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Why Use a MARA Migration Agent? What They Do and What They Cost (2026)
What a MARA-registered migration agent does, why they are worth the cost for skilled visa applications, what the typical fees are in 2026, and how to verify a migration agent is legitimately registered.
Every year, thousands of Indian migrants pay money to unregistered "consultants" and end up with refused applications, wasted fees, and damaged immigration records. At the same time, many others try to self-prepare complex visa applications and make errors that cost them years of waiting.
This guide explains who migration agents are, what they do, and how to verify a legitimate one.
What Is a MARA Migration Agent?
A MARA-registered migration agent is a professional licensed by the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (OMARA) to provide immigration advice and assistance in Australia.
Under Australian law, only MARA-registered agents can charge fees for immigration advice. Lawyers with migration law endorsements can also provide this advice. Anyone else who takes payment for immigration advice is operating illegally.
MARA registration requires:
- A formal qualification in migration law
- Passing a professional knowledge exam
- Continuous professional development each year
- Maintaining professional indemnity insurance
- Complying with a Code of Conduct
The OMARA can suspend or cancel a migration agent's registration for misconduct.
How to Verify a Migration Agent Is Registered
- Go to omara.gov.au (the official OMARA website)
- Search for the agent's name or MARN (Migration Agent Registration Number)
- Confirm the agent's registration is current and they are in good standing
Never rely on business cards, websites, or verbal claims alone. Search OMARA directly.
What Does a Migration Agent Do?
A migration agent provides:
Strategy and planning:
- Assess your visa options based on your specific circumstances
- Calculate your accurate points score
- Advise on occupation selection strategy
- Recommend the strongest visa pathway
Skills assessment guidance:
- Advise on the right assessing body and pathway
- Help structure your RPL (for ACS) or CDR (for Engineers Australia)
- Review your documents before submission
EOI preparation:
- Advise on optimal timing of EOI submission
- Monitor invitation rounds for your occupation
- Help maximise your points score legitimately
Visa application lodgement:
- Prepare and lodge the visa application
- Compile the document package
- Write the covering submission
- Correspond with the Department on your behalf
- Respond to requests for further information (RFI)
Ongoing advice:
- Advise on visa conditions and obligations
- Advise on change of circumstances (new employer, change of job)
What Do Migration Agents Charge in 2026?
Typical fee ranges (AUD) for complete applications:
| Service | Fee range |
|---|---|
| Skilled migration consultation (initial assessment) | $200–$500 |
| 189/190/491 EOI strategy and preparation | $500–$1,500 |
| 189 complete visa application | $3,000–$6,000 |
| 190 complete visa application | $3,500–$6,000 |
| 482 employer-sponsored visa | $2,500–$4,500 |
| 186 TRT visa application | $3,000–$5,500 |
| Partner visa (820/801 or 309/100) | $3,000–$6,000 |
| Parent visa (143 contributory) | $4,000–$8,000 |
Fees vary significantly based on complexity, agent reputation, and whether they specialise in Indian clients or specific visa types. These are professional fees — you also pay the government visa application charge separately.
Are fees worth it? For complex applications, yes. A 189 or partner visa refusal costs you the application fee (thousands of dollars) plus processing time (often 12+ months). Getting the application right the first time has substantial financial and time value.
Red Flags — Signs of a Dodgy Migration Agent
Cannot provide MARN when asked — every registered agent has a MARN. A legitimate agent gives it without hesitation.
Guarantees visa success — no agent can guarantee approval. Any guarantee is a red flag and is prohibited by the Code of Conduct.
Charges in cash only — legitimate agents provide proper invoices and accept bank transfer or card.
No written contract — you should have a written client services agreement before any work starts.
Based only in India — MARA registration is an Australian requirement. Some legitimate Australian-registered agents are based partly overseas, but verify their MARN independently.
Too good to be true fees — an agent offering a full 189 application for $500 is either unregistered or cutting corners.
Indian Migration Agents in Australia
Many MARA-registered migration agents are of Indian background and have deep familiarity with the Indian credential landscape, common visa pathways, and the specific challenges Indian applicants face.
AustraliaWasi lists verified MARA-registered Indian migration agents across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide.
Find a MARA-registered Indian migration agent near you: → Find a Migration Agent
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a migration agent in India (not registered in Australia) help me?
No — they cannot legally provide Australian immigration advice for a fee unless they hold MARA registration. You may receive incorrect information that harms your application. Always use a MARA-registered agent.
I received advice from an Indian "visa consultant" online. Should I trust it?
Only if they are MARA-registered. Many Indian-run websites offering Australian visa advice are not operated by registered agents and their advice may be incorrect, outdated, or tailored to steer you toward higher-fee services. Verify registration at omara.gov.au.
Can I do my own 189 visa application without a migration agent?
Yes — many people self-lodge. The Department's website provides guidance and the SkillSelect system is functional. However, occupation selection, points maximisation, and document preparation errors are common in self-lodged applications. At minimum, consider an initial consultation with a migration agent before submitting.
If my migration agent makes an error, what recourse do I have?
You can complain to the OMARA, which can investigate and sanction the agent. You may also have legal remedies against the agent. This is why professional indemnity insurance is required — it covers client losses from agent errors.
Always verify migration agent registration at omara.gov.au before engaging any agent or paying any fee.
This guide is maintained by the AustraliaWasi editorial team and updated regularly. Always verify current requirements with official Australian government sources.