It seems that Legal Training Australia LTA) is still the least expensive CPD in the migration advice profession for all CPD types.

Here are the price points for some of the main CPD providers in the profession:

Practice Ready Program

MIA                  $1995

McKKrs             $1320

LTA                   $1315 (lowest cost)

10 point face-to-face

MIA                                        N/A

McKKrs                                   $330-$660

RMA Training                           $330

Enriched Migration Training       $550

Migration Seminars Australia      $700

LTA                                            $328.90 (lowest cost)

Online Private Study (Per individual point)

MIA                                       $66-99

McKKr's                                  $55

Enriched Migration Training     unknown

RMA Training                          $44 (joint lowest cost)

LTA                                          $44 (joint lowest cost)

So now we know which organisation is the least expensive.  What about the depth and quality of speakers?  How do we know which teachers / presenters are the best of the best?

Tips for finding the "best of the best" CPD teachers / presenters

Assuming that the Office of the MARA have approved all CPD providers based on a set of high-level criteria, which would appear to be the case, based on the looks of Legislative Instrument 17/047 which sets out the requirements to become an approved provider, it could be said that all providers will have similar levels of expertise and experience.

If you want the highest level of education, always look out for CPD providers who have Accredited Specialist Immigration Lawyers, Immigration Barristers, and Migration Solicitors on board their teaching staff.

Also look out for Registered Migration Agents who are well known in the profession and who associate themselves with top-level specialists (birds of the feather tend to flock together).  Ask other agents, 'do you know if this CPD presenter is good or not?'.

Do a google search against the teacher / presenter's name and check them out online.  Teachers in the migration advice profession who have great experience generally have a big presence on the web, and plenty of evidence around their success and capability as an agent / lawyer.  Look at the cases they have run at the DIBP / DHA, AAT, Federal Court and High Court.  This will tell you a story about them and their experience.  

Look at how the person presents themselves.  Do they dress professionally and speak clearly and articulately?  Have they presented and recorded any CPD or other immigration video material?  If so, find it on the web and watch their recorded presentations online.  If you don't know, ask.

Have they been interviewed by radio stations or television stations in Australia based on their level of knowledge and expertise?  If you don't know, ask the provider in an email or call them and ask for it.  Most high-level professionals will be pleased to send you evidence of their capability, knowledge and experience.

Testimonials about a CPD provider on their own website are not the most ideal source of evidence.  The CPD provider should be able to demonstrate their knowledge and ability as an experienced immigration professional OUTSIDE the CPD provider framework.