Key Changes to the Migration Agents Regulations 2026
What Registered Migration Agents and Their Clients Need to Know
On 1 April 2026, the Migration Agents Regulations 2026 commenced, replacing the Migration Agents Regulations 1998 after 28 years. This modernised framework is designed to:
- Strengthen consumer protection
- Clarify obligations for Registered Migration Agents (RMAs)
- Align regulation with contemporary migration and visa practice
The changes sit within a package of four new legislative instruments released by the Department of Home Affairs (DoHA) and the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (OMARA/MARA). Together, they focus on higher professional standards, clearer definitions, and stronger safeguards for visa applicants.
At True Blue Migration, we remain fully aligned with these new requirements. Our MARA-registered team continues to provide ethical, high‑quality immigration assistance across skilled visas, partner visas, employer‑sponsored visas, appeals, and citizenship applications.
Major Updates in the Migration Agents Regulations 2026
Below is an overview of key changes relevant to Registered Migration Agents and their clients. This is general information only and is not legal advice.
1. Modernised and Streamlined Regulatory Framework
The 2026 Regulations refine several core definitions to clarify when immigration assistance requires registration as a migration agent. In particular, they:
- Clarify concepts such as employer–employee relationships and assistance given by a “close family member”
- Aim to reduce ambiguity about what constitutes immigration assistance
- Simplify regulatory processes while preserving the underlying structure of the previous 1998 Regulations
This is intended to make it clearer who must be registered and in what circumstances.
2. Stronger Protections Against Non‑Compliant Agents
To support integrity in the migration advice industry, the new Regulations:
- Strengthen provisions that restrict barred or suspended agents from providing immigration assistance indirectly
- Address attempts to operate through alternative or complex business structures where this would undermine regulatory outcomes
These measures are aimed at supporting the Australian Government’s ongoing efforts to address unethical or non‑compliant behaviour in the sector.
3. Updated Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Requirements
From 1 April 2026, RMAs must meet updated continuing professional development (CPD) obligations. These include:
- At least 1 CPD point on Ethical Standards
- At least 1 CPD point on the Code of Conduct for RMAs
- Clarified limits on the number of online training hours that may be completed per day
- Updated definitions and requirements for interactive workshops
These changes are intended to ensure agents’ knowledge remains current and that training remains meaningful and robust.
4. Statement of Services and the 28‑Day Period
Regulation 42 updates how the 28‑day period is calculated for certain immigration assistance, in connection with section 313 of the Migration Act 1958. These changes affect the timing and content of statements of services for:
- Visa applications
- Merits review applications
- Nominations and sponsorships
- Certain Ministerial intervention requests
Agents and clients should ensure they understand how the revised timing rules apply to their particular matter.
5. Professional Indemnity Insurance and Other Registration Standards
The Regulations now more clearly codify minimum requirements for professional indemnity insurance, alongside other registration‑related standards, including:
- Updates to registration application charges
- Settings for approved education providers and qualifications for new entrants
These provisions are designed to ensure that clients have access to appropriately insured and qualified advisers.
6. Transitional Arrangements
Transitional provisions are included to support a smooth changeover for:
- Existing RMAs registered under the 1998 Regulations
- Ongoing matters (for example, visa applications and reviews) that began before 1 April 2026
These arrangements help minimise disruption for both agents and clients as the new framework takes effect.
Important: This summary is general in nature. For precise obligations, RMAs and clients should refer directly to the Migration Agents Regulations 2026, the Migration Act 1958, and official guidance from OMARA and the Department of Home Affairs (DoHA), or seek independent legal advice.
How the 2026 Changes Affect Visa Applicants
For individuals and businesses seeking Australian visas, the new Regulations are intended to provide:
- Greater confidence that you are dealing with properly registered, compliant, and up‑to‑date RMAs
- Clearer expectations regarding service agreements, statements of services, and timing
- Stronger protections against misleading advice or assistance from unqualified or barred providers
At True Blue Migration, we have already integrated these requirements into our internal policies, training, and client service processes. Our team continually monitors legislative and regulatory updates so that our advice remains accurate and timely.
Why Choose True Blue Migration in 2026?
When choosing a migration agent under the new regulatory framework, experience and compliance matter. True Blue Migration offers:
- MARA‑registered migration agents with decades of combined experience
- Nationwide and international support, assisting clients across Australia and overseas
- Expertise across major visa streams, including skilled migration, employer sponsorship, partner and family visas, student visas, appeals, and citizenship
- A demonstrated commitment to ethical practice and full compliance with the Migration Agents Code of Conduct and the Migration Agents Regulations 2026
Whether you:
- Need an initial eligibility assessment
- Require help preparing a complex visa application
- Seek representation in a merits review or other migration matter
Our team is ready to assist with clear, professional guidance tailored to your circumstances.
Email info@trubluemigration.com
Phone 03 9038 9070