Applying for a Visa to Australia? Be Sure Your Migration Agent Is Registered
Immigration in Australia is strictly monitored by authorities who do their best to ensure visa applicants are not taken exploited by rogue migration agents. By law, all migration agents are expected to register with the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA).
MARA members have to meet "knowledge requirements" - they must be an Australian Legal Practitioner or have completed a Graduate Certificate in Australian Migration Law and Practice. They are required to complete courses in these fields before they can operate legally in Australia.
If you intend to submit your Australian visa application with the help of an agent, they must be a MARA member. Giving out migration advice without being registered is illegal and will result legal action by the Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC). If you engage the help of an unregistered agent there is a risk that your application will not be submitted properly, jeopardizing your chance of visa success.
Someone who is not a registered migration agent can help you with:
- Filling out forms and posting documents,
- Understanding documents and forms,
- Finding out if you need a visa, and
- Providing you with information about your visa application.
They cannot :
- Tell you which visa to apply for,
- Show you how to apply for a visa, or
- Use their personal experience to help you.
The Office of MARA exists to protect the interests of visa applicants. Individuals migrating to Australia can be more open to migration fraud, particularly if they have not fully grasped the English language. Unfortunately, some individuals will take advantage of this vulnerability for their own means.
Things to watch out for to avoid migration fraud:
- Misleading information - a rogue operator may insinuate that he or she has a "agreement" of some form with DIAC whereby clients are automatically granted visas. This is never the case.
- Request for upfront payment - visa application fees are paid when your application is lodged not beforehand and you are able to pay these fees yourself. The only fees you may be required to pay prior to submission are the migration agent's own.
- A long wait - some visa applications do take a significant amount of time to assess. Before you apply, research the average processing time so you are aware if something is not right.
- Original documents - in most cases, DIAC only require certified copies of your original documents. If it does ask for originals they will be couriered back as soon as possible. Your agent does not need to hang onto your original papers.
- Deals that seem too good to be true - once-in-a-lifetime visas do not exist. If your agent promises one, beware.
How to make sure your migration agent is registered:
- Ask! - ask to see his or her registration number.
- Check the MARA website - all registered migration agents are listed on the site. Simply go to "Find Agents" then search the name or registration number of your agent. If he or she is operating legally, their name will come up. You can also find a registered migration agent close to you by searching your postcode.
Don't risk your Australian visa application by submitting it through a dodgy agent. Do your research and know your rights - particularly when it comes to application fees. Always check to make sure your migration agent is registered with the Office of MARA.
Gloss