How to Become a Migration Agent in Australia: The Complete 2026 Guide to OMARA Registration, Qualifications, Capstone Assessment and Career Pathways
Table of Contents
- Why Understanding the Migration Agent Pathway Matters
- What Is a Registered Migration Agent in Australia
- Step One: Complete the Graduate Diploma in Migration Law
- Step Two: Pass the Capstone Assessment
- Step Three: Meet the English Language Requirement
- Step Four: Obtain a National Police Check
- Step Five: Obtain Professional Indemnity Insurance
- Step Six: Maintain a Professional Library
- Step Seven: Lodge Your OMARA Registration Application
- Ongoing Obligations of a Registered Migration Agent
- Cost of Becoming a Migration Agent in 2026
- Migration Agent vs Immigration Lawyer: Which Career Path
- Career Opportunities for Migration Agents in 2026
- How Clients Can Verify OMARA Registration
- Immigration Lawyers and Migration Agents Across Australia
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Work With the Best Immigration Lawyers at CollinsQuarters
Becoming a registered migration agent in Australia is a structured and demanding process governed by the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority under the Migration Act 1958. A registered migration agent, also known as an RMA, is a legally recognised professional authorised to provide immigration assistance in Australia including preparing and lodging visa applications, advising clients on immigration law and policy, and representing clients before the Administrative Review Tribunal in most circumstances.
The demand for qualified migration professionals in Australia continues to grow in 2026, driven by the scale and complexity of the national migration program, persistent employer sponsorship activity across the healthcare, technology, construction and resources sectors, and the increasing volume of cross-border business migration and investment and family visa applications from India, China, the Philippines, South-East Asia and the Pacific. For individuals considering a career as a registered migration agent, understanding the full pathway from qualification through to OMARA registration and ongoing compliance is essential.
This guide from CollinsQuarters covers every stage of the process of becoming a registered migration agent in Australia in 2026, including the required qualifications, the Capstone Assessment, the OMARA registration application, ongoing compliance obligations, the cost of registration, the difference between a migration agent and an immigration lawyer, and the circumstances in which clients require a fully qualified immigration lawyer rather than a registered migration agent. Our migration and global mobility practice works with both immigration lawyers and migration agents to deliver comprehensive migration services across Australia and internationally.
Understanding the difference between a registered migration agent and a qualified immigration lawyer is essential — for your own career pathway and for the clients you will serve. This guide covers both paths in detail.
What Is a Registered Migration Agent in Australia and What Do They Do
A registered migration agent in Australia is a professional who is registered with the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority and is authorised under the Migration Act 1958 to provide immigration assistance for a fee or reward. The provision of immigration assistance in Australia without active OMARA registration is a criminal offence under the Migration Act, making registration a non-negotiable prerequisite for any person wishing to work as a migration agent.
The services a registered migration agent can provide include advising clients on Australian immigration laws, regulations and policies, recommending the most suitable visa subclass for a client's individual circumstances, preparing and reviewing visa application documents, lodging visa applications through the Department of Home Affairs online systems, corresponding with the Department of Home Affairs on behalf of clients, representing clients before the Administrative Review Tribunal in most immigration review matters, and assisting clients with the procedural aspects of their settlement in Australia including connecting them with relevant support services.
The scope of a registered migration agent is limited to immigration assistance. A migration agent who is not also a qualified Australian legal practitioner cannot provide formal legal advice on corporate commercial law, property conveyancing, family law, wills and estate planning, FIRB compliance and foreign investment, mergers and acquisitions or any other area of law that is not immigration law. For clients whose migration matters involve these connected legal dimensions, a qualified immigration lawyer who also holds OMARA registration provides the most comprehensive service.
To understand the full scope of immigration lawyer services compared to migration agent services, visit the CollinsQuarters migration and global mobility expertise page or the best immigration lawyer in Melbourne page for a detailed explanation of the distinction.
Step One: Complete the Graduate Diploma in Australian Migration Law and Practice
The mandatory first step to becoming a registered migration agent in Australia is completing the Graduate Diploma in Australian Migration Law and Practice from an OMARA-approved university provider. This is the only qualification accepted by OMARA for the purpose of establishing academic eligibility for first-time registration as a migration agent.
