If you’re planning to move from Dubai to Canada or Australia, choosing the right immigration consultant or migration agent is an important step. One of the first things you should check is whether the professional handling your immigration matter is properly registered or authorised to provide the relevant immigration assistance.
For Canada, you may come across CICC and RCIC when researching immigration consultants. For Australia, you’ll commonly see OMARA and MARN. Understanding what these terms mean can help you make a more informed decision before hiring an immigration professional.
What Is CICC? Understanding Canadian Immigration Consultant Registration
CICC stands for the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants, which regulates Canadian immigration and citizenship consultants. Professionals licensed by CICC are known as Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) and must follow professional standards and a code of conduct. If you’re seeking Canadian immigration representation, always check that the consultant is properly authorised to provide the service you need.
How to Verify a CICC Consultant
Before hiring a consultant, you can check the official CICC public register. Search using the consultant’s name or licence details and review their current registration information.
You should check:
- Current licence or registration status
- Licence number
- Professional information
- Any available disciplinary information
- Whether the consultant is authorised to provide the service you require
Checking the official register gives you an independent way to confirm the professional’s credentials instead of relying only on information provided by a consultancy.
What Is MARA/OMARA? Understanding Australian Migration Agent Registration
For Australia, you may come across MARA and OMARA. OMARA stands for the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority.
Registered migration agents have a Migration Agent Registration Number (MARN) and must meet the applicable registration and professional requirements. If you’re planning to use a migration agent, it’s important to check their current registration and professional details before proceeding.
How to Verify a MARA-Registered Agent
You can use the official migration agent register to search for an agent by name or MARN.
Before proceeding, check:
- Current registration status
- MARN
- Professional details
- Areas of practice or relevant information
- Any available disciplinary or registration information
Always make sure the professional’s current registration details match the services you are seeking.
CICC vs MARA: Key Differences
CICC and OMARA operate within different immigration systems, but both provide mechanisms for regulating relevant immigration professionals.
| Factor | CICC – Canada | OMARA/MARA – Australia |
| Country | Canada | Australia |
| Professional | RCIC / licensed immigration consultant | Registered migration agent |
| Registration identifier | CICC licence details | MARN |
| Main purpose | Regulates Canadian immigration and citizenship consultants | Registration and regulation of migration agents |
| Public register | Available | Available |
| Professional standards | Code of Professional Conduct | Registration and professional requirements |
| Complaints | Formal complaint process | Formal complaint process |
The biggest practical difference for an applicant is the country and immigration system involved. If your matter concerns Canada, you should understand the relevant Canadian regulatory framework. If it concerns Australia, check the Australian registration framework and the agent’s current details.
Why Verified Registration Matters for Dubai Immigration Applicants
Dubai has a large community of people planning to work, study, visit or settle abroad. With many immigration service providers available, it can be difficult to know which professional is suitable for your specific situation.
Checking registration is one useful part of your due diligence.
A verified professional can provide greater transparency about:
- Their professional credentials
- Their registration status
- The services they provide
- Their professional responsibilities
- The relevant complaint or regulatory process
However, registration alone should not be the only factor you consider. You should also review the consultant’s experience, services, fees, agreement and communication before making a decision.
How to Verify an Immigration Consultant or Migration Agent
Before signing an agreement, follow these simple steps:
1. Ask for Registration Details
Ask for the consultant’s or agent’s full name, registration number and credentials so you can verify them independently.
2. Check the Official Register
Search their details on the relevant official register rather than relying only on information provided by the consultant.
3. Confirm Current Status
Make sure their registration or licence is currently active before proceeding.
4. Check the Relevant Service
Confirm that their experience and authorisation match the type of immigration service or visa you need.
5. Review the Agreement and Fees
Before making payment, clearly understand the services, professional fees and any additional costs included in the agreement.
Red Flags to Watch Before Hiring an Immigration Consultant
Registration is important, but there are other warning signs applicants should be aware of.
Red Flag #1: No Clear Registration Details
If someone claims to be a regulated immigration professional but does not provide verifiable registration details, ask questions before proceeding.
