Become an Agent

The profession

Working as a Registered Migration Agent (RMA) in Australia can give the opportunity to assist people to make one of the most important decisions of their lives. Deciding to migrate to Australia is a major life decision and the people who come here help build Australia. RMAs can play an important role in assisting people apply for visas and in helping sponsors already in Australia to bring skilled workers, close family members and refugees here.

The international movement of people is increasing and Australia’s strong economy and population demographics are very attractive, especially for skilled workers seeking to enter Australia on either a permanent or temporary basis. Australia has one of the largest migration programs in the world with a complex array of visas tourism, business, economic, family, education, humanitarian or other purposes. Demand for the services provided by RMAs has never been higher.

The Migration Act 1958 and associated regulations set out registration requirements and the way RMAs must operate, including abiding by a Code of Conduct. The profession is regulated by the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA).

Opportunities

It can be a good career for people who handle detail well and have good “people” skills. You must be willing to develop and maintain the necessary knowledge and professionalism to be successful. Most new agents are either employed by an existing business or establish their own small business. While there are firms that employ many RMAs, the majority of agents are in a small business (sole traders, partnerships or small firms). Small business experience can be an advantage but a small business course can assist others embarking on a self-employed career in the migration advice profession.

Anyone expecting to “get rich quick” would be well advised to look for another opportunity. The incomes of fee-charging RMAs vary enormously but the majority of practitioners probably have incomes of between $50,000 and $80,000 per year. Some earn more, others earn less but that is the nature of most professions. Long hours may also be involved.

Becoming a registered migration agent

Registration is mandatory to practice in Australia. To become registered as a migration agent, one needs to meet a number of criteria which include:

• being 18 years of age or over
• being of good character
• be an Australian citizen, an Australian permanent resident or a New Zealand Citizen who holds a special category visa
• holding a current Australian legal practising certificate OR the Graduate Certificate in Australian Migration Law and Practice.

From 1 January 2010 there are new requirements relating to meeting higher English language standards for the profession.

RMAs must also have a professional library and professional indemnity insurance (note: MIA members have access to discounted insurance). If they take money from clients in advance of services, they must hold this in a clients' account or trust account. Maintaining registration requires the completion of specified Continuing Professional Development.

Graduate Certificate in Australian Migration Law and Practice 

Information about the Graduate Certificate in Australian Migration Law and Practice is available here.

Cost of becoming a Registered Migration Agent

Becoming an RMA is not cheap. The following list broadly sets out the specific fees associated with entering the migration advice profession:

• Graduate Certificate in Migration Law and Practice course fees $7,500-$9000
• Initial registration fee as a commercial migration agent $1,760
• Professional library (approx) $1,500
• Professional Indemnity Insurance (minimum $250,000 cover) (approx) $400
• MIA membership (recommended) $594

Maintaining registration as a migration agent also requires effort and expense. Aside from the normal costs of running a business, RMAs need to renew their registration annually, undertake Continuing Professional Development (minimum $550 pa); keep Professional Indemnity Insurance, maintain a professional library and it is recommended that they renew their MIA membership.

If you go into business as a sole trader, as many new agents do, there are all the normal business start-up costs as well. A further $10,000 for lease of premises; office fit-out and furniture; computer; telephone; advertising; general business insurance; etc would be normal. Many new agents already have a computer or other equipment but the importance of presenting a professional image to new clients cannot be overstated.

The Migration Institute of Australia

The Migration Institute of Australia (MIA) is the professional association for RMAs and is well-recognised by government as a leader in the profession. It has over 2000 members and supports the profession through a broad range of services designed to assist members and promote the profession.

The MIA provides assistance to those studying for the Graduate Certificate. This includes an online Student Forum that allows student members to pose questions to experienced agents and the publication of a number of useful texts for students and new agents.

A much wider range of services and benefits are available to registered migration agent members. This includes a Member Forum that allows for questions and in depth discussion of issues; discount Continuing Professional Development courses; regular member meetings; government liaison and lobbying; frequent news bulletins and alerts; lists of useful contacts; and other benefits including some promotional services.

Already a Registered Migration Agent?

Why not join the MIA?

You can benefit from a range of services, including discounts on our Continuing Professional Development activities, professional advice and other benefits.