OMARA-approved providers of the Graduate Diploma include Griffith University in Queensland, the University of Technology Sydney in New South Wales, Victoria University in Victoria and a number of other approved institutions. The full and current list of approved course providers is published on the OMARA website at mara.gov.au. Course fees vary by provider and typically range from AUD 8,000 to AUD 15,000 for the complete Graduate Diploma. The course is available in full-time and part-time modes and takes between one and two years to complete depending on the study load.
The Graduate Diploma covers the substantive areas of Australian immigration law and practice that a registered migration agent must understand to practise competently. Core subjects typically include the structure of the Migration Act and the Migration Regulations, the assessment of visa eligibility criteria across the major visa subclasses, the preparation and lodgement of visa applications, the character and health requirements for visa grants, the review and appeal framework including the Administrative Review Tribunal, the regulation of migration agents under the OMARA framework, and the ethical obligations of registered migration agents under the Migration Agents Code of Conduct.
It is important to note that the Graduate Diploma qualifies a person to practise as a registered migration agent, not as a qualified Australian legal practitioner. Graduates who wish to also provide formal legal advice on connected legal matters, represent clients in Federal Circuit and Family Court proceedings or advise on corporate structuring, property law or estate planning matters alongside their immigration practice must also complete an Australian law degree and be admitted as a legal practitioner in an Australian state or territory.
Step Two: Pass the Capstone Assessment Within 12 Months of Graduation
After completing the Graduate Diploma in Australian Migration Law and Practice, the next mandatory step in becoming a registered migration agent in Australia is passing the Capstone Assessment. The Capstone Assessment is an independent examination administered separately from the Graduate Diploma course provider, and it tests whether a graduate meets the professional standard required to practise competently as a registered migration agent in Australia.
The Capstone Assessment must be passed within 12 months of the date on which the applicant completed the Graduate Diploma. Failing to sit and pass the Capstone Assessment within this 12-month window means the applicant loses their eligibility to apply for OMARA registration based on their existing Graduate Diploma and must re-sit the course before a new 12-month window opens. OMARA marks Capstone Assessment submissions within six to eight weeks of lodgement, giving applicants a relatively short feedback cycle within the 12-month window.
The 12-month Capstone Assessment deadline is strict — missing it means re-completing the entire Graduate Diploma. Plan your study timeline carefully and allow adequate time for preparation and any re-sits within the window.
The Capstone Assessment tests practical application of immigration law and practice in realistic client scenarios. Candidates must demonstrate their ability to identify the correct visa subclass for a given client circumstance, identify eligibility issues and risk factors, prepare application documentation to a professional standard, and navigate the ethical obligations imposed by the Migration Agents Code of Conduct. Preparation for the Capstone Assessment typically involves extensive independent study and practice with real visa application materials in addition to the Graduate Diploma coursework.
Step Three: Meet the English Language Requirement for OMARA Registration
OMARA requires all first-time applicants for registration as a migration agent in Australia to demonstrate English language proficiency. The minimum standard required is equivalent to an IELTS score of 7.0 across all four bands, being speaking, writing, reading and listening, or an equivalent result in an approved alternative English language test. Australian citizens and Australian permanent residents who completed their secondary education in Australia are generally taken to have met the English language requirement without the need to provide a formal test result.
Applicants who do not automatically satisfy the English language requirement, including international students who completed the Graduate Diploma in Australia but who are citizens of non-English speaking countries, must provide a current and valid English language test result from an approved testing provider such as IELTS Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced or the Pearson Test of English Academic. The test result must have been issued within a specified period before the OMARA registration application is lodged. The current requirements are published on the OMARA steps to register page at mara.gov.au.
For Indian nationals and other international professionals who are studying in Australia and planning a career as a migration agent, the English language requirement aligns with the broader language proficiency standards that apply across the Australian migration and global mobility framework. Our India practice in Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad and Pune can advise Indian professionals on the language testing pathway and how it connects to their broader Australian migration and career goals through our India-Australia cross-border advisory service.
