Most people who give migration advice in Australia are required to be registered migration agents. This system was introduced to protect people from unscrupulous migration advisers.

Federal and state public servants, the electoral office staff of members of parliament, and lawyers providing assistance in connection with court proceedings do not have to be registered.

It is an offence to provide advice about visa applications or sponsorship or assist in the preparation of visa applications without being a registered migration agent or falling under one of the exceptional categories.