Starting a migration agency in Australia is one of the most rewarding business decisions you can make — but it's also one of the most regulated. Between OMARA registration, professional indemnity insurance, business setup, and client acquisition, there's a lot to navigate before you can take on your first paying client.
This guide walks you through every step, based on my own experience building VisaTasker from scratch.
Step 1: Become a registered migration agent
Before you can charge clients for migration advice in Australia, you need to be registered with the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (OMARA). This involves:
- Completing the Graduate Diploma in Australian Migration Law and Practice (GDAMLP)
- Passing the Capstone Assessment
- Meeting fitness and propriety requirements
- Paying the OMARA registration fee
- Holding professional indemnity insurance
Once registered, you'll receive your MARN (Migration Agent Registration Number) — this is the number you'll display on every piece of client communication and on your website.
Step 2: Set up your business structure
Most migration agents operate as a sole trader or a Pty Ltd company. A company structure offers liability protection but costs more to maintain. You'll need:
- An ABN (Australian Business Number)
- A registered business name (if not trading under your own name)
- A business bank account
- GST registration if you expect to earn over $75,000/year
- Workers' compensation insurance if you hire staff
Step 3: Choose your case management software
This is the decision that will shape your daily workflow for years. Don't try to run a migration practice on email, spreadsheets, and manual form filling — you'll burn out within months.
Look for software that handles:
- DHA form auto-fill (Form 80, 956, 1221)
- Document management with a client portal
- OMARA-compliant file notes and audit trails
- Invoicing and payment collection
- Calendar integration with deadline tracking
We built LodgeHQ specifically for new and growing migration agencies because we couldn't find anything affordable that did all of the above. Plans start at $49/month with a 14-day free trial.
Step 4: Set your pricing
Pricing is one of the hardest parts of starting a practice. Charge too little and you can't sustain the business; charge too much and you scare away early clients.
Most established Australian migration agents charge between $3,000 and $8,000 for partner visas, $2,500 to $5,000 for skilled visas, and $1,500 to $3,000 for student visas. As a new agent, consider starting at the lower end of these ranges and increasing your prices as your reputation and reviews grow.
Key tip: Always use a written service agreement that clearly outlines scope, fees, and payment terms. This protects both you and your client and is required under the OMARA Code of Conduct.
Step 5: Get your first clients
This is where most new agents struggle. The good news is you don't need a marketing budget to land your first 5-10 clients. The bad news is you'll need to hustle.
Start with:
- Personal network — let everyone you know that you're now a registered migration agent
- Free Google My Business listing — local SEO is huge for migration agents
- LinkedIn presence — share insights about visa changes and case wins
- Community groups — Facebook groups, WhatsApp groups, cultural communities
- Referral partners — accountants, lawyers, education agents, real estate agents serving migrants
Once you have 5-10 happy clients and reviews, you can start investing in paid marketing like Google Ads.
Step 6: Stay compliant
OMARA registration comes with ongoing obligations: continuing professional development (CPD) hours, accurate file notes, written client agreements, and timely responses. Don't treat compliance as paperwork — treat it as the foundation of your reputation.
Modern case management software automates most compliance tasks (timestamped file notes, audit trails, CPD tracking). Use it.
Final thoughts
Starting a migration agency is hard work, but it's also one of the most meaningful careers you can have. You're literally helping families build new lives in Australia. The first six months are the hardest — once you have a steady pipeline and a few raving fans, things get a lot easier.
Stay compliant, invest in good software, and treat every client like they're your only client. You'll be fine.