Month: October 2025

According to the Auditor-General Report No. 26 (2023-24), the Department of Home Affairs received more than 3,100 complaints about migration agents between 2018–19 and 2022–23, and referred several cases involving fraudulent conduct to the Australian Border Force.

Every year in Australia, hundreds — and likely thousands — of visa applicants fall victim to poor immigration advice or outright scams. If you’re standing at the starting line of your visa journey, you need to ask: How do I know the agent I’ll trust with my documents, my future and my money is legit?

The good news: you can check. And in doing so, you give yourself a far better chance of success.

Here’s your roadmap — with a friendly check-list and a deep dive into what to look for… using real-world examples and specific checks (including how to verify a MARN, what legitimate agents show on their website, and what red flags scream “run the other way”).

Step 1: The Golden Rule – Verify the MARN

The single most important check you can do: whether the person offering immigration help is a registered migration agent with the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (OMARA).

Here’s how:

• Every registered agent has a Migration Agent Registration Number (MARN).
• You can go to OMARA’s “Search the Register of Migration Agents” page and enter the name, business name or MARN.
• If you find them: you’ll see their registration status, expiry date, and details. If you don’t find them — they’re not registered and you should treat that as a major red flag.

Why this matters: It’s illegal in Australia to charge for immigration assistance or advice unless you’re registered (or a lawyer/exempt person). So no registration = no protection.

Step 2: What a Legit Agent’s Website Should Show

Let’s use the team at JS Migration as an example of how a transparent, professional firm presents itself:

• We proudly identify ourselves as a registered and trusted migration agency, and we make sure our full contact details — including our Brisbane office address, phone number, and official email — are clearly available to everyone we assist.
• We describe our services clearly (visa subclasses they support, blog resources, FAQs) rather than vague promises.
• Our website invites questions and offers a consult.

By comparison, an agent with a website that simply says “We’ll get you a visa fast” or “Guaranteed success” — without names, physical address or firm details — is far more likely to be taking shortcuts or worse.

Step 3: Ask for Papers Before Paying Anything

Once you like what you see online and the agent passes the MARN check, make sure they provide you with a written service agreement. That agreement should include:

• The scope of work: what exactly they will do for you
• The fee schedule: how much you’ll pay, when, and for what stages
• Refund policy (if applicable)
• Who in the firm is responsible for your case

If you’re asked to pay large sums without any contract, or to transfer money to a private account, or you’re told “just pay now and we’ll deal with the agreement later” — get out. Legit agents will give clarity up front; dodgy ones try to hide the details.

Step 4: Beware the “Visa Approved Guarantee” Trap

Here’s something many applicants hear: “Pay us now and we’ll guarantee your visa.” Sounds great—but it’s false. Why?

• Even the best agent cannot control final decisions. The visa-granting authority (the Department of Home Affairs) assesses your eligibility.
• Promising “100% success” is a hallmark of deceit. Realistic agents talk about likelihoods, risks, what evidence is needed, not miracles.

Here at JS Migration you’ll find that we talk about strong cases, clear evidence, possible challenges — not “visa approved tomorrow”. That honesty is the mark of a professional.

Step 5: Look for a Human Connection (Not a Hard Sell)

A good migration agent will treat you like a person, not just a transaction. They will:

• Ask about you: your background, your goals, your preferences, your family situation.
• Explain alternatives and ask questions: e.g., “Have you lived in Australia before? Do you have work experience? What are your long-term plans?”
• Give you time, let you think, answer your follow-up questions.

If instead they rush you – “Sign today or lose your chance!”, “Must pay now!”, “We’ve got a special rate” – you’re likely dealing with an agent more interested in sales than your welfare. When someone is pushing you urgently to pay, your future may not be their priority.

Step 6: Double-Check Their History

Before signing on, do a bit of detective work:

• Google the agent’s name + “migration agent” + “reviews” or “complaints”.
• Check LinkedIn or professional networks: is there a legitimate profile, background and experience?
• Read testimonials — but also ask: are they verifiable? Are they specific?
• Look for any disciplinary decision or mention in media of misconduct. (OMARA publishes decisions.)

While very few agents behave badly, even one problem in the past is worth factoring in. The regulatory system has identified that while most agents are ethical, a small cohort is involved in unethical or criminal behaviour.

Step 7: Red Flags – The “Alarm Bells” Checklist

Here are the warning signs. If you spot one or more, you should pause and reconsider:

• They can’t or won’t provide a MARN or show you their registration.
• They promise “100 % visa approval” or “Guaranteed residency”.
• They ask for large sums upfront without clear explanation of services.
• They request payment to a personal bank account or via untraceable methods.
• Their website lacks a real address or full names; only a generic email or social-media contact.
• They say “you don’t need to provide proof” or “we have special access to the Department”.
• Their fees are far lower (or far higher) than market norms — unusually cheap can be just as risky as suspiciously expensive.

