Most applicants can change migration agents during an Australia visa application; you should notify the Department of Home Affairs in writing and provide your new agent with all case documents to prevent delays.
You have the legal right to change or dismiss your migration agent during an active application, request copies of your file, end an agreement in writing and appoint a new representative while making sure the Department of Home Affairs is notified where required.
MARA requires registered agents to act honestly and in your best interests, provide clear written engagement terms and promptly return documents on request, and you can complain to the regulator if you suspect misconduct.
When you change agents you retain authority over instructions and decisions, so confirm transfer of documents, deadlines and any outstanding authorisations to protect your visa timeline.
If you proceed, get written termination from the former agent, ensure they supply complete files and receipts, and have the new agent confirm in writing they accept instructions. Ask the new representative to notify the Department if required, clarify fees and timeframes, and keep dated copies of all communications for your records.
When you spot persistent problems with advice, communication, or fees, it's time to weigh changing agents to protect your visa outcome and timeline.
If your agent misses calls, ignores emails, or leaves you without updates for weeks, switch consideration is justified; you must get a written timeline and, if unresponsive, revoke authority.
Assess whether technical errors - wrong visa subclass, incomplete evidence, or missed deadlines - have occurred, since such mistakes can cause refusals and warrant a second opinion.
Examine the agent's documentation and timelines, request copies of all filings, and compare them to visa requirements to spot omissions or incorrect forms. Ask for a written explanation of strategy choices and check whether legislative changes were considered. You can obtain an independent review from another registered agent to quantify risk and recommend corrective steps like amendments, new submissions, or withdrawal and reapplication where appropriate.
Spot signs like pressure to lie, vague invoices, or refusal to provide a written fee agreement; you should terminate authority and report serious misconduct.
Investigate the agent's registration and disciplinary history on the OMARA register, insist on a detailed fee agreement and itemised invoices, and collect evidence of any undisclosed charges. If the agent guarantees outcomes, suggests false documents, or bills for services not rendered, obtain your file, seek a refund through dispute processes, and lodge a complaint with OMARA while engaging a new registered agent.
Begin by reviewing your signed service agreement to identify termination clauses, notice periods and any fees so you can plan the switch without disrupting lodgement dates or missing critical deadlines.
Check the notice period, whether notice must be written, and any penalties for early termination so you can calculate the exact date your current agent's services will end and avoid gaps in representation.
Send a dated, signed notice referencing the relevant contract clause, your file or visa numbers, and the requested termination date, keeping proof of delivery for your records.
Provide full details in the notice: your full name, client or application identifiers, the specific clause cited, the effective termination date and a request for confirmation; retain copies and a delivery receipt or email read receipt as admissible evidence if disputes arise.
Obtain all copies of your submissions, correspondence, receipts and supporting documents, and request the electronic file be prepared for transfer to your new representative without delay.
Ensure the agent supplies originals or certified copies, a clear timeline of actions, copies of lodged forms and payment records, and any advice notes; sign a written consent for file transfer and clarify any retention or retrieval fees before finalising the handover.
You should complete and sign Form 956 to appoint your new agent, provide agent details, and lodge it with the Department of Home Affairs as directed; keep a copy for your records and confirm receipt with your new agent.
Log into your ImmiAccount to remove access for the former agent and add your new agent's authorisation code, then verify that permissions reflect the change.
Check your ImmiAccount after submitting the new Form 956 to confirm the previous agent no longer has access; if access remains, contact the Department directly, provide written notice of the change and request removal, and retain screenshots and correspondence as evidence. Your new agent can also confirm system permissions and lodge follow‑up requests if needed.
Switching agents mid-application exposes you to administrative overlaps, duplicate fees and potential loss of continuity; you may face extra charges for file transfers, new retainer requirements and additional administrative work while the replacement reviews your case.
Delays commonly occur when authority transfers are processed or the new agent needs time to review documents, so you should build buffer time into your schedule and flag any impending deadlines to both agents.
Fees already paid may not be refundable, and the incoming agent will likely charge a fresh retainer; you should review both engagement agreements and request itemised invoices before agreeing to switch.
Contracts and engagement letters define refund entitlements: you should check terms for unearned fees, request an itemised statement of work completed, formally ask the former agent for refund documentation and keep written proof of all communications; if disputes persist, you can complain to the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (OMARA) or seek independent legal advice to recover funds.
Fragmented submissions can weaken your case if new arguments conflict with earlier claims, so you should require a consolidated legal position and provide the new agent with all drafts, evidence and signed statements to maintain consistency.
Provide the incoming agent with a clear chronology, copies of past submissions, and a brief outlining previous legal strategies so they can reconcile differences; you should also obtain a written strategy that confirms who will handle outstanding matters, how conflicting arguments will be resolved and what steps will be taken to protect deadlines and continuity.
Check the agent's history of salvaging refused, lodged or expired applications, requesting specific case outcomes and timelines so you can assess their practical success in urgent, contested situations.
Assess their MARA registration, any disciplinary records, and proven experience with your visa subclass; confirm they can produce references for similar rescue cases before you switch.
Verify the agent's registration number on the MARA register, review public disciplinary notices, and ask for written examples of comparable cases and outcomes; also request a clear fee quote, estimated timeframes, communication expectations, consent and authority transfer procedures, and how they will coordinate with your previous representative so you understand the handover and contingency options.
Presently you can switch migration agents during your Australia visa application, but you must notify the Department of Home Affairs, sign a new client authorisation, transfer case documents, and consider fees and timing to prevent delays to your application.
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agents, Migration, Visa
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