Legal does not mean official
A private agent may lawfully charge for help, yet it is not the government. Its fee can sit on top of the visa, ETA or permit charge. Ask for the government fee and service fee as separate figures before you pay.
Using an agent does not improve the decision. Canada says hiring a representative does not draw special attention to an application and does not mean it will be approved 2. Australia's regulator says a registered migration agent cannot guarantee faster processing or a visa grant 5.
Rules in four systems
| System | Who may provide paid help | Official check |
|---|---|---|
| Australia | Registered migration agents and Australian legal practitioners | OMARA register 1 |
| Canada | Authorized consultants, lawyers, paralegals and Quebec notaries | Canada.ca check 2 |
| United Kingdom | IAA-regulated advisers and approved legal professionals | GOV.UK adviser finder 3 |
| EU ETIAS | A commercial intermediary authorized by the traveller | Official ETIAS site 4 |
What official rules require
Australia says only registered migration agents, legal practitioners and exempt persons can lawfully give immigration assistance. An exempt person who is not an agent or lawyer must not charge 1.
Canada says a paid representative must be authorized. It lists members of a provincial or territorial law society, Quebec notaries and members of the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants 2.
In the UK, use the GOV.UK service to find an adviser registered with the Immigration Advice Authority. Certain legal professionals are regulated by approved bodies 3.
Agents for online travel authorisations
Some short online authorisations permit third-party applications. EU guidance says a friend, family member or commercial intermediary can apply for ETIAS when authorized by the traveller. Both parties must sign a declaration of representation 4.
The same guidance says the official ETIAS fee is €20 once applications open. Any extra amount goes to the intermediary. It advises checking the service, extra charges and handling of personal data 4.
A practical agent check
- Search the regulator's register using the person's name and registration number 1,3.
- Ask for a written agreement showing the work, service fee and government charges 5.
- Keep control of the email address used in the application 4.
- Pay through a traceable method and keep the receipt.
- Reject promises of guaranteed approval or special access to faster processing 5.
- Check the result on the official government system.
Common questions
Is every visa agent a scam?
No. Several countries regulate lawful representatives. Check the official register before paying 1,2 3.
Do I need an agent to apply?
Often no. Canada says forms and instructions are free, and Australia says you do not have to use an agent 2,5.
Can an agent charge more than the visa fee?
Yes, if the extra amount is a disclosed service fee permitted by local law. For ETIAS, any amount above €20 goes to the intermediary 4.
Can an agent guarantee approval?
No. Australia's regulator says using an agent does not guarantee faster processing or a visa grant 5.
Check before you pay. Rules and fees change. Confirm the details on the official site linked below. Spotted an error? Email [email protected] with the official link.
Evidence
Official sources
- Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority: Getting help from someone not registered (accessed 19 October 2026)
- Government of Canada: Learn about immigration representatives (accessed 19 October 2026)
- GOV.UK: Find an immigration adviser (accessed 19 October 2026)
- European Union: ETIAS frequently asked questions (accessed 19 October 2026)
- Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority: How registered agents can help (accessed 19 October 2026)