Registered migration agents are allowed to provide immigration advice and assistance, including help lodging visa applications.

Migration agents must be qualified and demonstrate to the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (OMARA) that they:
- have sufficient knowledge of migration law and procedures
- are a person of integrity
- are a fit and proper person to provide immigration assistance

Furthermore, migration agents can advise if your visa application is likely to succeed, but they do not make visa decisions and cannot influence outcomes. Only the Department of Home Affairs makes decisions about visa applications.

Please note, it is against the law for someone in Australia who is not registered with the OMARA to provide you with immigration assistance. Some migration agents work for voluntary organisations and provide services for free. Most migration agents charge a professional service fee.

In conclusion, a registered migration agent helps you prepare your visa application for lodgement.

Migration agents, registered with the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (OMARA) can:
- Provide advice on visa requirements
- Assist with lodging visa applications
- Deal with the Department of Home Affairs on your behalf

Migration agents typically complete a 12-month certificate or diploma in Australian Migration Law with a tertiary institution. Following this, they are able to register with OMARA and practise as a migration agent.

However, many lawyers are also migration agents. If a lawyer wants to become a migration agent and practise immigration law, they must also register with OMARA. Furthermore, immigration lawyers usually retain dual registration to provide immigration advice and assistance. However, unlike migration agents without legal qualifications, immigration lawyers can also appeal cases in courts such as the Federal Court or High Court.

Overall, here are the key similarities and differences between migration agents and immigration lawyers:

Therefore, it is important to ensure the migration agent or lawyer you engage is qualified for your specific case.

Cost Effective
With about 100 visa subclasses available in Australia, it can be hard to navigate which visa subclass is most appropriate for you. It may seem like you are saving money by completing the application yourself. However, if your application is refused, it can be very costly. Some visa applications can cost more than $8,000AUD. Refunds for lodging the application are only available in limited circumstances. Furthermore, if you are a business or employer, you must also pay the SAF Levy. The SAF Levy contributes to the [Skilling Australians Fund](https://www.employment.gov.au/skilling-australians-fund) to help support Australian jobs. A refund for this levy is also only available in limited circumstances if the Department of Home Affairs refuses your application. In addition, if you appeal your case in the Administrative Appeals Tribunal, this could also increase your costs.

Avoid Lengthy Delays
An experienced migration agent or immigration lawyer can prepare your application and make it ‘decision ready’ for the case officer assigned to your matter. If you have left out any important information or documents in your application, it could delay the process. You may receive:
- A request for information (RFI)
- Invitation to comment [PIC 4020] (https://legalvision.com.au/what-is-public-interest-criteria-4020/) or
- A request to respond to natural justice letters.

If you are unsure how to reply to these letters or what to do in these situations, it can be an overwhelming and a stressful experience. A well-prepared application is more likely to be successful.

Expertise
The Department often refuses visas because employers and individuals do not meet the eligibility criteria. Investing in an initial consultation to explore your eligibility and visa options with your migration agent or lawyer will confirm:
- Your suitability
- Your likely prospects of success
- The costs involved
- The process and duration

Each case is different and can present its own unique challenges and obstacles. Therefore, a migration agent or lawyer will identify the legal issues in your case and present you with practical solutions.

Take Out The Stress
There is no doubt that migrating is a stressful experience. When you use a migration agent or migration lawyer, you are guided each step of the way.