Remember: one red flag could be a misunderstanding; two or more is serious risk.

Step 8: What to Do If Something Goes Wrong

If you suspect the migration agent you used is illegitimate, or you’ve suffered from bad advice:

1. Check OMARA: Was the person registered at the time you engaged them?
2. Gather documentation: Invoices, emails, your application copy, payment receipts.
3. Report:
   • If they were registered and you believe they acted unethically: make a complaint to OMARA.
   • If they were not registered: you may report them to the Department of Home Affairs or local consumer protection/authorities.
4. Seek a registered agent now to review your case and help you recover or mitigate damage.
5. Keep all records: you may need them if your visa application is jeopardised.

The cost of ignoring a bad agent can be huge: lost fees, lost time, perhaps even lost visa eligibility.

Step 9: The Emotional Side – Trust Your Instincts

This isn’t just about forms and numbers. It’s about your future — your career, your family, where you live, your dreams.

When you step into an agent’s office or enter a Zoom meeting, you should feel heard, informed, respected. You should walk away from that conversation thinking: I understand what’s going to happen, I know what they’ll do, I know what I’ll need to provide, and I know what I’m paying for.

If instead you walk away feeling confused, unsettled, rushed or pressured — that’s your gut telling you to hold off.

Step 10: Quick Checklist to Carry With You

Before you sign anything or pay anything, ask:

• ✅ Can I find this person or business on the OMARA register?
• ✅ Do they show their name, MARN, office address and business contact?
• ✅ Have they given me a written service agreement explaining what they’ll do and what they’ll charge?
• ✅ Are they realistic about outcomes and transparent about challenges?
• ✅ Did I feel comfortable asking questions and getting clear answers?

If you tick all five — you’re probably on safe ground. If you’re missing one or more, take a step back and ask more questions — or look elsewhere.

Final Thoughts

The best migration journey is not always the fastest or cheapest. It’s the one built on honesty, expertise, and clear communication.

At JS Migration we believe every client deserves clarity before commitment. We’ll show you our MARN, explain what we’ll do for you, give you a service agreement, and treat you like a partner in your journey — not just a file number. Because when it comes to migration, legitimacy isn’t optional. It’s your strongest protection.

At the commencement of the MIA National Migration Conference 2025 in Melbourne, Julian Hill, who chairs the Joint Standing Committee on Migration, established a strong vision for the future of migration in Australia. He was direct in his message: “Skilled migration is not merely an economic necessity; it is fundamental to our national identity and prosperity.”

His speech transcended mere formality, encapsulating a crucial turning point in Australia’s self-perception and indicating significant shifts for skilled migrants seeking residency.

Hill highlighted the essential role of “critical intermediaries”—migration agents—whose knowledge is increasingly important as the immigration system becomes more intricate. With an increase in visa categories and the expansion of regional programs, Hill’s message was straightforward: for those genuinely pursuing residency, it’s crucial to rely on qualified experts and remain vigilant about policy updates.

He stressed the importance of being adaptable. Australia’s labour market is evolving rapidly, with a significant demand for medical professionals in remote locations, digital experts driving innovation, and tradespeople contributing to infrastructure development. Hill advocated for migrants who possess both qualifications and flexibility, ready to relocate where their skills are most needed.

From National Vision to Personal Action

Moving from a national vision to individual steps, Hill’s words signaled a government prepared to combat exploitation and improve standards. This applied not only to migration agents but also to companies employing skilled workers. As a skilled migrant, you may view this as both a test and an opportunity:

• The test is straightforward: achieving success requires more than simply fulfilling requirements. It necessitates real expertise, a willingness to seize new chances (frequently outside of major cities), and a commitment to ethical conduct.
• The opportunity is equally significant—migrants who are prepared to meet these expectations can anticipate better safeguards, more focused assistance, and a more defined route to permanent residency.

Adaptability and Integrity: Your Competitive Advantage

In today’s changing landscape for skilled migrants, the system is shifting to favor those who contribute to Australia’s growth rather than merely filling vacancies. While the entry criteria have become more stringent and oversight has increased, you may see this as an opportunity to transcend outdated perceptions of vulnerability and uncertainty. It’s a moment to be acknowledged not merely as newcomers but as vital collaborators in shaping Australia’s future.

Move Forward, Not Backward

For aspiring residents like you, this is the moment to enhance your skills, cultivate reliable relationships with registered migration agents, and remain receptive to relocating where your efforts can have the most significant effect.

