How to Check if a Migration Agent Is Registered

MARA (Migration Agents Registration Authority) is the regulatory body that oversees migration agents in Australia. Now officially called the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (OMARA), it operates under the Department of Home Affairs.

All migration agents in Australia must be registered with OMARA to legally provide immigration assistance. Registration ensures agents meet minimum standards of:

• - Knowledge — Passing the Graduate Diploma of Australian Migration Law and Practice
• - Character — Background and police checks
• - Professional development — Ongoing education requirements
• - Insurance — Professional indemnity insurance
• - Code of Conduct — Bound by the OMARA Code of Conduct

Method 1: Use Our Free Tool The quickest way is to use our MARA Check tool. Enter the agent's name or MARN (Migration Agent Registration Number) and we'll verify their status.

Method 2: OMARA Official Register 1. Visit the OMARA Register of Migration Agents 2. Search by agent name, MARN, or business name 3. Check their registration status and expiry date

What to Look For: - ✅ Status: Current — Agent is actively registered - ✅ Registration expiry — Should be in the future - ⚠️ Status: Suspended — Agent cannot currently practice - ❌ Status: Cancelled/Deregistered — Agent is not authorised to practise - ❌ Not found — Agent may never have been registered

A MARN (Migration Agent Registration Number) is a unique identifier assigned to each registered migration agent. It typically looks like 1234567 (7 digits).

Every registered agent must display their MARN on: - Their website - Business cards - Advertising materials - Client agreements

If an agent won't share their MARN, that's a major red flag.

Watch out for these warning signs:

🚩 Won't provide their MARN — All registered agents have one 🚩 No MARA registration certificate — Ask to see it 🚩 Cash-only payments — Legitimate agents provide invoices 🚩 Guarantees visa approval — No one can guarantee this 🚩 Pressures you to sign quickly — Legitimate agents give you time to decide 🚩 Works from home with no business presence — While some legitimate agents work from home, combine this with other red flags 🚩 Offers immigration advice as a "consultant" or "advisor" — Only registered agents can provide immigration assistance for a fee

If you discover your agent isn't registered:

1. Stop engaging with them immediately — Don't provide more money or documents
2. Report them to OMARA — Call 1300 226 272 or email OMARA directly
3. Contact the police — Providing immigration assistance without registration is a criminal offence
4. Find a registered agent — Use our directory to find a legitimate, registered migration agent
5. Seek legal advice — If you've already paid money or signed documents