Australian Immigration Daily News

The Migration Agents (CPD Activities, Approval of CPD Providers and CPD Provider Standards) Instrument 2026 was made by the Assistant Minister for Citizenship, Customs and Multicultural Affairs on 11 March 2026 and commences on 1 April 2026. The instrument repeals and replaces the Migration Agents (IMMI 17/047) Instrument 2017.

The instrument is made under the Migration Agents Regulations 2026 and sets out the framework governing:

• Continuing Professional Development (CPD) activities for registered migration agents

• Approval of CPD providers

• CPD provider standards

CPD Activities

The instrument specifies the types of CPD activities that can earn CPD points and the conditions under which they must be delivered. CPD activities must relate to migration law, regulations, policy, ethical standards, the Code of Conduct, or other legal or business topics relevant to migration practice.

Two categories of CPD activities are recognised:

• Category A: Workshops and accredited university units relating to migration law

• Category B: Conferences, seminars, lectures and private study with assessment

Points are allocated depending on the activity type, generally based on the number of hours completed.

Mandatory CPD Requirements

For repeat registration, migration agents must complete:

• At least 5 CPD points in Category A activities, and

• 2 CPD points relating to ethics or the Code of Conduct

These mandatory requirements do not apply to applicants who hold a current Australian legal practising certificate.

Limits on Online CPD

Where CPD activities are undertaken through online learning within a continuous 24-hour period, the activity is capped at a maximum of 6 CPD points.

CPD Provider Approval

Entities seeking approval as CPD providers must apply under the Regulations and pay an application fee of $1,240.

Approved providers must comply with the CPD Provider Standards, which cover areas including:

• delivery of CPD activities

• administrative policies

• integrity and professional conduct

• marketing and advertising practices

• evaluation and continuous improvement

• records management and reporting obligations

Compliance and Reporting

CPD providers must:

• ensure presenters are appropriately qualified

• maintain records for at least two years

• electronically report CPD completion to the Authority within 14 days

• implement attendance verification processes

• maintain complaint and refund policies

Transitional Arrangements

For repeat registration applications lodged between 1 April 2026 and 31 March 2027, CPD activities commenced or completed on or before 30 June 2026 may still be counted, provided appropriate evidence is supplied.

Effect of the Instrument

This instrument modernises the CPD framework under the Migration Agents Regulations 2026, replacing the previous 2017 instrument and establishing updated standards for CPD activities and CPD providers.

Source: https://www.legislation.gov.au/F2026L00244/asmade/text