Australia Tightens Scrutiny on Migration Agents: What Visa Applicants Should Check First
- 23 hours ago
- 2 min read
Last Updated: 25 Aug 2026
Before trusting someone with your Australian visa, there is one important check you should make.
The Australian Government has been strengthening its crackdown on unethical practices within the migration advice industry. Registered migration agents can face cautions, suspensions, registration cancellations, or being barred from registration.
The Government reported that 61 migration agents had been sanctioned since 2021–22, as of March 2026.
Why Visa Applicants Should Care
The person advising you could affect your visa journey.
OMARA disciplinary cases have involved serious issues such as:
Providing false or misleading information
Submitting fraudulent documents
Poorly supervising staff
Mishandling client money or records
Breaching professional and ethical obligations
That is why you should know who is actually providing your migration advice.
4 Things to Check Before Getting Migration Agent Advice
Before getting migration agent advice, check these four things:
Ask for their MARN (Migration Agent Registration Number).
Search for the agent on the official OMARA Register.
Confirm that their registration is current.
Be cautious of anyone who promises or guarantees a visa or permanent residency outcome.
You can verify a registered migration agent through the official OMARA website.
Migration Agent Support at RACC Australia
RACC’s registered migration agents, MARN 1572962 and 1172003, assist applicants with skilled visa and NT nomination matters, including eligibility review, SkillSelect EOI guidance, document preparation, and application support based on each applicant’s circumstances.
You May Also Find Helpful
If you are exploring your visa options, these RACC resources may help you understand the next steps:
Your Visa. Your Future.
Don’t trust blindly. Verify first.
Before paying for migration assistance, check their registration, understand who will handle your case, ask questions, and get professional advice.
Your Australian visa can be one of the biggest decisions you make. Make sure you know who you are trusting with it.
Source: Sydney Morning Herald, Department of Home Affairs & OMARA
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