered migration agent can legally or ethically guarantee a visa outcome. Visa decisions are made by the Department of Home Affairs based on your individual circumstances. Any agent promising a guaranteed outcome is either misleading you or operating unethically.
What should a migration agent's written agreement include?
Under the Migration Agents Code of Conduct, the agreement must include: the scope of services to be provided, the fee schedule and refund policy, the agent's MARN, and your rights as a client including how to make a complaint. Never proceed without this document.
Is it cheaper to apply for a visa myself?
DIY application saves the agent's fee but carries risk if your case has any complexity. For straightforward first-time applications, self-lodgement is feasible. For cases involving prior refusals, health or character issues, or visa transitions, professional assistance typically saves money in the long run by reducing the risk of a costly refusal.
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