Step Four: Obtain a National Police Check and Overseas Police Clearances
All first-time OMARA registration applicants must provide a current National Police Check from the Australian Federal Police or an accredited provider at the time of lodging their registration application. The police check must be dated within 12 months of the registration application date. Applicants who have lived in any country other than Australia for a total of 12 months or more over the preceding 10 years must also provide police clearance certificates from each of those countries in addition to the Australian National Police Check.
The character requirements for OMARA registration are strict. An applicant who has been convicted of a serious offence, has been subject to a banning order in any professional jurisdiction, has a history of immigration non-compliance, or has engaged in conduct that is inconsistent with the standards expected of a registered migration agent will generally be refused OMARA registration. Character issues identified at the initial registration stage are not straightforward to resolve, and obtaining legal advice before lodging a registration application with a potentially adverse character record is strongly recommended.
For applicants with character concerns who need professional legal guidance before applying to OMARA, the dispute resolution practice at CollinsQuarters can advise on the character assessment framework and the prospects of a successful registration application where character issues exist. Contact our consultation team to discuss your circumstances confidentially.
Step Five: Obtain Professional Indemnity Insurance Before Applying to OMARA
Professional indemnity insurance is a mandatory requirement for all registered migration agents in Australia. Before OMARA will approve a registration application, the applicant must hold a current professional indemnity insurance policy that meets the minimum coverage requirement of AUD 250,000. Professional indemnity insurance for migration agents is available from a number of Australian insurance providers and typically costs between AUD 500 and AUD 2,000 per year depending on the scope of practice and the level of coverage selected.
Professional indemnity insurance protects clients and third parties from financial loss arising from errors, omissions or negligent advice provided by the migration agent in the course of their practice. The insurance must be maintained throughout the registration period and must be renewed each year before the annual OMARA registration renewal deadline of 31 December. A migration agent who allows their professional indemnity insurance to lapse while registered with OMARA is in breach of the conditions of registration and risks suspension or cancellation of their registration.
Step Six: Maintain a Professional Library at Your Place of Business
OMARA requires all registered migration agents to maintain a professional library at their registered place of business containing current and up-to-date copies of the key acts, regulations and policy documents that govern Australian immigration law and practice. The professional library requirement ensures that registered migration agents have the reference materials necessary to provide accurate and current advice to their clients.
The professional library must include the Migration Act 1958, the Migration Regulations 1994, the current version of the Migration Agents Code of Conduct, relevant policy documents published by the Department of Home Affairs including the Policy Advice Manual and any Ministerial Direction affecting the visa subclasses in which the agent practises, and any other legislation relevant to the agent's area of practice. An online professional library maintained through subscriptions to legal research databases such as those published by the Department of Home Affairs or AustLII satisfies the library requirement.
Step Seven: Lodge Your OMARA Registration Application
Once you have completed the Graduate Diploma, passed the Capstone Assessment, met the English language requirement, obtained a National Police Check and overseas police clearances if required, obtained professional indemnity insurance and established your professional library, you are eligible to lodge your application for registration as a migration agent with OMARA. The registration application must be lodged through the OMARA online portal, and the application fee of approximately AUD 1,900 must be paid at the time of lodgement. OMARA cannot refund the application fee regardless of the outcome of the application.
OMARA assesses each registration application against the eligibility criteria including the qualification requirement, the Capstone Assessment, the English language requirement, the character requirement and the professional indemnity insurance requirement. Where all criteria are satisfied, OMARA issues the applicant a Migration Agents Registration Number, commonly known as a MARN. This MARN must be used on all correspondence and in all communications with the Department of Home Affairs on behalf of clients.
For the most current and authoritative guidance on the OMARA registration application process, consult the OMARA steps to register overview page at mara.gov.au. The OMARA website publishes updated requirements, fees and forms for each stage of the registration process.