Ultimately, the Australian dream remains vibrant, but it requires resilience, integrity, and adaptability. Embrace the migration policy challenge, maintain the highest standards, and strive to be the kind of residents that Australia takes pride in.

Whether you’re aiming for a state nomination, regional program, or the newly announced visas, the time to prepare and act is now.

Ready to take the next step toward Australian residency?

Don’t navigate these changes alone. Submit an enquiry today to connect with trusted migration professionals who can assess your eligibility, guide you on your best pathways, and support you throughout your journey.

Australia continues to be a top choice for international students, offering not just exceptional education but also promising career prospects through skilled migration options. A recent study by Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA), titled the International Students Pathways and Outcomes Study and released in September 2025, presents valuable insights into the journey of students who began their studies in 2010 to 2011 and subsequent years. This report specifically examines their transition from education to employment, with a particular emphasis on migration pathways available to those on student visas.

Key Findings: From Student Visa to Skilled Migration

High Transition Rate to Permanent Residency via Skilled Migration

The report highlights that many international students successfully move from temporary student visas into employment and eventually secure permanent residency (PR) through skilled migration avenues. Up to 40% of early cohorts have transitioned to PR within around a decade—a much higher rate than previously thought. This underscores the role student visas play as a first step in Australia’s broader skilled migration framework.

Vocational Education (VET) vs. Higher Education Graduates

Graduates from Vocational Education and Training (VET) programs tend to enter employment sectors with clearer pathways to skilled migration and PR compared to many higher education graduates. VET sectors like healthcare, construction, and social assistance have strong post-study work opportunities aligning with Australia’s skills shortages and employer sponsorship options.

Skills Mismatch and Work Outcomes for Graduates

Despite strong PR outcomes, many graduates work below their qualifications or outside their fields of study. Challenges such as limited local work experience, employer hesitation around temporary visa holders, and English proficiency gaps contribute to this mismatch, potentially impacting eligibility for employer-sponsored visas or skilled independent pathways.

Pathways for Skilled Migration for Student Visa Holders

International graduates frequently seek skilled migration through various visa options, such as:

• Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485): This visa permits graduates to acquire essential work experience in Australia for a duration ranging from 18 months to five years, depending on their qualifications. This timeframe is crucial for establishing a work history that can lead to employer-sponsored or independent skilled visas.
• Employer-Sponsored Visas (Subclass 186 & 482): Graduates who receive job offers in qualifying occupations can be sponsored by their employers. The Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) provides a route to permanent residency through either direct entry or temporary residence transition streams. Meanwhile, the Temporary Skill Shortage visa (Subclass 482) can act as a pathway to permanent residency with employer support.
• Points-Based Skilled Migration (Subclass 189 & 190): Graduates possessing in-demand skills have the option to apply for skilled visas independently, utilizing a points-based system that evaluates factors such as age, work experience, education, and English language proficiency.

Barriers to Successful Transition

• Local Work Experience: Employers frequently prefer candidates with demonstrated Australian workplace skills, which can be difficult for recent graduates to secure without internships or employer networks.
• Employer Hesitance: Temporary visa holders sometimes face reluctance from employers due to visa complexities or perceived risks, impacting direct sponsorship opportunities.
• Skill Shortage Lists and Occupation Alignment: Navigating up-to-date occupation lists, such as the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL), is essential for migration eligibility but can be challenging for new graduates without targeted professional guidance.

Policy Implications and Recommendations

The JSA report suggests that to fully leverage international education’s contribution to Australia’s workforce, policies must strengthen the linkage between study and skilled migration pathways. This includes:

• Enhancing English language and work readiness support, including internships and culturally immersive training.
• Ensuring skilled migration policies remain responsive to labor market needs by aligning occupation lists and visa criteria with industry demands.
• Increasing employer incentives and clarity around visa sponsorship to reduce barriers for hiring international graduates.

Opportunities for Graduates Transitioning to Skilled Visas

International students in Australia have clear pathways leading from their studies to permanent residency, primarily through skilled migration options. Achieving this goal hinges on making informed decisions regarding their area of study, acquiring relevant Australian work experience, and effectively navigating the changing landscape of visa regulations.

For those looking to shift from student visas to skilled migration or employer sponsorship, it is essential to grasp the intricacies of various work visa categories and their eligibility criteria. Seeking professional guidance can illuminate available options and assist in developing customized strategies to enhance the likelihood of successful long-term migration.

If you or someone you know is interested in exploring skilled migration opportunities in Australia after completing their studies, a complimentary 15-minute assessment is offered to evaluate individual situations and potential pathways.