Australian Migration and Visa FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I risk using a migration/education agent or should I use a migration lawyer?

Given the Australia Government doesn’t believe Migration Agents or Education agents can be trusted – why should you?

Dont risk

Your visa                 Your money                      Your future

Trust only a Master Migration/Immigration Lawyer

See the Kendal Report – this is a very Important document.  (summary below)

So for Independent, Honest, Sound & confidential visa or migration legal advice trust only a Master Migration Lawyer

Under the Migration Act 1958, lawyers specialising in this area must hold a practising certificate but also register as migration agents, effectively bringing them under two separate regulatory regimes.

In an independent report into the operation of the Office of Migration Agents Registration Authority (OMARA), its author, Christopher Kendall, recommended changing the legislation so lawyers cannot register as migration agents and are regulated only their own professional bodies.

In introducing the report last Friday (8 May), Assistant Minister for Immigration and Border Protection Michaelia Cash announced the federal government will implement this recommendation, with 23 others contained in the report.

“Lawyers are already subject to one of the strictest regulatory regimes of any profession,” Senator Cash said.

The Law Council of Australia (LCA), a major critic of the dual regulation system, welcomed the government’s endorsement.

“The Law Council has always maintained that dual regulation of migration lawyers is an avoidable burden to governments, the community and the profession,” Law Council president Duncan McConnel said. “The removal of dual regulation not only means a significant reduction in red tape, it will also contribute to better consumer protection and a stronger, united legal profession.”

For the most up to date and relevant answers to many Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Australian Migration and Visa law – click here.

These Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) are designed for clients who have already lodged an application for General Skilled Migration (GSM). These FAQs should be read with the information about the priority processing arrangements.

These FAQs will continue to be updated in response to common questions received from clients.