Ongoing Obligations of a Registered Migration Agent in Australia in 2026
Obtaining OMARA registration is not a one-time achievement. Registered migration agents in Australia have ongoing obligations that must be met throughout each registration year to maintain the right to practise as a migration agent. These obligations ensure that agents remain current in their knowledge of Australian immigration law and continue to meet the professional and ethical standards required by the Migration Agents Code of Conduct.
OMARA registration must be renewed annually. The annual registration renewal deadline is 31 December each year, and the renewal fee is currently approximately AUD 1,900. Agents who fail to renew their registration by the deadline have their registration lapse, which means they are no longer authorised to provide immigration assistance and must apply for re-registration before they can continue to practise.
Registered migration agents must complete a minimum number of Continuing Professional Development hours each registration year. CPD is required because Australian immigration law and policy changes frequently, and OMARA requires agents to demonstrate that they are maintaining current knowledge of immigration law and practice. CPD can be completed through a range of approved activities including attending migration law seminars, completing online courses, participating in professional association activities and undertaking structured self-directed learning. The specific CPD hour requirements and approved activities are published by OMARA and updated periodically.
All registered migration agents in Australia must comply with the Migration Agents Code of Conduct at all times. The Code of Conduct sets out the professional and ethical standards that govern the provision of immigration assistance, including obligations regarding client care, file management, written fee agreements, conflicts of interest, confidentiality, the handling of client funds and the professional standards expected in all communications with the Department of Home Affairs and other parties. Breaches of the Code of Conduct can result in disciplinary action by OMARA including suspension or cancellation of registration.
OMARA audits approximately 15 per cent of registered migration agents each year — maintaining comprehensive client files, CPD records and professional indemnity insurance documentation at all times is essential to ensure that an audit can be satisfied without difficulty.
OMARA audits approximately 15 per cent of registered migration agents each year. An audited agent must produce requested documentation including client files, fee agreements, professional indemnity insurance certificates and CPD records within 14 days of the audit notice. Maintaining comprehensive and well-organised client files and compliance records at all times is essential to ensure that an OMARA audit can be satisfied without difficulty. Agents who fail to cooperate with an OMARA audit or who are found to have breached their obligations face serious disciplinary consequences.
Cost of Becoming a Registered Migration Agent in Australia in 2026
The total cost of becoming a registered migration agent in Australia from initial study through to first OMARA registration is a material financial commitment. The Graduate Diploma in Australian Migration Law and Practice from an approved provider costs between AUD 8,000 and AUD 15,000 depending on the institution and the study mode selected. The Capstone Assessment involves a separate fee payable to the assessment provider. The OMARA first-time registration fee is approximately AUD 1,900. Professional indemnity insurance costs between AUD 500 and AUD 2,000 per year. Police check fees vary but are typically between AUD 50 and AUD 200 for an Australian National Police Check, with overseas police clearance costs depending on the countries involved.
The total investment from education through to first OMARA registration is typically between AUD 15,000 and AUD 25,000, not including any income foregone during the study period or the cost of any English language testing required. Annual ongoing costs including registration renewal, CPD, professional indemnity insurance and professional library subscriptions are typically between AUD 3,000 and AUD 5,000 per registration year. These costs are generally tax-deductible as expenses of carrying on a business as a registered migration agent.
Migration Agent vs Immigration Lawyer in Australia: Which Career Path Is Right for You and What Clients Need to Know
A prospective migration professional in Australia must understand the distinction between a registered migration agent and an immigration lawyer, both from a practice scope perspective and from a career development perspective. This distinction also shapes the advice that migration clients receive and the scope of legal services available to them.
A registered migration agent is authorised to provide immigration assistance and is regulated by OMARA. Their practice scope is limited to immigration matters under the Migration Act and related legislation. They cannot provide formal legal advice on connected areas of law and cannot represent clients in Federal Circuit and Family Court or Federal Court proceedings.
An immigration lawyer in Australia is a qualified legal practitioner who is admitted to practice in an Australian state or territory. An immigration lawyer who also holds OMARA registration or who is exempt from registration as an Australian legal practitioner can provide the full scope of immigration assistance in addition to formal legal advice across all connected legal matters including employment law, corporate commercial structuring, FIRB compliance and foreign investment advisory, property conveyancing and real estate law, wills and estate planning, family law and mergers and acquisitions. For clients with complex migration matters involving connected commercial or personal legal issues, an immigration lawyer provides a substantially more comprehensive service than a registered migration agent alone.
