Australian Immigration Daily News

The Migration Agents Registration Application Charge Regulations 2026 will commence on 1 April 2026, repealing and replacing the 1998 Regulations.

The new Regulations modernise and clarify the existing charging framework to ensure alignment with the Australian Government Charging Framework and improve structural clarity within the regulatory scheme.

Commercial Registration Charges

• First-time registration: $1,760

• Repeat registration: $1,595

Non-Commercial Registration Charges
Available where the agent provides immigration assistance solely on a non-commercial basis, including through a charity or community-benefit organisation:

• First-time registration: $160

• Repeat registration: $105

An important compliance requirement applies where a registered non-commercial agent subsequently begins providing immigration assistance on a commercial basis. In such circumstances, the agent must notify MARA within 14 days and pay the applicable adjusted charge for the remainder of the registration period.

Transitional Provisions
Agents who have already paid a non-commercial charge prior to 1 April 2026 remain subject to the previous regulatory framework for the duration of their existing registration period.

The accompanying human rights assessment confirms that the Regulations do not limit the right to work and operate as a standard regulatory charging mechanism for the profession.

Overall, the 2026 Regulations represent a structural update rather than a substantive policy shift, with clearer articulation of charging categories and strengthened compliance expectations for non-commercial registration status.

Source: Migration-Agents-Registration-Application-Charge-Regulations-2026.pdf and

Migration-Agents-Registration-Application-Charge-Regulations-2026-Explanatory-Statement.pdf