Can You Change Migration Agent Mid-Application?

Let's clear this up straight away: your visa application belongs to you, not your agent. Under the Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA) Code of Conduct, your agent works for you. You can terminate the relationship at any time, for any reason.

You don't need to give a reason. You don't need their permission. You just need to notify them in writing that you're ending the engagement.

Some people worry that changing agents will hurt their application or cause delays. In most cases, the opposite is true — staying with an agent who isn't performing is the bigger risk.

From what we see across thousands of enquiries, these are the most frequent reasons people change agents mid-application:

• - Poor communication — They don't respond to emails or calls for weeks
• - Missed deadlines — Failing to submit documents or respond to department requests on time
• - Lack of transparency — You don't know where your case is at or what's happening
• - Overcharging — Unexpected fees popping up that weren't in the original agreement
• - Loss of confidence — You've realised they don't have experience with your visa type
• - Personality clash — Sometimes it's just not the right fit

All of these are valid reasons. If your gut is telling you something's wrong, trust it.

### 1. Find Your New Agent First

Before you fire your current agent, line up a replacement. Use our agent search to find someone with experience in your visa type. Many agents offer a free initial assessment, so you can discuss your case before committing.

### 2. Notify Your Current Agent in Writing

Send an email or letter stating that you're terminating the client-agent agreement effective immediately. Keep it professional — no need to burn bridges. Request:

• - Return of all your original documents
• - A copy of your complete file, including all correspondence with the Department of Home Affairs
• - A final invoice for any outstanding fees
• - Confirmation of the termination

### 3. Request Your File

Under the MARA Code of Conduct, your agent must return your documents and file within a reasonable timeframe. If they refuse, this is a serious breach — you can lodge a complaint with OMARA.

### 4. Notify the Department of Home Affairs

Your new agent will lodge a Form 956 (Appointment of a Registered Migration Agent) to officially take over your case. This tells the Department to direct all future correspondence to your new agent.

### 5. Brief Your New Agent

Provide your new agent with everything you have: the ImmiAccount login details (if you have them), all correspondence, receipts, and any documents related to your application.

This is where it gets a bit tricky. You'll need to check your original client-agent agreement:

• - Work already completed — You'll generally need to pay for work your current agent has already done
• - Refunds for work not done — If you paid upfront for the full application and they haven't completed it, you should receive a partial refund
• - New agent fees — Your new agent will charge their own fees, though these may be lower if substantial work has already been done

Get clarity on fees upfront with both agents. Use our cost estimator to understand typical fees for your visa type.

In most cases, the transition adds minimal delay — perhaps a week or two while your new agent reviews the file and lodges the Form 956. However:

• - If your current agent has been sitting on your case doing nothing, switching to a proactive agent can actually speed things up
• - If there's an imminent deadline (like a request for further information from the Department), communicate this urgency to your new agent immediately
• - The Department doesn't penalise applicants for changing agents — it's a routine administrative process

If any of these ring true, it's probably time to find a new agent:

• - They haven't contacted you in over a month with no explanation
• - They can't clearly explain your visa pathway or prospects
• - They're asking you to provide false information or documents
• - They're not registered with MARA (check using our MARA verification tool)
• - They're pressuring you to pay large sums upfront with no written agreement
• - They've missed a Department deadline on your case

If an agent asks you to lie on your application, that's not just a red flag — that's a reason to report them and switch immediately.

Once bitten, twice shy — make sure you get it right the second time:

• - Verify MARA registration — Non-negotiable. Use our MARA check tool
• - Choose a specialist — Find someone who regularly handles your visa type
• - Get everything in writing — Fees, scope, timelines, and what happens if things go wrong
• - Read reviews — Check Google reviews and ask for references
• - Trust your gut — If the initial consultation doesn't feel right, keep looking

Not sure which visa you should be applying for? Take our visa quiz to explore your options.