For individuals who are already admitted as Australian legal practitioners and who wish to add immigration law to their practice, the pathway to providing immigration assistance as an immigration lawyer differs from the OMARA registration pathway for non-lawyers. Australian legal practitioners are exempt from the OMARA registration requirement in many circumstances and can provide immigration assistance under their legal practitioner status. CollinsQuarters immigration lawyers across Australia, including the best immigration lawyer in Melbourne, the best immigration lawyer in Sydney, the best immigration lawyer in Brisbane, the best immigration lawyers in Perth, the best immigration lawyer in Adelaide and the best immigration lawyer on the Gold Coast, hold full legal practitioner status and provide integrated immigration and connected legal services.
Career Opportunities for Registered Migration Agents in Australia in 2026
The career pathways available to a registered migration agent in Australia in 2026 are varied and include private practice as a sole practitioner, employment within a migration law firm or immigration law practice, employment within the corporate HR or global mobility function of a large employer, and employment within a government agency, university or not-for-profit organisation that provides immigration assistance to its members or service users.
Migration agents who operate in private practice typically specialise in one or more visa categories such as employer sponsorship and 482 Skills in Demand visas, partner and family visas, student visas, business migration and investor visas, or visa refusal and ART appeals. Specialisation allows a migration agent to develop deep expertise in a particular area of immigration practice and to build a client base and referral network within that specialty.
Migration agents who work within a corporate or employer environment typically handle employer-sponsored migration for the employer's workforce including 482 visa sponsorship and nomination, ENS permanent nominations and DAMA arrangements for employers in regional and remote areas. This is particularly relevant in the healthcare, technology, infrastructure, hospitality, financial services and education sectors that rely heavily on employer-sponsored migration. Migration agents working within a law firm alongside qualified immigration lawyers can also develop skills in the connected legal dimensions of migration practice including employer sponsorship compliance, FIRB compliance and business migration corporate structuring.
For Indian professionals considering a career as a registered migration agent in Australia, our India practice in Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad and Pune provides context on the India-Australia migration landscape and the cross-border advisory services that are increasingly in demand for Indian clients navigating Australian immigration law through our India-Australia cross-border advisory service. Clients in technology and intellectual property sectors can also access our Indian tech and IP legal advisory service for matters involving cross-border technology transfer or IP licensing between Indian and Australian entities.
Verifying a Registered Migration Agent in Australia: How Clients Can Check OMARA Registration
Clients who are seeking immigration assistance in Australia should always verify that the person providing the assistance is currently registered with OMARA before engaging their services. Providing immigration assistance without OMARA registration is a criminal offence under the Migration Act 1958, and clients who engage unregistered advisers risk having their visa applications jeopardised, losing money paid in fees, and losing legal rights in their migration matter.
OMARA maintains a public register of all currently registered migration agents in Australia. The register is searchable by name, company name and Migration Agents Registration Number. Clients can verify the registration status of any person claiming to be a registered migration agent through the OMARA public register at mara.gov.au. A registered migration agent must display their MARN on all client communications, correspondence and advertising materials.
CollinsQuarters immigration lawyers across Australia are admitted Australian legal practitioners who provide immigration law services within their legal practitioner scope. Clients of CollinsQuarters can be confident that all immigration advice and assistance provided by the firm is delivered by qualified professionals who are subject to the professional standards and disciplinary oversight of their respective state law societies as well as the OMARA framework where applicable. For clients who have concerns about unregistered migration advisers or who have been affected by unqualified immigration advice, our dispute resolution practice can advise on the options available to address the situation.
Immigration Lawyers and Migration Agents Across Australia: CollinsQuarters National Coverage
CollinsQuarters provides immigration law services and migration legal advice across all major Australian cities and regions. Whether you are a client seeking immigration advice, an employer needing sponsorship assistance or a professional exploring a career in immigration law, our national network of immigration lawyers is available to assist.
