agents within The Department (to which it belongs)and other bodies such as prosecuting or regulatory authorities to address the activities of agents outside its mandate; consumers understand their rights and their obligations and agents understand their obligations and their rights under the regulatory framework. Registration requirements Migration Agents registered before July 2006 were not required to undertake any formal studies. A multiple-choice exam called the MAPKEE was used as the measure of knowledge of immigration rules and procedures. Since then new applicants must either have a current practising certificate as a lawyer or must undertake a Graduate Certificate in Australian Migration Law and Practice. All registered migration agents are required to complete approved continuing professional development (CPD) each year prior to re-registration. The OMARA also regulates organisations that provide CPD activities to registered migration agents. In the States of New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland and South Australia, practising lawyers may also apply for accreditation as specialists in Australian immigration law. Sanctions The Office has the power to place sanctions on agents who they determine do not act either ethically, honestly, legally or in the best interests of their clients. These sanction can include a caution, registration suspension and cancellation. Registered Agents can appeal sanction decisions which they believe have been made in error by the OMARA. Similar bodies in other countries In New Zealand, The Immigration Advisers Authority (IAA) performs a similar function to the OMARA, as does the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) in the United Kingdom and the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC) in Canada. However, in both countries practising lawyers are regulated by their own professional bodies. In the United States, only practicing lawyers may perform such functions. See also Immigration to Australia Department of Home Affairs References External links Australian migration law Commonwealth Government agencies of Australia Migration-related organisations based in Australia Government agencies established in 2009 2009 establishments in Australia