Consumer Guide
Most Important Aspects of this Consumer Guide
Registered migration agents are trained individuals who must comply with professional standards, observe a code of conduct and keep an updated knowledge on the migration legislation and procedures in respect to the Visa to work and live in Australia and any other type of visa for this country.
Your agent must be registered at OMARA (Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority), that supervises the registration of only individuals suitable to provide migration services for an Australian Visa. In order to verify where an individual is register, visit OMARA’s website at www.mara.gov.au.
The Migration Agents and the Code of Conduct
Complaints
Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (OMARA)
The 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 agreement — 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 to resolve it with them. For help, contact OMARA.
Making a complaint to OMARA will not affect your visa application.
Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (OMARA)
Under Australian law, OMARA:
- Assesses and decides applications for registration as a migration agent
- Approves providers of continuing professional development activities for agents
- Monitors the conduct of registered migration agents
- Investigates complaints against registered migration agents and will discipline them when appropriate. OMARA cannot assist you with your visa application or sponsorship, or order your registered immigration agent to refund the fee. You will find more information at www.mara.gov.au.
- Code of Conduct
- Check if a person is registered at www.mara.gov.au.
