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Immigration and citizenship

Who can help you with your application?

Using a registered migration agent

​Using a registered migration agent

Overview (#content-index-0)

Find a registered migration agent (#content-index-1)

Consumer Guide – Registered Migration Agents (#content-index-2)

Tell us you are using a registered migration agent (#content-index-3)

Give accurate information (#content-index-4)

If you want to withdraw the appointment (#content-index-5)

If you have a new registered migration agent (#content-index-6)

Reporting problems with registered migration agents (#content-index-7)

Getting a refund (#content-index-8)

Report an unlawful or unethical operator (#content-index-9)

Translating and interpreting service (#content-index-10)

Overview
Only certain people can help you with your visa application. This help is called immigration assistance. If you
appoint someone to give you immigration assistance, they must be either:

a registered migration agent

a legal practitioner (/help-support/who-can-help-with-your-application/using-a-legal-practitioner)
an exempt person (/help-support/who-can-help-with-your-application/exempt-person).

You don't have to use a migration agent to apply for a visa. If you do, you should check OMARA Register to find a
registered migration agent. See Register of Migration Agents (https://portal.mara.gov.au/search-the-register-of-migration-
agents/). Ask a question

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A registered migration agent cannot:

fast-track the processing period

guarantee you a visa

Find a registered migration agent

If you want professional help, you can use a migration agent registered with the Office of the Migration Agents
Registration Authority (https://www.mara.gov.au/) (OMARA). Only registered migration agents and legal practitioners
can charge for immigration assistance.

To find a registered migration agent search the Register of Migration Agents (https://portal.mara.gov.au/search-the-
register-of-migration-agents/). You can search the Register by:

location
name, or
the migration agent registration number (MARN).

The Find a registered migration agent user guide (https://www.mara.gov.au/get-help-visa-subsite/FIles/find-registered-

migration-agent.pdf) shows how to use the Register to find a registered migration agent.

For further information on how to use the OMARA Register, see video Finding a registered migration agent
(http://bordertv.au.vbrickrev.com/embed?id=8bd61a37-7dfd-4bac-a28f-b0729031ae6a).

The Register includes registered migration agents working outside of Australia.

Consumer Guide – Registered Migration Agents

The registered migration agent (RMA) consumer guide (https://www.mara.gov.au/get-help-with-a-visa/help-from-registered-
agents/steps-to-choose/consumer-guide) is provided, by the RMA, to consumers seeking immigration assistance from
an RMA. The consumer guide is available in 34 community languages, and outlines:

the role of RMAs

who is authorised to provide immigration assistance, and
how consumers can lodge complaints about RMAs to the OMARA.

Tell us you are using a registered migration agent

If you have appointed a registered migration agent to help you, the agent must tell us.

They do so by completing Form 956 Appointment of a registered migration agent, legal practitioner or exempt
person (308KB PDF) (/form-listing/forms/956.pdf). You must sign the form. Get them to send the form for you.

When you appoint a registered migration agent to help you, we will, if needed:

discuss your application with them

ask for more information from them about your application

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Your registered migration agent can also be your authorised recipient and receive documents on your behalf.
You can nominate them on Form 956. When you appoint your registered migration agent as your authorised
recipient, we will:

send any written communication about your application to them

deem written communication sent to them as being received by you

Give accurate information

You are still responsible for giving accurate information in your application. If you give false or misleading
information, we will not grant your visa or we will cancel your visa.

If you want to withdraw the appointment

To withdraw the appointment of your registered migration agent, you must complete Form 956 Appointment of a
registered migration agent, legal practitioner or exempt person (308KB PDF) (/form-listing/forms/956.pdf).

The registered migration agent needs to sign this. Get them to send the form for you.

If your registered migration agent is also your authorised recipient, you will need to also end their appointment to
receive correspondence on your behalf. You can do this by completing Form 956A Appointment or withdrawal of
an authorised recipient (301KB PDF) (/form-listing/forms/956a.pdf).

To change your authorised recipient to someone else, tell us who you want to receive correspondence for you by
completing Form 956A Appointment or withdrawal of an authorised recipient (301KB PDF) (/form-
listing/forms/956a.pdf).

If you have a new registered migration agent

If you appoint a new registered migration agent you must complete a new Form 956 Appointment of a registered
migration agent, legal practitioner or exempt person (308KB PDF) (/form-listing/forms/956.pdf).

Your new registered migration agent needs to sign this. Get them to send the form for you.

Reporting problems with registered migration agents

Complaining about your registered migration agent will not affect your visa application.

If you cannot resolve an issue by raising it with your registered migration agent, you can complain to OMARA.
See To complain about a registered agent (https://www.mara.gov.au/get-help-with-a-visa/help-from-registered-agents/steps-to-
choose/complain/make-a-complaint).

Getting a refund
OMARA does not have the power to order a registered migration agent to refund your fees.

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You need to discuss any concerns with your registered migration agent. You can also contact the consumer
protection office in your state or territory.

If you are outside Australia you can raise complaints with the International Consumer Protection and
Enforcement Network (https://www.icpen.org/) (ICPEN)

Report an unlawful or unethical operator

You can report someone unlawfully providing immigration assistance through Border Watch Online
(https://www.abf.gov.au/about-us/what-we-do/borderwatch).

Operators giving assistance outside Australia do not have to register with OMARA. You can report
unprofessional or unethical conduct to our nearest overseas office.

Translating and interpreting service

The Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) is a service provided by us for people who do not speak
English. If you need an interpreter, call TIS National on 131 450. For more information, see TIS National
(https://www.tisnational.gov.au/).

Last updated:
19 December 2023

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