Julian Hill, Assistant Minister for Citizenship, Customs and Multicultural Affairs, has officially made the Migration Agents (CPD Activities, Approval of CPD Providers and CPD Provider Standards) Instrument 2026. This legislative instrument is scheduled to commence on 1 April 2026. The updated framework replaces and repeals the Migration Agents (IMMI 17/047: CPD Activities, Approval of CPD Providers and CPD Provider Standards) Instrument 2017.
CPD Activities and Point Allocations
The instrument outlines clear criteria for how registered migration agents can earn Continuing Professional Development points. If an agent completes online learning, the activity is worth a maximum of 6 points within any continuous 24 hour period.
Category A Activities
- •Workshops: Must be conducted in real time by a facilitator either face to face or online, with a maximum of 30 participants. Worth 1 point per hour.
- •Accredited Units: An accredited unit in a program of learning is worth 5 points per successfully completed unit.
Category B Activities
- •Conferences and Seminars: Must be conducted in real time by a facilitator. Worth 1 point per 1.5 hours of participation.
- •Private Study: Must include an assessment and be completed within 12 months of enrolment. Successful completion awards 1 point per 1.5 hours spent.
Mandatory CPD Requirements
Migration agents must complete specific mandatory activities as part of their registration renewal.
- •Agents must earn a minimum of 5 points from activities marked as Category A.
- •Agents must earn 1 point for an activity relating to ethical standards for migration agents, up to a total of 2 points combined with the Code of Conduct requirement.
- •Agents must earn 1 point for an activity relating to the Code of Conduct.
CPD Provider Approvals and Operational Standards
Organisations seeking approval to become CPD providers must pay an application fee of $1,240. Approved providers must adhere to rigorous operational and integrity standards.
- •Providers must commence delivering CPD activities within six months of approval and must not cease operations for a period of 12 months or more.
- •Physical learning environments for face to face activities must be quiet, have adequate seating, proper lighting, ventilation, and a comfortable room temperature.
- •Cancellation policies must dictate that fees paid in advance are protected, enabling participants to obtain a full refund if the provider cancels the CPD activity.
- •Marketing materials must clearly identify the provider name, specify the duration and type of activity, and state the number of points the activity is worth.
- •Providers are required to keep specific records, including participant feedback, completion evidence, learning materials, and presenter details, for a minimum period of 2 years.
- •The successful completion of a CPD activity by a registered migration agent must be electronically notified to the Authority within 14 days.
Official Reference Summary
- Instrument Name: Migration Agents (CPD Activities, Approval of CPD Providers and CPD Provider Standards) Instrument 2026
- Commencement Date: 1 April 2026
- Authority: Migration Act 1958
- Repealed Instrument: Migration Agents (IMMI 17/047: CPD Activities, Approval of CPD Providers and CPD Provider Standards) Instrument 2017
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For personalised guidance on migration agent CPD requirements, please contact our team.