What is the difference between a registered migration agent and an immigration lawyer?

Chances are that unless you deal with registered migration agents (RMA) and immigration lawyers on a regular basis, you do not know what the difference is between the two.

What are the differences?

Only RMAs can legally give immigration assistance in Australia. An immigration lawyer may be an RMA, or not. Immigration lawyers who aren't RMAs can't give some forms of immigration assistance. "Immigration assistance" involves assisting with visa applications or other visa matters including:

• preparing, or helping to prepare, a visa, nomination or sponsorship application; and,
• advising a visa applicant or sponsor about a visa or sponsorship application or visa matter.

Immigration lawyers who aren't RMAs can be involved in and appear in court, and review proceedings involving visa issues. They can't advise on or prepare visa applications.