Not all migration agents are equal — and in Australia, not everyone offering immigration advice is even legally permitted to do so. Here is what actually matters when choosing a migration agent.

OMARA Registration — Non-Negotiable

Only registered migration agents can legally charge for immigration advice in Australia. Every registered agent must hold a current registration with the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (OMARA) and is assigned a Migration Agent Registration Number (MARN).

How to verify: Before engaging any migration agent, search their name or MARN on the OMARA register at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au. If they are not on the register, they cannot legally provide immigration advice for a fee — walk away.

Specialist Experience in Your Visa Type

Australian immigration law covers hundreds of visa subclasses — skilled migration, partner visas, parent visas, student visas, employer-sponsored visas, and more. An agent who specialises in the visa type you need will understand the specific requirements, common refusal reasons, and how to present the strongest possible application.

Verifiable Reviews — Not Just Claims

Any agent can claim they are “the best” or have “helped thousands of clients.” What matters is verifiable third-party evidence — Google reviews, actual client outcomes, and a track record you can check independently. Look for agents with a high volume of recent, detailed reviews on Google.

Direct Access to Your Agent

Many larger migration firms assign your case to a junior case manager after your initial consultation. Find out who will actually be handling your application — and whether you will have direct access to the registered migration agent throughout the process.

Transparent About Fees and Process

A good migration agent will be clear about their fees, what is included, and what the process looks like from start to finish. Be cautious of agents who make guarantees about visa outcomes — no reputable agent can guarantee a visa will be granted, as that decision rests with the Department of Home Affairs.

• Search their MARN on the OMARA register — confirm they are currently registered
• Check their Google reviews — look for volume, recency, and detail
• Confirm they specialise in your visa type
• Ask who will handle your case day-to-day
• Ask for a clear breakdown of fees before signing anything
• Check they are a member of the Migration Institute of Australia (MIA)
• Ensure they have experience with applicants from your country or background

Stojanovic & Associates is led by Danijela Stojanovic — a registered migration agent with over 15 years of experience, a Bachelor of Law, and a Graduate Diploma in Immigration Law and Practice. Here is how we measure up against every item on the checklist above.

• OMARA Registered — MARN 0958278. Verify at the OMARA register.
• 183 five-star Google reviews — one of the highest-rated migration agencies in Australia.
• Partner visa specialists — subclass 820, 801, 309, 100, and 300. Also skilled migration, family visas, parent visas, and more.
• You work directly with Danijela — not a case manager you’ve never met.
• Member of the Migration Institute of Australia — subject to the MIA Code of Conduct.
• 15+ years experience — with applicants from the Philippines, Vietnam, Lebanon, India, China, and communities across Australia and internationally.
• Offices in Melbourne, Sydney, Perth and Adelaide — with remote consultations available Australia-wide and internationally.

• Partner & Spouse Visas — Subclass 820, 801, 309, 100, and 300. Our primary speciality — for married couples, de facto couples, and those who are engaged.
• Skilled Migration — Employer-sponsored visas, skilled independent visas, and state-nominated pathways for professionals looking to work in Australia.
• Family Visas — Parent visas, child visas, and other family stream visas for bringing family members to Australia.
• Student Visas — Student visa applications and guidance for international students planning to study in Australia.
• Visa Refusals & Appeals — If your visa has been refused, we can advise on appeal options through the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT).
• Visitor & Tourist Visas — Subclass 600 visitor visa applications, including for family members of Australian residents and citizens.

Every client engagement begins with a consultation. In that session, Danijela will review your situation, confirm which visa applies to you, explain what documentation you need, give you a realistic timeline, and outline the full cost — so there are no surprises.

From there, we manage the process with you: document preparation, application lodgement, Department correspondence, and updates throughout. If anything changes in your circumstances or in immigration law that affects your application, we tell you immediately.

We work with clients in Melbourne and across Australia, as well as internationally — most of our service is delivered by phone, video call, and email, so location is not a barrier.

How do I know if a migration agent is legitimate?

Search their name or MARN (Migration Agent Registration Number) on the OMARA register at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au. Every registered agent in Australia is listed there. If they are not on the register, they are not legally permitted to charge for immigration advice. Danijela Stojanovic’s MARN is 0958278.

What is the difference between a migration agent and a solicitor?

A registered migration agent is licensed exclusively to provide immigration advice. A solicitor is a qualified lawyer who can advise on many areas of law — but unless they are also registered as a migration agent with OMARA, they cannot legally charge for immigration advice or lodge visa applications. For visa matters, a registered migration agent is the specialist you need.

Can a migration agent guarantee my visa will be granted?

No — and any agent who guarantees a visa outcome should be treated with caution. The decision to grant or refuse a visa rests entirely with the Department of Home Affairs. What a good migration agent can do is ensure your application is as strong as possible, correctly prepared, and submitted with the right supporting evidence to give you the best realistic chance of success.

Do I need a migration agent or can I apply myself?

You can apply for most Australian visas without a migration agent — it is not a legal requirement. However, visa applications are complex, and errors or missing documentation are a common cause of delays and refusals. For straightforward applications, some people manage without an agent. For partner visas, skilled migration, refusals, or any situation involving complexity, working with a registered agent significantly reduces the risk of a poor outcome.

How much does a migration agent charge?

Fees vary depending on the visa type and complexity of the application. At Stojanovic & Associates, we provide a clear fee breakdown at the consultation stage — before you commit to anything. Government application fees are separate from agent fees and are paid directly to the Department of Home Affairs.

Does Stojanovic & Associates work with clients outside Melbourne?

Yes. We have offices in Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, and Adelaide, and we work with clients across Australia and internationally. Most of our service is delivered remotely — by phone, video call, and email — so your location is not a barrier to working with us.