Best immigration lawyer in Melbourne · Best immigration lawyer in Sydney · Best immigration lawyer in Brisbane · Best immigration lawyers in Perth · Best immigration lawyer in Adelaide · Best immigration lawyer on the Gold Coast · Best immigration lawyer in Canberra · Best immigration lawyer in Hobart · Best immigration lawyer in Darwin · Best immigration lawyer in Newcastle · Best immigration lawyer in Geelong · Best immigration lawyer in Parramatta · Best immigration lawyer in Wollongong · Best immigration lawyer on the Sunshine Coast
For a complete overview of our national Australian practice, visit our Australia practice page and our Australia overview page. For our India practice connecting Indian clients to Australian immigration law services, visit our India practice page.
Frequently Asked Questions About How to Become a Migration Agent in Australia
What qualifications do you need to become a registered migration agent in Australia?
To become a registered migration agent in Australia you must complete the Graduate Diploma in Australian Migration Law and Practice from an OMARA-approved provider such as Griffith University, the University of Technology Sydney or Victoria University. The Graduate Diploma costs between AUD 8,000 and AUD 15,000 and takes one to two years to complete. After graduating, you must pass the Capstone Assessment within 12 months, meet the English language requirement equivalent to IELTS 7.0, obtain a National Police Check, secure professional indemnity insurance of at least AUD 250,000 and pay the OMARA registration fee of approximately AUD 1,900. For the most current requirements, consult the OMARA steps to register page at mara.gov.au. If you are seeking a qualified immigration lawyer rather than a migration agent, the best immigration lawyers in Perth and the best immigration lawyer in Melbourne at CollinsQuarters hold full legal practitioner status. Book a consultation to discuss your migration career or immigration legal needs.
How long does it take to become a registered migration agent in Australia?
The process typically takes two to three years from starting the Graduate Diploma through to receiving your OMARA Migration Agents Registration Number. The Graduate Diploma takes one to two years to complete. You then have 12 months to pass the Capstone Assessment after which OMARA marks your submission within six to eight weeks. Total costs from education through to first registration are typically between AUD 15,000 and AUD 25,000. Annual ongoing costs for registration renewal, CPD, professional indemnity insurance and library subscriptions are typically between AUD 3,000 and AUD 5,000 per year.
What is the difference between a registered migration agent and an immigration lawyer in Australia?
A registered migration agent can provide immigration assistance including visa application preparation, immigration advice and ART representation in most cases, but cannot provide formal legal advice on connected legal matters such as employment law, FIRB compliance, corporate structuring, property law or estate planning. An immigration lawyer in Australia is a qualified legal practitioner who can provide the full scope of immigration assistance alongside formal legal advice across all connected legal areas. For complex migration matters involving business migration, employer sponsorship compliance, FIRB, visa refusal appeals or cross-border corporate transactions, an immigration lawyer provides a substantially more comprehensive service. CollinsQuarters provides immigration lawyer services in every Australian city including the best immigration lawyer in Sydney, the best immigration lawyer in Brisbane and the best immigration lawyer in Adelaide.
What are the ongoing obligations of a registered migration agent in Australia?
Registered migration agents must renew their OMARA registration annually by 31 December each year at a fee of approximately AUD 1,900, complete the required CPD hours each registration year, maintain professional indemnity insurance of at least AUD 250,000, maintain a current professional library, comply at all times with the Migration Agents Code of Conduct, maintain comprehensive client files and written fee agreements, and cooperate fully with OMARA audits. OMARA audits approximately 15 per cent of agents annually and requires requested documentation within 14 days. Failing to meet any of these obligations can result in suspension or cancellation of OMARA registration. Clients verifying agent registration can use the OMARA public register at mara.gov.au.
Can a registered migration agent represent clients at the Administrative Review Tribunal in Australia?
