The Australian Government has introduced a new legislative instrument updating the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) framework for registered migration agents (RMAs) and CPD providers. The Migration Agents (CPD Activities, Approval of CPD Providers and CPD Provider Standards) Instrument 2026 (LIN 26/001) replaces the previous instrument IMMI 17/047 and introduces several changes to CPD activities, standards, and administration.
The new instrument modernises the CPD framework and introduces a number of changes, including:
- Removal of references to the Practice Ready Program, which ceased in 2018.
- Introduction of a new optional CPD activity related to workplace rights protection.
- New mandatory CPD requirements covering ethical standards and the Code of Conduct, which must be completed every 12 months.
- A cap of six CPD points for online learning undertaken within any 24-hour period.
- Clarification that interactive CPD activities may include real-time discussions or the use of interactive learning tools to encourage participation.
- A requirement that private study with assessment must be completed within 12 months of enrolment.
- Removal of fixed dates relating to Occupational Competency Standards, allowing flexibility for future updates.
- A new requirement for CPD providers to retain records of presenters and facilitators so that their qualifications can be assessed where required.
Most other provisions relating to the approval and regulation of CPD providers remain consistent with the previous instrument.
Special transitional arrangements apply to repeat registration applicants who apply between 1 April 2026 and 31 March 2027. CPD activities completed on or before 30 June 2026 under the previous framework will still be recognised for re-registration purposes, including activities relating to ethical standards, the Code of Conduct, private study assessments, and certain online learning activities.
Click here: Migration Agents (CPD Activities, Approval of CPD Providers and CPD Provider Standards) Instrument 2026