Becoming a migration agent
Prescribed by legislation
In Australia, registered migration agents must meet requirements under Part 3 of the Migration Act 1958. In the twelve months before applying for registration, applicants must have
- completed the Graduate Certificate in Australian Migration Law & Practice AND
- passed the prescribed exams which form part of this Graduate Certificate.
Only four Australian universities are allowed to offer the Graduate Certificate in Australian Migration Law & Practice. It's sometimes called the 'prescribed entry level training course leading to registration'.
We offer the largest program in Australia.
English language requirements
All applicants for registration as an Australian migration agent must demonstrate proficiency in the English language. Documentary evidence includes tertiary study in Australia OR an IELTS test score of 7.0 with a minimum score of 6.5 in each subtest.
To be accepted into the Graduate Certificate in Australian Migration Law & Practice at ANU Legal Workshop, applicants must be also be able to demonstrate proficiency in the English language. Evidence includes citizenship, tertiary study OR an IELTS test score 7.0 with a minimum score of 6.0 in each component.
Lawyers preparing to specialise
Every two years, the law societies in each state acknowledge that certain law practitioners possess the specialist competencies to become 'Accredited Specialists in Immigration Law'.
For lawyers seeking to prepare for these law society exams, our Migration Law Program offers a head start in the fundamental principles of migration law, the full range of visa classes, review of migration decisions and the regulation of migration agents.
Whether you choose the whole Graduate Certificate in Australian Migration Law & Practice or want to focus on key subjects this online study will equip you with specialist knowledge and skills in the field of migration law.
Continuing Professional Development
The office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA) regulates the migration advice profession in Australia.
The MARA has approved the Courses which make up this Graduate Certificate in Australian Migration Law & Practice as Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for existing agents.
Registering as a migration agent
Graduates of the Program must apply to the MARA for registration within twelve months of the date of the examiner's meeting mentioned in the Course Completion letter.
Migration agents
A registered migration agent (RMA) can use knowledge of Australia’s migration procedures to offer advice or assistance to a person wishing to obtain a visa to enter or remain in Australia. RMA's also give assistance to people who are nominating or sponsoring prospective visa applicants.
Some RMA's are also Australian Legal Practitioners and some work for voluntary organisations and provide their advice free of charge.
