| Regulator | The Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (OMARA). |
|---|---|
| Registration number | A Migration Agents Registration Number (MARN), shown on agent websites and documents. |
| Who else can help | Australian legal practitioners with a practising certificate. |
| Rules agents follow | The Code of Conduct for registered migration agents. |
| Before you start | You should receive the Consumer Guide and a written service agreement with fees. |
How to check the register
- Find the agent's full name and MARN on their website, email signature or letterhead.
- Search the OMARA register of migration agents by name or MARN.
- Check that the registration is current and the business details match.
- Check for any sanctions or cautions on the register.
Questions to ask before you sign
- Who will handle my case, and are they registered?
- What will the total cost be, including government fees?
- What is included in the fee, and what costs extra?
- How will you keep me updated?
- What are my realistic options, including the risks?
Warning signs
- Guarantees of a visa outcome. No one can guarantee a visa.
- No written agreement or fee estimate.
- Pressure to sign or pay immediately.
- Advice to give false or misleading information.
- Unregistered people offering visa advice for a fee, including some overseas recruiters.
If something goes wrong
You can make a complaint about a registered migration agent to OMARA. If you believe someone is giving immigration assistance without being registered, you can report them to the Department of Home Affairs.
Frequently asked questions
What is a MARN?
A Migration Agents Registration Number. Every registered migration agent has one and must display it. You can use it to check the agent on the OMARA register.
Can an overseas agent help me with an Australian visa?
Advisers outside Australia are not regulated by OMARA and are not bound by the Code of Conduct, so you have fewer protections.
Can a lawyer help with my visa?
Yes. Australian legal practitioners with a current practising certificate can give immigration assistance.
Is SavieMEC registered?
Yes. SavieMEC's migration advice is provided by registered migration agents Amritpal Kaur (MARN 1801652) and Navjot Singh (MARN 2619650).
Official sources
Updated October 2026. Visa rules, fees and processing times change often, so always check the official sources before you act.