Practice Ready Program

What is the Practice Ready Program (PRP)?

The Practice Ready Program (PRP) is a practical and highly interactive course designed to equip Registered Migration Agents (RMAs) in their first year with the relevant skills and knowledge to practice as a migration agent.

The Institute has strived to develop a comprehensive PRP to meet the needs of newly registered agents and thoroughly prepare them for successful practice as migration advice professionals.

The intention of the Migration Institute of Australia (MIA) is to enhance the knowledge and professionalism of the migration profession and to support the continued development and knowledge of agents practising in this crucial area of the law. The Institute takes pride in the opportunity to deliver this Program to agents, ensuring those goals are achieved.

Who has to complete the PRP?

Applicants for initial registration as migration agents who lodge their application with the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA) on or after Thursday 1 September 2011 will be required to complete this course prior to their first re-registration with MARA.

RMAs holding valid Australian legal practising certificates and / or accountants who are members of recognised professional accounting bodies are not required to complete the PRP.

The Institute recommends that any RMA looking to claim an exemption from the requirement to complete the PRP contact the MARA for clarification of his or her credentials.

How many CPD points are included in the PRP?

The PRP is worth eight Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points. Agents who enrol in the MIA PRP will receive two free CPD vouchers to enable them to meet their continuing professional development requirements for their first year at no extra cost.

The PRP will include mandatory CPD requirements for first year agents.

The MIA is an approved CPD provider and is authorised to present this practice oriented workshop style program.

How will the courses be delivered?

Courses will be delivered in face to face classroom mode and will be offered in both intensive and staggered delivery. The intensive courses will be suited to agents travelling from regional or overseas locations, whilst the staggered delivery enables agents to attend their full day classes over a few months.

When and where will the PRP be held?

LOCATION	DAY 1	DAY 2	DAY 3	DAY 4	DAY 5
MELBOURNE (staggered)	24 Feb 12	2 Mar 12	9 Mar 12	16 Mar 12	n/a
BRISBANE (staggered)	14 Mar 12	21 Mar 12	28 Mar 12	4 Apr 12	n/a
SYDNEY (staggered)	1 Jun 12	8 Jun 12	14 Jun 12	22 Jun 12	n/a
PERTH (staggered)	4 May 12	11 May 12	18 May 12	25 May 12	n/a
ADELAIDE (staggered)	20 Jul 12	27 Jul 12	3 Aug 12	10 Aug 12	n/a
SYDNEY (intensive)	13 Aug 12	14 Aug 12	15 Aug 12	16 Aug 12	17 Aug 12

How many places will be available?

The maximum class size for each course is 24; therefore agents are encouraged to register for their preferred course as early as possible. A limited number of courses will be delivered during the year and agents will be expected to complete the course prior to completing their repeat registration.

Will there be assessments?

Every student will be required to complete multiple assessment tasks. Successful completion of the course will be based upon achieving the overall pass mark of 75 percent across all assessment tasks.

How do agents register?

To register for the course, agents can book online by clicking on the link to a course (as above). Registrations will be capped at 24 people per course and a limited number of courses will be offered annually, therefore it is important that agents secure their place by registering early. The registration fee for the course is $1995 and includes MIA membership.

Can agents pay the registration fee in instalments?

Agents can pay in instalments. In order to do so, they must complete the “Payment by Instalments Application Form (PDF) (321 Kb)”, outlining the reasons for paying by instalments and return it to the MIA National Office by email or fax, enclosing the first payment of $665. The total fee of $1,995 must be paid in full prior to your attendance at the last day of the course. Granting of payment by instalments will be entirely within the discretion of the MIA.

For further information, please contact the MIA CPD team via email.