Caseofficers.com

 Caseofficers.com was a website I started in 2014 before I became a registered migration agent. Back then there was no way for me to become registered because of a few limitations:

a. I was not a permanent resident or citizen of Australia 

b. I had not yet studied the formal 6-month course (now 12 months) and had not yet taken the dreaded Capstone Assessment for migration agents to become a registered migration agent (although in the past it might interest you to know that the earlier registered migration agents only needed to complete a 1-day seminar! Yep, you read that right.)

So all I had back then was practical experience and skills as a former case officer for DIBP (now called DHA), and a completed and signed Form 956A authorising me to represent my clients in their dealings with the Department. Yes, I was an "unregistered agent". They make it sound so bad now when someone is an unregistered agent. Like someone dodgy. But honestly, how can someone overseas become a registered migration agent if they are limited by their nationality or lack of Australian visa status? The rules are pretty one-sided.

But I do understand where these rules are coming from. They are coming from Australia. And the regulating bodies of Australia (i.e.: OMARA) do not want to be responsible for a lot of agents all over the world. They do not have the resource or capacity. Can you imagine if people no longer had these limitations and all that was required was to complete the knowledge course and have a certain English language level? It would be a piece of cake for the academically and linguistically gifted people. 

I would like to see this happen because I don't believe that all unregistered agents are dodgy. I know I wasn't. It is one of the reasons why I made it a goal to become registered. I knew I couldn't change the system being on the outside. Now things are different and I would like to give unregistered agents a chance. Because I know there are a lot of talented and skilled people out there just like me who just need the right support. 

To wrap it up, if you go to the website caseofficers.com you will be redirected here to migrationagent.page because whilst I am now a registered migration agent, I will always be, a case officer.

Whilst I have shared my experiences and the challenges of becoming a registered migration agent, I want to emphasise the importance of adhering to all current regulations set forth by OMARA and the Australian government. Operating within the legal framework is crucial, not only to uphold the integrity of the migration advice profession but also to ensure the utmost protection and guidance for clients. I strongly advocate for compliance and ethical practice. If registration is currently out of reach for you, I strongly encourage associating yourself with an agent of integrity. This approach can be a valuable interim solution while you work towards meeting the requirements. My journey to registration was driven by a commitment to these standards, and I am committed to helping others achieve the same level of professional excellence.

UPDATE: I have retired the website caseofficers.com ... Please go to www.enhancent.com.au if you need visa assistance. Thank you!

Kind regards

Carol

RMA, MARN 2014515