New 2026 Australian Migration Agents Registration Application Charge Regulations Announced

The Honourable Sam Mostyn AC, Governor General of the Commonwealth of Australia, has officially made the Migration Agents Registration Application Charge Regulations 2026. Registered on 23 February 2026, this updated legislative framework is scheduled to commence on 1 April 2026. Operating under the authority of the Migration Agents Registration Application Charge Act 1997, the new rules outline updated fee structures and operational definitions for professionals in the immigration sector.

Updated Application Charges

The regulations establish a clear distinction between agents operating commercially and those working on a non commercial basis. The comprehensive fee structure is detailed below.

Defining Commercial Status Transitions

A critical aspect of the 2026 update is the precise definition of when an agent is considered to begin giving immigration assistance on a commercial or for profit basis. The regulations state this change in status begins on the earliest of the following days:

• 1.The first day the agent provides a client with an estimate of fees prior to commencing work.
• 2.The first day the agent actively charges a client a fee for services provided.
• 3.The day the agent becomes a member of or associated with an organisation that provides assistance on a commercial or for profit basis.
• 4.The day the agent ceases to give assistance solely as part of a charity or an organisation operating on a non commercial or non profit basis for the benefit of the Australian community.

Repeals and Transitional Arrangements

With the rollout of the 2026 regulations, the former Migration Agents Registration Application Charge Regulations 1998 are officially repealed.

To ensure a smooth shift, transitional provisions have been included. If a registered migration agent has already paid the non commercial application charge for a registration period that includes the 1 April 2026 commencement date, the rules from the repealed 1998 regulations will continue to govern their current period until it concludes.