MARA registered migration agent consulting a client with visa paperwork

The advice behind a visa or course application often decides how well it holds up under review.

MARA-registered migration agents (often referred to as RMAs) are migration professionals registered with the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (OMARA). OMARA is the Australian Government body that registers and regulates migration agents. QEAC-certified education counsellors cover the other side of the same journey, helping students choose the right course and navigate study pathways rather than full visa strategy.

Knowing the difference between the two matters. Checking it before signing on with either is one of the simplest ways to protect an application from an avoidable mistake.

What is a MARA registered migration agent?

A MARA-registered migration agent is registered with OMARA and holds a current MARN (Migration Agent Registration Number), which must appear on their correspondence, business website and service agreements.

To reach this standard, an agent must complete a recognised migration and immigration law qualification (such as a Graduate Diploma in Australian Migration Law and Practice) and pass the Capstone Assessment. They must also agree to follow the Migration Agents Code of Conduct and keep their knowledge current through mandatory annual continuing professional development (CPD).

Because of statutory restrictions under the Migration Act, immigration assistance (which includes preparing and lodging visa applications and giving immigration advice) can only be provided by:

  • A Registered Migration Agent (RMA),
  • An Australian legal practitioner (lawyer), or
  • Certain exempt persons (such as close family members helping for free, or members of parliament).

What is a QEAC agent (Qualified Education Agent Counsellor)?

QEAC certified education counsellor advising students in an office

A Qualified Education Agent Counsellor (QEAC) has completed specialised training, specifically the Education Agent Training Course (EATC) originally developed by PIER and now run by ICEF Academy, on Australia’s international education system, covering course structures and student visa basics.

The certification focuses on course selection, entry requirements, and general education pathways. However, QEAC certification does not authorise someone to provide paid immigration assistance unless they are also a registered migration agent or a lawyer.

Anyone considering an education agent can easily check their certification status on the public QEAC agent list before enrolling through them.

MARA agent vs QEAC agent: what’s the difference?

MARA and QEAC cover different parts of the Australian relocation journey. The table below outlines what each credential allows and where it can be verified:

FeatureMARA-Registered AgentQEAC-Certified Counsellor
Primary FocusVisa applications and legal migration adviceCourse selection and education counselling
Can Charge for Migration Advice?Yes (as an authorised RMA)No (Cannot lawfully charge for immigration assistance unless separately registered as an RMA or lawyer)
Governing Body / StandardsOMARA (Australian Government regulator)Industry certification via the EATC, run by ICEF Academy (not a government regulator)
Where to VerifyPublic OMARA register (search by name or MARN)QEAC agent list (search by name or agency)

Both registers are free to search and are kept up to date by the certifying organisations. Many agencies feature hybrid teams with separate specialists for migration services and education counselling rather than expecting one person to cover both.

Why work with a registered agent?

Registered migration agent reviewing visa eligibility requirements

Working with a registered professional makes a tangible difference to the accuracy of advice and the overall strength of an application, whether you are based in Melbourne, Adelaide, or regional Australia:

  • Targeted Expertise: A registered migration agent understands strict eligibility rules for student, partner, parent, and skilled visas (such as the subclass 190), lowering the risk of avoidable refusals.
  • Streamlined Pathways: Many applicants rely on a registered agent across a multi-stage journey, transitioning smoothly from a student visa to a temporary graduate (485) visa, and onward to permanent residency.
  • Accountability: Registered agents are legally accountable to OMARA, providing applicants with a formal framework to raise concerns if something goes wrong. Unregistered advisers cannot be disciplined by OMARA (though illegal charging can be reported to the Department of Home Affairs).
  • Points & Expression of Interest: For skilled pathways like the subclass 190, a registered agent helps calculate points accurately (keeping in mind that while 65 points is the minimum to enter SkillSelect, competitive scores are often higher) before submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI).

A quick background check on an agent’s registration before signing any agreement saves significant time, stress, and financial cost.

Working with Hays Migration and Education’s MARA and QEAC agents

At Hays Migration and Education, every consultant on the team is either a MARA-registered migration agent or a QEAC-registered education agent. This ensures that every client is matched with a qualified professional tailored to their immediate goal, whether that means choosing the right academic course or lodging a complex visa application.

Ready to map out your next steps? Contact us to discuss your personal circumstances with the Hays Migration and Education team.

Frequently asked questions

Search the free OMARA public register online using the agent’s name, business name, or MARN. Reputable agencies will also explicitly display their consultants’ MARN details on their websites and contracts.

Giving immigration assistance without OMARA registration, a legal practising certificate, or a formal exemption is illegal in Australia. OMARA cannot investigate or discipline unregistered operators, leaving applicants with no recourse through OMARA if advice is incorrect, mishandled, or results in a visa refusal and lost fees.

Migration agent fees are not set by the government (though the Code of Conduct requires them to be fair and reasonable) and vary based on visa type and complexity. Straightforward applications (like student or visitor visas) typically cost a few hundred to a couple of thousand dollars, while partner or skilled migration cases involve higher professional fees.

Note: Government visa application charges (VAC) are always billed separately.

Most people can legally lodge straightforward applications independently through an ImmiAccount. However, complex cases, such as employer-sponsored streams, skilled migration points tests, or past visa refusals, greatly benefit from professional oversight to catch errors before lodgement.

An agent whose registration is suspended or cancelled can no longer lawfully handle applications or provide paid immigration assistance. Check the OMARA register immediately to confirm their status, and promptly transfer your file to an active, registered migration agent or an Australian legal practitioner.

Becoming an RMA typically takes around 12 to 18 months if studying full-time. This generally includes completing a Graduate Diploma in Australian Migration Law and Practice (around 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time), followed by passing OMARA’s Capstone Assessment and applying for registration within 12 months of passing it, alongside satisfying character and insurance requirements.

Most QEAC agents are compensated through institutional commissions rather than direct student fees. However, some agencies charge separate administrative or document-preparation fees, which students should always confirm in writing beforehand.

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