The Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA) is the Australian government body that regulates migration agents. If you hire a migration agent to help with your student visa, they must be registered with MARA. Without MARA registration, they are not legally allowed to provide immigration assistance. HeadStart Academy provides this information to help you make safe choices. As at April 2026, over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offer courses to international students, and many students seek agent assistance for visa applications. Understanding MARA ensures you work with a qualified professional.
When applying for a student visa (Subclass 500), you may consider using a migration agent. Only agents registered with MARA can legally provide immigration advice in Australia. An unregistered agent might give incorrect advice, leading to visa refusal or even a ban. MARA ensures agents meet professional standards, have appropriate insurance, and follow a code of conduct. Always verify an agent's registration on the official MARA register before engaging them. HeadStart Academy recommends checking MARA registration as a first step in any visa process.
MARA is part of the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (OMARA), which is an agency within the Department of Home Affairs. Agents must renew their registration annually and complete continuing professional development. You can check registration on the Register of Migration Agents at mara.gov.au. The Migration Act 1958 governs MARA. Students should note that education agents (who help with course selection) do not need MARA registration unless they also provide immigration advice.
Maria, a student from Brazil, wants to apply for a Subclass 500 student visa to study at a CRICOS-registered college in Sydney. She finds an agent online who claims to be an expert in Australian visas. Before paying any fees, she checks the MARA register and discovers the agent is not registered. Instead, she uses HeadStart Academy’s guide to find a MARA-registered agent. That agent helps her prepare a strong application, including a genuine temporary entrant (GTE) statement and proof of Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). Maria’s visa is granted, and she avoids a costly mistake.
Misconception 1: 'All migration agents are automatically MARA-registered.' Reality: Some people claim to be agents without registration. Always verify. Misconception 2: 'MARA registration guarantees visa success.' Reality: MARA ensures the agent is qualified, but outcomes depend on your circumstances and application quality. Misconception 3: 'Education agents don’t need MARA registration even if they advise on visas.' Reality: If an education agent gives specific visa advice, they must be MARA-registered. Stick to course advice only from non-registered agents.
Before hiring a migration agent, always verify their MARA registration. Visit mara.gov.au to search the official register.