Registered migration agents provide immigration assistance to those living locally and abroad. While study is a large component of qualifying as a migration agent, in order for a migration agent to become registered and be able to provide advice to clients, they must undertake the Capstone assessment.
What is the Capstone assessment?
The Capstone tests the migration agent’s knowledge and skills. The Capstone is a stand-alone assessment, similar to that undertaken by a lawyer, giving candidates the opportunity to demonstrate they can provide professional advice on Australian migration matters. The Capstone is run by only one provider selected by the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (OMARA).
The Capstone assessment has four components.
1. Online formative assessment
2. Written assessment – Part 1
3. Written assessment – Part 2
4. Oral Assessment
Online formative assessment
The first step in the Capstone assessment is an online formative session. This module is not graded and does not contribute to the candidate’s final result. The purpose of this auto marked assessment is to enable candidates to check their knowledge and readiness to undertake the graded, online assessment components.
Written assessment – Part 1
The first part of the written assessment is an online exam consisting of 25 multiple choice questions and five short answer questions. Candidates have two hours to complete the exam.
Written assessment – Part 2
The second part of the written assessment requires candidates to complete a two hour online open book, case study exam.
Oral assessment
The oral assessment is the final component of the Capstone and is a one-hour assessment involving a simulated client scenario. The assessor will pose a series of questions in an interview style situation.
In order to pass the Capstone, candidates must pass all three assessments although they do not need to pass all components in the same round. If a candidate does not pass one or more components of the assessment, they may re-sit those modules in a future Capstone intake. In order for already passed components to be honoured the candidate must pass all three components in a 12-month period.
When using a reputable migration agent, you can rest assured that they have undergone the necessary training and assessment to provide you with optimal service.
If you would like to speak with a registered migration agent, contact Visa Solutions on 1800 828 008.
Travel Exemptions
While Australian borders are currently closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, travel exemptions may apply under the following circumstances:
– A traveller has a compassionate or compelling reason to visit Australia
– Overseas workers holding a Subclass 482 or 400 visa are required to undertake a job in Australia that cannot be filled by a local employee
Visa Solutions Australia has been successful in acquiring a broad range of exemptions, from critical workers to those needing to travel on compassionate grounds.
