Registered agents

Regulation of the Migration Advice Profession

Migration Agents operating in Australia are required by law to be registered with the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA). Some Migration Agents operating outside Australia are also registered although this is not compulsory. Education consultants no matter where they are located are not migration agents and are not qualified to give migration advice.

VisAustralia Immigration Lawyers are Migration Lawyers practicing as registered Migration Agents.

The role of the MARA is to ensure applicants using the services of a registered migration agent receive high quality immigration assistance, and protect the consumer interests of people using the services of a registered migration agent.

For more information on the activities and role of the MARA please Click Here.

Obligations of Registered Migration Agents

Registered Migration Agents are bound by a Code of Conduct and are required to have an in-depth knowledge of Australian migration law and procedure and to meet high professional and ethical standards.

All registered Migration Agents must:

• • Meet qualification requirements for registration which include having a sound knowledge of Australian migration law and procedures;
  • Maintain a professional library and up to date professional knowledge;
  • Maintain professional indemnity insurance to protect clients if we make a professional mistake;
  • Complete ongoing professional training apply for re-registration as a Migration Agent each year;
  • Be of good character; and
  • Abide by the Migration Agents Code of Conduct.

Code of Conduct

The “Migration Agents Code of Conduct” is published by the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority, the Australian Government body established to regulate the conduct of migration advice professionals.

The Migration Agents Code of Conduct sets out the professional rules that a migration agent must follow in dealing with clients. It contains a clear statement of what you can expect from your migration agent in terms of work practices and our professional obligations to you. Further, if you are not happy with the work of your migration agent the Migration Agents Code of Conduct sets out how you can make a formal complaint to the Australian Government.

Consumer Guide

The document “Consumer Guide” contains a summary of what you need to know about the migration advice industry in Australia. It is shorter than the MARA Code of Conduct, and summarises the basic information about the role of the profession.

VisAustralia – Registered Agents

VisAustralia’s migration lawyers are also registered migration agents. To view details of our formal registrations please click on the following links:

Nicholas Houston – Migration Agent MARAN. 0428579

Rubel Chandra Gope – Migration Agent MARAN. 1913762