In this article, we are going to explain how migration agents get registered in Australia. As suggested by the Migration Act 1958, if you want to use the experience or knowledge in migration procedures and processes to provide advice and assistance to the individual who want to obtain visa, you can also become a registered migration agent. Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA) is the regulatory body which controls the application process to become education agent Perth.
Before you apply for registration, the first step is to get familiar with all the laws related to it. You can easily access them for download from the official MARA website and cover Part 3 of Migration Act 1958, Migration Regulations 1998, Agents Registration Application Charge Act 1997, and Agents Registration Application Charge Regulations 1998.
The Occupational Competency Standards for Immigration Agents is another important document that you should consider. It describes the performance of a registered agent which specifies the activities to the standard by the agents. When it comes to the needs to become a registered agent, you may either want to be a legal practitioner or you can hold a certification in Australian Migration Practice and Law.
This step covers the actual process of registration and application It also includes application form in the initial package of registration application and you can download it from official MARA website. You need to fill out the form completely to avoid any delay when it comes to approval in the application. You need to accompany the application with the supporting documents, such as evidence of competency, proof of indemnity insurance policy, documents showing your knowledge in English language, as well as check document from Australia Federal Police.
After completing all the 11 pages of the forms and collecting all the required documents, you need to pay the fees and file the application. Keep in mind that application fee cannot be refunded. The application fee for non-commercial purpose is $160 and $1760 for commercial purpose.
Now you need to pay a very little effort when your application is being processed by the Migration Agent Registration Authority. It usually takes up to 8 weeks for processing your application and make sure to send all the documents required for your application. When application is processed, your name is listed on the official website under the applicants section.
After the actual approval of your application, you will be notified by MARA office about the news and publish all the details of registration on the web and you will easily become a migration agent. Then you will get a certificate of registration as well as code of conduct copy under 2 weeks of seeking approval.
They will also notify you if your application is rejected and you may appeal to the AAT (Administrative Appeals Tribunal) within 28 days. To ease the appeal process, you can get the relevant forms from the official website. If your appeal is still rejected, wait for 1 year before you apply again.