Sunrise 7 News Immigration News

Chris Johnston, founder of Work Visa Lawyers and an immigration lawyer, was invited to the TV program Sunrise on 7 News to talk about the changes to regulations for registered migration agents on the morning of 1 April 2026.

Chris is also currently the South Australian State President of the Migration Institute of Australia (MIA).

In this blog, we will go deeper into this topic and also provide some tips on how to find a good migration professional and how to check if they are registered.

You can check the interview here: https://7news.com.au/video/sunrise

From 1 April 2026, new regulations for Registered Migration Agents (RMAs) have come into effect, introducing important changes aimed at strengthening professional standards and protecting consumers.

In this article, we explain what has changed, whether there are concerns about agent conduct, and how you can choose the right professional to assist with your migration process.

The new regulations are designed to create a stronger, more transparent, and professional migration advice industry.

While a small number of agents may not meet the required standards, the vast majority operate ethically and professionally — and the regulator is actively addressing any issues.

What Are the New Regulations for Registered Migration Agents?

The updated regulations introduce additional requirements for continuing professional development (CPD) for migration agents.

While agents are still required to complete CPD each year, the rules are now stricter:

A maximum of six CPD units can be completed per day (previously, all required units could be completed in one day)
A mandatory ethics component has been introduced
Greater focus on maintaining professional standards and accountability

These changes are part of a broader initiative led by the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (OMARA) — the body responsible for regulating migration agents in Australia.

The Government has also increased OMARA’s resources, including a threefold increase in staffing, allowing for stronger oversight of the profession.

Are Migration Agents Doing the Wrong Thing?

The vast majority of RMAs are doing the right thing — representing their clients professionally.

Out of approximately 5,400 registered migration agents, only 14 agents have been sanctioned this financial year (2025–2026). This may sound like a lot, but it represents only around 0.26% of the profession.

While any misconduct is taken seriously, this shows that issues are limited to a small minority.

When problems do occur, they may include:

Poor advice
Lack of communication
Misleading information
Breaches of the Code of Conduct

Importantly, increased enforcement activity is actually good news for consumers, as it shows the regulator is actively identifying and removing agents who do not meet professional standards.

Unregistered Operators or Scams Are the Biggest Risk

The more significant risk for applicants is not registered agents — it is unregistered operators and scams, which are often based overseas.

These are individuals who:

Pretend to be migration agents
Provide advice without proper qualifications
Mislead clients or charge inappropriate fees

This is why it is critical to verify who you are dealing with before engaging their services.

The Department of Home Affairs and the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (OMARA) have consistently faced challenges in addressing illegal operators offshore.

Chris commented:
“Since I’ve been in the migration profession in 2006, the immigration industry in Australia has been calling for action in relation to illegal operators running scams from offshore.”

According to Chris, it is also possible to regulate overseas operators, as seen in New Zealand, where the regulatory body has jurisdiction both onshore and offshore.

With increased capabilities to collect and analyse data — especially as applications are now lodged online — there is an opportunity for the Department to detect patterns and take action against offshore illegal operators. At the very least, they could identify these operators and warn consumers, or prevent them from lodging applications.

It is often difficult for registered migration agents and immigration lawyers who are doing the right thing to be compared with illegal operators who are not.

For example, the term “unregistered agents” is often used, which is incorrect — they are not agents at all, but illegal operators.

How to Choose the Right Migration Professional

If you are looking for help with your visa or migration process, always ensure the person you engage is qualified, registered, and experienced.

Here are some key steps to protect yourself:

1. Check Registration

Migration agents must be registered with OMARA (Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority)
Search here: https://portal.mara.gov.au/search-the-register-of-migration-agents/

The Migration Institute of Australia (MIA) is the peak professional body for RMAs and immigration lawyers. Their member list can also be a useful way to find qualified migration professionals: https://mia.org.au/

Immigration lawyers must hold a valid practising certificate, which can be verified through the relevant Law Society:

Queensland: youandthelaw.com.au/directory
South Australia: Find a Lawyer
Tasmania: Find a Lawyer - Law Society of Tasmania
New South Wales: https://www.lawsociety.com.au/register-of-solicitors
Western Australia: Find a Lawyer | Law Society WA
Northern Territory: Current NT legal practitioners - Law Society NT
ACT: Law Society of the Australian Capital Territory - Home
Victoria: Register of Lawyers Search | VLSB+C

2. Consider Experience

Look at:
• How long they have been working in migration law
• Their experience with cases similar to yours

3. Look for Professional Memberships

You may also consider professionals who are members of the Migration Institute of Australia (MIA) — the peak body for migration professionals, focused on education and maintaining high standards.

Having a registered migration agent or an immigration lawyer assisting you with your migration matter can save you time, money, and help you avoid mistakes.

If you want to discuss your visa options or migration pathways, please book an appointment with one of our migration lawyers or registered migration agents.

Book an Appointment