Consumer Guide

Migration Agents Registration Authority

Migration Agents and the Code of Conduct

The Code of Conduct ensures that your registered migration agent will:

  • be honest with you about your chances of securing a visa;
  • keep you informed about the progress of your application and any changes that may affect it;
  • be contactable during business hours and tell you if they change their contact details;
  • act within the law, your best interests and protect your privacy;
  • declare any interest they have that may affect your application and not act for you if there is a conflict;
  • provide you with a written statement — before starting work — of the services to be provided, the estimated fees and other costs;
  • charge a reasonable fee and, if you pay in advance, keep this in a separate bank account;
  • provide you with an invoice listing the actual services completed and the amount payable;
  • provide timely and correct advice and tell you in writing about the result of your application as soon as possible.

Complaints

If you experience a problem with your registered migration agent you should try and resolve it with them. For help, contact the Office of the MARA.

Making a complaint to the Office of the MARA will not affect your visa application.

Office of the MARA

Under Australian law, the Office of the MARA:

  • assesses and decides applications for registration as a migration agent;
  • approves continuing professional development activities for agents;
  • monitors the conduct of registered migration agents; and
  • investigates complaints against registered migration agents and will discipline them when appropriate.

The Office of the MARA, however, cannot help you with your application/sponsorship or order a refund of your fees from your registered migration agent.

More information to help you can be found at www.mara.gov.au:

  • Code of Conduct
  • Consumer Guide
  • Your rights – tips on using a registered migration agent
  • Average agent fees

Contact Details

Office of the MARA
www.mara.gov.au or 1300 226 272
Check if a person is registered at
www.mara.gov.au and click on:

 

Code of Conduct