When we ask them about their visa grant letter, or refusal letter, or any other sort of communication, they have nothing to show us because they simply have never been given anything by their “agents”.
Check if they are officially registered!
In Australia, it is illegal to provide migration advice if you are not a registered migration agent. To find out if the person you are speaking to is officially registered as a migration agent, we urge you to follow this link: https://www.mara.gov.au/search-the-register-of-migration-agents/. Put in that person’s name to see if he/she shows up at all. If they don’t, then stay away from that person and do not – by all means – pay them any money.
There are enough fake agents out there, such as is the case with Eddie Kang for example, who are making money from you, selling you the opportunity of getting a visa or even better, they have a “sponsor” for you.
The job of a migration agent consists of helping you prepare a strong visa application, telling you what documents you need, informing you about everything along the way and communicating with you and the Department on your behalf.
Check if they have lost their registration!
On the official website of the Office of Migration Agents (MARA) you will also find a list of all those people who have been registered as agents before but have now been permitted to practice as an agent: https://www.mara.gov.au/news-and-publications/public-notices/disciplinary-decisions/. There are currently 92 (!) agents who are either suspended, cancelled or barred from practicing.
Checklist:
- Check the name of your agent through the link provided above
- Check their official migration agent number (MARA number – If they have one, they will be happy to give it to you).
- Ask for a services agreement.
- Ask for a receipt of payment.
You can find our migration agents and their registration in our About Us section.