In most circumstances, a registered migration agent can represent clients before the Administrative Review Tribunal in immigration review matters. However, a migration agent who is not also an admitted legal practitioner cannot provide legal advice on connected legal matters arising at the ART stage, cannot represent clients in the Federal Circuit and Family Court or the Federal Court on judicial review matters, and cannot advise on the broader legal context of the migration matter. For complex ART proceedings and judicial review matters, an immigration lawyer who is also a registered migration agent provides the most comprehensive representation. Our dispute resolution practice supports immigration lawyers at CollinsQuarters in complex ART proceedings across all cities including the best immigration lawyers in Perth, the best immigration lawyer on the Gold Coast and the best immigration lawyer in Darwin.
Is it better to use a registered migration agent or an immigration lawyer for visa applications in Australia?
For straightforward visa applications such as student visas, visitor visas or basic partner visa lodgements, a registered migration agent may be adequate. For any matter involving business migration, employer sponsorship compliance, FIRB compliance, visa refusal appeals, cross-border corporate transactions or connected family law, property or estate planning issues, a qualified immigration lawyer in Australia is the appropriate choice. CollinsQuarters provides integrated immigration lawyer services across Australia combining corporate commercial law, dispute resolution and mergers and acquisitions for immigration clients across all Australian cities. Book a consultation today to discuss your needs.
How much does it cost to become a registered migration agent in Australia in 2026?
The total cost from initial study through to first OMARA registration is typically between AUD 15,000 and AUD 25,000. The Graduate Diploma costs between AUD 8,000 and AUD 15,000. The Capstone Assessment involves a separate fee. The OMARA registration fee is approximately AUD 1,900. Professional indemnity insurance costs between AUD 500 and AUD 2,000 per year. Police check fees are typically between AUD 50 and AUD 200. Annual ongoing costs including registration renewal, CPD, insurance and library subscriptions are between AUD 3,000 and AUD 5,000 per year. These costs are generally tax-deductible as expenses of carrying on a business as a registered migration agent.
Can Australian legal practitioners provide immigration assistance without OMARA registration?
Australian legal practitioners who are admitted to practice in an Australian state or territory are exempt from the OMARA registration requirement in many circumstances and can provide immigration assistance under their legal practitioner status without needing to separately register with OMARA. This exemption allows qualified immigration lawyers to provide the full scope of immigration assistance alongside formal legal advice on connected matters such as employer sponsorship compliance, FIRB compliance and foreign investment advisory, corporate structuring, property law, family law and estate planning. CollinsQuarters immigration lawyers across Australia hold full legal practitioner status and provide integrated immigration and connected legal services through the firm's national practice network. Visit our migration and global mobility expertise page to learn more.
Work With the Best Immigration Lawyers in Australia at CollinsQuarters
Whether you are a migration professional seeking to understand the OMARA pathway, a client looking for the difference between a registered migration agent and a qualified immigration lawyer, or a business or individual seeking expert immigration legal advice across Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, Brisbane, Adelaide or any other Australian city, CollinsQuarters provides the most comprehensive immigration law services in Australia through an integrated practice connecting immigration law and global mobility with corporate commercial law, mergers and acquisitions, FIRB compliance and investment advisory, dispute resolution, property law and conveyancing, family law and wills and estates.
The best immigration outcomes come from qualified immigration lawyers who combine deep immigration expertise with the ability to advise across every connected legal dimension of your migration journey — that is the CollinsQuarters difference.
Our immigration lawyers across Australia include the best immigration lawyer in Melbourne · best immigration lawyer in Sydney · best immigration lawyer in Brisbane · best immigration lawyers in Perth · best immigration lawyer in Adelaide · best immigration lawyer on the Gold Coast · best immigration lawyer in Canberra · best immigration lawyer in Hobart · best immigration lawyer in Darwin.
Our India-Australia cross-border capability through our India practice in Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad and Pune means Indian clients have a single integrated legal team managing their Australian immigration journey from start to finish through our India-Australia cross-border advisory service.
To explore our full range of legal services, visit our expertise overview, our sectors page, our migration and global mobility expertise page, our immigration and legal blog, our legal insights page, our team page and our office locations page.
To speak with a CollinsQuarters immigration lawyer, book a consultation through our website or contact us directly through our contact page.