Red Flag #2: They Discourage Verification
You should be able to independently verify professional credentials. Be cautious if someone tells you that checking their registration is unnecessary.
Red Flag #3: Guaranteed Visa Approval
Immigration decisions are made by the relevant government authority. No consultant or agent can control the final decision.
Be careful with claims such as “100% visa guarantee” or “guaranteed PR.”
Red Flag #4: Unclear Fees
Ask for a clear breakdown of professional fees, government charges and any additional costs before starting the process.
Red Flag #5: No Written Agreement
Make sure you understand the services being provided and the terms before making a commitment.
Canada vs Australia: Which Registration Do You Need?
The relevant registration depends on your destination and the type of immigration assistance you are seeking.
If You’re Applying for Canada
If you choose professional immigration representation, check whether the individual is a CICC-licensed consultant/RCIC or otherwise authorised under Canadian law to provide the relevant service.
You can also apply for many Canadian immigration programs yourself without hiring a representative.
If You’re Applying for Australia
If you choose to use a migration agent, check their MARN and current registration status through the relevant Australian register.
You can also submit many Australian visa applications yourself, depending on your circumstances.
The important point is to understand who is handling your application, what they are authorised to do and what responsibilities they have.
The Complete Migration: Our Credentials & Verification
At The Complete Migration, we believe applicants should be able to verify professional credentials independently.
If you are considering our services, we encourage you to check the relevant registration details of the professionals handling your Canadian or Australian immigration matter through the appropriate official registers.
For transparency, applicants should verify:
- The professional’s full name
- Registration or licence number
- Current registration status
- Relevant professional credentials
- The services they are providing
Rather than simply taking a consultancy’s word for its credentials, checking the official register gives you an independent way to confirm the information.
Frequently Asked Questions About CICC and MARA
What is CICC?
CICC stands for the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants. It regulates Canadian immigration and citizenship consultants.
What is MARA?
MARA commonly refers to the Migration Agents Registration Authority in Australia. OMARA is the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority.
What is the difference between CICC and MARA?
CICC relates to the regulation of Canadian immigration and citizenship consultants, while OMARA/MARA relates to the registration and regulation of migration agents in Australia.
How can I verify a CICC consultant?
Use the official CICC public register and search using the consultant’s name or licence details.
How can I verify a MARA-registered agent?
Use the official Australian migration agent register and search using the agent’s name or MARN.
What is a MARN?
MARN stands for Migration Agent Registration Number. It is the registration number associated with a registered Australian migration agent.
Can one professional be registered for both Canada and Australia?
Yes, a professional may hold relevant credentials for both countries. If so, verify their current status separately under each applicable regulatory system.
Do I need an immigration consultant for Canada?
Not necessarily. Many applicants can submit their applications themselves. If you choose professional representation, make sure you understand the representative’s credentials and role.
Do I need a migration agent for Australia?
Not necessarily. You can submit many visa applications yourself. If you use a migration agent, verify their current registration and relevant professional details.
What should I check before hiring an immigration consultant?
Check their registration or authorisation, experience, services, fees, written agreement and any available disciplinary or professional information.
What to Check Before Choosing an Immigration Consultant
Choosing an immigration consultant or migration agent is an important decision when planning to move from Dubai to another country.
Before hiring anyone, verify their professional credentials, current registration status, services, fees, and agreement through the relevant official register.
For Canada, check the CICC/RCIC framework. For Australia, verify the agent’s OMARA registration and MARN where applicable.
At The Complete Migration, we believe in transparency and encourage applicants to verify our professionals’ credentials before making a decision. Need guidance with your Canada or Australia immigration plans? Our team is here to help.
Contact The Complete Migration:
Phone: +971 56 520 9898
Email: info@thecompletemigration.com
Address: 2A, 2nd Floor, Dubai Creek Tower, 1st Street, Riggat Al Buteen, Dubai, UAE
Verify first. Understand the process. Then make an informed decision.
