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- Advice for visa applicants
- Lodging of applications
- Choosing to use a migration agent
- Reminder
- Changing Migration Agents
Introduction
Advice for visa applicants
It is important to remember that you do not need to use a migration agent when lodging a visa application. A migration agent cannot influence nor predetermine the outcome of your application, nor can they fast-track its processing.
The majority of applications processed by the Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) are not lodged by migration agents.
However, if you do not feel confident in lodging a visa application, or if your case is complex, you may wish to use a registered migration agent.
It is a legal requirement that migration agents operating in Australia are registered with the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (Office of the MARA). Some migration agents registered in Australia have practices in other countries. You can search for registered agents on the Office of the MARA website at www.mara.gov.au.
Lodging of applications
You can lodge an application directly with DIBP or have a representative lodge an application on your behalf. The department accepts all applications presented, regardless of who lodges them. Most applications can be lodged online.
If an unregistered migration agent located outside of Australia lodges an application on your behalf, they are given an identifying number. This number is used for DIBP’s administrative purposes and does not give priority nor confer privilege on the agent.
Information on visas, the application process, and contact details of DIBP offices are available at www.border.gov.au.
Choosing to use a migration agent
If you wish to engage a migration agent, DIBP recommends using an agent registered with the Office of the MARA, or where this is not possible, one that is accredited in your country.
If you suspect your Office of the MARA registered agent is engaging in criminal behaviour, you should advise your local DIBP office. Other complaints about Office of the MARA registered agents can be made at www.mara.gov.au.
If you wish to use an unregistered agent outside of Australia, make sure you understand what you can reasonably expect from them and know your options if the agent acts incompetently, dishonestly or fraudulently.
If you suspect an unregistered migration agent is engaging in criminal behaviour, you should report them to your local law enforcement authority and inform your local DIBP office.
Reminder
• You do not need to use a migration agent.
• If you choose to use a migration agent, use one that is registered.
• DIBP recommends you use a migration agent registered in Australia.
More information is available at www.border.gov.au.
Changing Migration Agents
If you change your migration agent or end his/her appointment after you have lodged this application, you must promptly advise DIBP by using the Form 956 Appointment of a Migration Agent, which is available on the DIBP website. You should also notify the agent of this, preferably in writing.
Page last updated 6 July 2015