1. Are You Registered with OMARA?

This should be one of your first questions.

In Australia, a person providing immigration assistance as a migration agent must be registered with the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (OMARA).

Australian legal practitioners and certain exempt persons can also lawfully provide immigration assistance under the applicable rules.

Registered migration agents have a unique Migration Agents Registration Number (MARN).

How Can You Check an Agent's Registration?

Ask the agent for their full name and MARN.

You can then search the official OMARA Register of Migration Agents to check their registration details.

Don't rely only on a registration number displayed on a website or social media profile.

An agent's registration should be checked directly through the official register.

Why Does Registration Matter?

Registered migration agents must follow professional standards and a Code of Conduct.

These rules cover matters such as professional behaviour, client communication, fees and handling client information.

For example, CG Migration Services is led by Registered Migration Agent Gurpreet Cheema (MARN 2217773).

You can learn more about the business through the CG Migration Services About Us page.

2. Have You Worked with Applicants in My Visa Category?

Australian migration involves different types of visas, and the requirements aren't the same for everyone.

Someone applying for a Student Visa (Subclass 500) may need different advice from a person considering skilled migration or a Partner Visa.

Before engaging an agent, ask whether they have experience with applications involving circumstances similar to yours.

What Should You Ask?

Consider questions such as:

• Have you assisted with this type of visa before?
• What are the main eligibility requirements?
• What difficulties might apply to my situation?
• What documents would you need to assess my options?
• Are there alternative visa pathways worth considering?

The agent should be able to explain how they would assess your circumstances without promising a particular outcome.

Match the Service to Your Needs

For example, if you're planning to study in Australia, you may need help understanding course-related visa requirements and preparing supporting documents.

You can explore Student Visa Services at CG Migration.

For skilled professionals, the relevant discussion may involve occupation eligibility, skills assessments, points claims and state nomination.

CG Migration also provides Skilled Migration Services covering eligible Subclass 189, 190 and 491 pathways.

If you're considering a family-related application, the requirements will be different again.

You can review the available Family and Partner Visa Services.

The aim is to find someone who understands the type of assistance you actually need.

3. What Are Your Professional Fees and What's Included?

Migration services can involve several different costs.

These may include professional service fees, government visa application charges and other expenses associated with the application.

Before agreeing to proceed, ask for a clear explanation of the costs.

Questions Worth Asking

• Is there a fee for the initial consultation?
• What professional services are included?
• Are government visa charges separate?
• Will there be additional costs for document preparation or other services?
• When are payments required?
• What happens if I decide not to proceed?

Some registered migration agents offer an initial consultation without charge, while others charge a consultation fee.

Don't assume the first appointment is free unless the business confirms it.

Ask About the Written Service Agreement

Under the registered migration agent professional conduct requirements, a written service agreement is generally required before ongoing immigration assistance begins.

The agreement should explain the work the agent will perform, relevant fees, payment arrangements and other important conditions.

An initial consultation is treated differently under these requirements.

Take time to read the agreement before signing.

If something isn't clear, ask for an explanation.

You should understand what you're paying for and what assistance the agent has agreed to provide.

4. How Will You Communicate During My Application?

Visa applications can involve document requests, correspondence from the Department of Home Affairs and changes in personal circumstances.

Good communication matters because you need to know what information is required and when action may be necessary.

Before engaging an agent, ask how communication will work.

What Should You Clarify?

Find out:

• Who will be your main point of contact?
• Will communication happen by email, telephone or appointments?
• How will documents be requested and shared?
• How will you receive application updates?
• Who should you contact if your circumstances change?

For example, you may receive a new passport, change your address or experience a change in employment.

Depending on your visa application, these changes may need to be reported.

If your migration agent has been formally appointed to act on your behalf, the relevant appointment arrangements determine how Home Affairs communicates with them.

Your agent should explain the process and your responsibilities.

Keep Your Own Records

It's sensible to maintain copies of important application documents and correspondence.

Keep track of any deadlines communicated to you.

If an agent asks you to provide supporting evidence, make sure the information is accurate and complete.

Even when a registered migration agent assists with an application, the applicant remains responsible for providing truthful information.

5. Can You Explain My Visa Options Without Guaranteeing Approval?

This question can tell you a lot about how a migration agent approaches professional advice.

A registered migration agent should be able to explain relevant eligibility requirements, possible difficulties and the steps involved in an application.

However, no migration agent can guarantee that the Australian Government will grant a visa.

Visa decisions are made by the Department of Home Affairs or other relevant decision-makers.

Be Careful with Guaranteed Visa Claims

Be cautious if someone promises:

• Guaranteed Australian permanent residency
• Guaranteed visa approval
• A visa grant without meeting the relevant eligibility requirements
• Approval simply because you pay a particular fee

These claims should make you question the advice you're receiving.

A professional assessment should consider your actual circumstances.

For example, someone interested in skilled migration may need a suitable occupation, skills assessment, English language evidence and sufficient points.

A registered migration agent can review the requirements and explain whether a pathway may be relevant.

However, meeting a minimum eligibility requirement does not automatically mean an invitation or visa grant will follow.

Ask About Possible Challenges

A useful question is:

"Based on my circumstances, what issues should I understand before making a visa application?"

The answer may help you identify information that needs further review.

It may also help you understand whether you're ready to apply or need to address particular requirements first.