Attention aspiring and current Australian Migration Agents! Big changes are on the horizon, and the Department of Home Affairs is taking crucial steps to ensure the integrity and expertise of Australia’s migration advisory services. Get ready for updated educational standards, as a significant legislative instrument is being remade to reflect the modern demands of Australian migration law and policy.
What’s Happening?
The Department of Home Affairs has officially called for Expressions of Interest (EOI) from higher education providers. This is a direct invitation for universities and colleges to submit courses that will meet the updated standards for qualification as a registered migration agent in Australia.
This proactive move comes in anticipation of the current legislative instrument, Migration (IMMI 18/003), sunsetting (expiring) on 1 April 2026. The department is committed to replacing it with a new instrument that will outline the acceptable courses and exams for registration.
Why the Change?
The existing IMMI 18/003, put in place in 2018, needs to evolve. The new instrument aims to align with contemporary, industry-aligned knowledge requirements for migration professionals. This means ensuring that those advising on Australian migration are equipped with the most current and robust understanding of the law and policy.
“This is a critical opportunity to ensure that educational standards for migration agents remain current, robust, and aligned with the evolving demands of Australian migration law and policy,” the department emphasized.
What Does This Mean for You?
If you’re currently studying to become a migration agent or planning to embark on this career path, be aware that:
- All current and prospective courses for migration agent registration must undergo reassessment and approval by the Department of Home Affairs to be listed in the new instrument.
- Higher education providers who want their qualifications to be recognized for future migration agents must submit their EOIs promptly.
Submission Dates and Deadlines
- REOI submissions are now open
- Deadline for submission: 4 August 2025.
Providers seeking inclusion in the remade legislative instrument can find complete details and submission procedures through the official Request for Expressions of Interest for remake of Legislative Instrument 18/003 (Ref).
