Registered Migration Agent

Article by: Elizabeth
Last updated: Tuesday, 11-Jul-2006 00:00:00 CEST

There is a lot to be said for considering appointing a registered migration agent to look after and advise you on obtaining the most appropriate visa for your circumstances.

Migration agents usually offer a variety of services from basic advice to a full blown visa and relocation service including job applications.


MARA - The Migration Agents Registration Authority

On 20 March 1998 The Migration Institute of Australia Limited was appointed by the Minister for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs, The Hon Philip Ruddock MP, to undertake the role of the Migration Agents Registration Authority ("the Authority"). The Authority replaced the Migration Agents Registration Board and moved the profession from statutory regulation to statutory self-regulation.

This statutory self-regulation scheme was set up to improve the quality of the advice that Australia's 3000 (as at March 2003) registered migration agents provide to their clients, through a strong emphasis on education and development processes.

Functions

The Authority's structure allows one body to have responsibility for the management of entry requirements, continued registration, and discipline of migration agents.

The Authority regulates the migration advice profession and undertakes a range of functions as defined in s316 of the Migration Act 1958. These functions include:

  1. processing applications for registration
  2. administering continuing professional development
  3. monitoring the conduct of registered migration agents
  4. investigating complaints about, and taking appropriate disciplinary action against, registered migration agents who breach the Migration Agents Code of Conduct or otherwise behave in an unprofessional or unethical way

Take time to research and select the most suitable agent and service that you require and that you can afford. Make sure all the details and costs of each individual service is sent to you by written quote in order for you to make an informed decision. There are a number of agents in the UK and there are also a large number within the particular locality of Western Australia that you may have chosen to move to. The internet is a great source of information on this and contact can usually be made with migration agents via e-mail facilities on their web site.

Useful information about migration agents can be found on The Migration Agents Registration Authority's website: www.themara.com.au

Keen on skilled migration to Australia? If so, Migration Agents can generally maximize your chances of migrating to Australia.

 

Immigration services on offer from the various migration agents include

  1. providing strategic & procedural advice on skills assessments & visa applications
  2. packaging applications for lodgement with the relevant Australian bodies
  3. liaising with the skills assessment body & Australian immigration department on your behalf
  4. providing you with progress updates - relocation advice and assistance

All registered migration agents must comply with the Code of Conduct of the Australian Migration Agents' Registration Authority (MARA).

Please also refer to the Australian Migration Agents Profession booklet.







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