Using a Migration Agent
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What services can migration agents provide?
A migration agent can:
- advise you on the visa that may best suit you
- tell you the documents you will need to submit with your application
- help you fill out the application form
- submit the application for you
- communicate with the department on your behalf
- From 1 October 2006 registered migration agents, in Australia and outside Australia, may certify copies of original documents that relate to visa applications, provided that their registration is not currently suspended and they are not subject to a caution that is in effect.
You do not need to use a migration agent to lodge any kind of visa application or asylum claim. Your application will not be decided any sooner if you use a migration agent and they cannot influence the outcome of your application.
However, if you do not feel confident in lodging an application, or if your case is complex, you may wish to use a migration agent to help you.
Using a migration agent in Australia
In Australia, migration agents must be registered with the Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA) in order to provide immigration assistance services.
See:
Using a Migration Agent Registered with the MARA
Immigration Assistance (494KB PDF file)
Using a Migration Agent Brochure (384KB PDF file)
Using a migration agent outside Australia
When searching for a migration agent in your country, you should:
- consider using an agent in your country who is registered with the Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA) in Australia, if available
and - make sure that the agent that you use meets any local laws or registration requirements in your country.