If you are on this website, and reading my post, you may be wondering what a Registered Migration Agent (RMA) is.
In Australia, it is illegal to provided immigration related assistance (except in a small number of circumstances) unless you are a Registered Migration Agent or a lawyer who holds a current practicing certificate. Why is this?
The reason is to protect the customer (you)! Lawyers are bound by the requirements of the certifying body in the state that they practice, and RMAs are subject to the oversight of the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority.
Both lawyers and RMAs have codes of conduct that they are required to abide by, along with many other rules that are designed to protect their customers. One of these is the requirement to engage in continuing professional development (usually training activities). Migration law and the migration industry are constantly changing, and without staying abreast of these changes, it is difficult to imagine how good service can be provided to the public by professionals practicing in this area.
Furthermore, lawyers and RMAs are subject to requirements around around how they must deal with money received from their clients. Again, these requirements are designed to protect customers, particularly those who have paid for services before those services are provided.
You might also be wondering about differences between the roles played by RMAs and immigration lawyers.
Generally speaking, RMAs assist with visa application strategy, and represent clients in their applications to the Department of Home Affairs. Immigration lawyers can do this too, although it is probably not the best use of their time and skills.
Both RMAs and immigration lawyers assist clients with applications for review of decisions made by the Department of Home Affairs. And, if a case progresses to judicial review, then this is where immigration lawyers play the main role in assisting clients.
So, if you are looking for assistance with a visa application, or an Australian immigration related problem, be sure to contact a Registered Migration Agent (like me), or, as the case demands, a properly certified immigration lawyer. And, if someone asks you ‘What is an RMA?’ you should now be able to answer with confidence!