Written by Immigrad · Registered Migration Agent · MARN 1805710 · Last updated November 2026
Yes. The Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (OMARA) says you can choose a registered migration agent who works in Australia even if you live overseas, and communicate by email, telephone and video calls. The same applies to employers and applicants in a different Australian city. What matters is that the agent is registered and experienced in your visa type.
This is general information only. Complex cases need personal advice from a registered migration agent.
Why location matters less than registration
OMARA describes agents who work in Australia, agents who work outside Australia and agents who work for non-commercial organisations. It encourages people to search the public Register of migration agents and to choose someone who suits their needs, which can include language, visa type and where the agent is based. Nothing in that guidance requires the agent to be in your suburb or city.
For employer-sponsored visas, much of the work is documents, online lodgement and conversations with the business and the worker. These steps can be handled remotely. A video call can walk through sponsorship approval, nomination and the worker’s visa application, and documents can be exchanged securely online.
Do I need a migration agent in my own city?
No. The Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (OMARA) states that you can choose a registered migration agent based in Australia even if you live overseas, and communicate by email, telephone and video calls. The same applies between Australian cities. What matters is that the agent is registered and suits your visa type.
Can a registered migration agent work with me if I live outside Australia?
Yes. OMARA notes that many registered migration agents live and work in Australia and assist clients overseas by email, telephone and video, and that some agents are based outside Australia. You can search the public Register of migration agents to find a suitable agent.
How do I check that an agent is registered?
Search the Register of migration agents maintained by OMARA before you engage anyone. Immigrad has a separate guide to checking registration. Only registered agents can lawfully provide migration advice for a fee, so a registration check is a sensible first step whether you meet face to face or by video. See how to check an Australian migration agent is registered and how to choose a migration agent for an employer-sponsored visa.
Does working by video change how an employer-sponsored application is handled?
Not in principle. An employer-sponsored matter is handled through documents, online lodgement and conversations with the business and the worker, which can all take place remotely. Complex cases still need personal advice from a registered migration agent, who can explain what suits your circumstances.
Immigrad is based in Norwest, Sydney, and works with employers and applicants across Australia by video. To discuss your situation with a registered migration agent, contact Immigrad.