For instance, the Australian visa application system is very strict, and missing out on a single requirement might earn you a refusal. This post isn’t about how amazing I think Veronika from Sort Out My Visa is (although she totally is! Applying for some visas can be relatively straight forward, such as a holiday visa however other visa applications can be incredibly complicated and require an in-depth knowledge of the specific countries laws and visa processes. 5 Reasons Why You Should Use a Migration Agent to Lodge Your Australian Visa 1: Cuts the confusion and makes the process simple and easy for you.. Our country boasts world class universities, and our economy has weathered the global financial crisis better than perhaps any other in the world. Migration law in Australia is known to be one of the most complex areas of law if not the most complex. I had others who told me I needed to go back to their website and check their little quiz to see what that said (even though I was calling to explain that we didn’t have a clear pathway and needed help working it out.) So, in case there’s an issue, they resolve it from the start to increase your chances of success. The visa application process may seem simple but they are very complex. Why Use a Migration Agent? 1. Australian visa laws are constantly changing and we can assure you that our professional service ensures we are constantly up to date with these changes. Before you apply for a visa, you must consider all the available options. Ask them if they charge extra to answer questions. By optional, I mean you don’t HAVE to take a shipping container of your belongings to Australia, you don’t HAVE to use a migration agent and you don’t HAVE to take your pet. A migration agent has been on the job for the longest time, and so, they’re quite familiar with the dos and the don’ts. Your visa application is more likely to be successful if you use a Registered Migration Agent. © 2021 Smart Steps to Australia/Karen Bleakley | Jan Henry Design. Or worse still, you may find your skills assessment is rejected because, perhaps, you chose the wrong occupation to apply for. Currently, hundreds of lawyers simultaneously hold licenses as qualified migration agents. It isn’t in a good agent’s interests to take someone’s money if they are going to be rejected. Because a Registered Migration Agent has expert knowledge of the law. However, if your application is refused, it can be very costly. Call for a chat and get a feel for them. While most people prefer applying for a visa by themselves, the requirements are quite complicated, and they may end up with unexpected results. Why use a registered migration agent? It’s without a doubt that migration agents have the necessary expertise to help you navigate through the application process. In addition to this, the migration professional will help you keep your options open so that in case of any changes, you’re not left hanging in the event that the main option becomes invalid. You need to find the right agent for your needs, and the only way you will know that is by speaking to a few. See if you can find any good or bad reviews. Someone who sounds good online, might not be so helpful in reality. What might work for one person, might not be the right fit for you. It may seem like you are saving money by completing the application yourself. Better still, they can escalate issues to the management, in case there’s a problem to be resolved. There are also lots of ‘optional’ costs. To have a chance of being successful in your visa application, you need up to date and accurate advice which can only come from a Registered Migration Agent such as Australian Skilled Migration. Why use an Australian immigration lawyer or migration agent? In case you didn’t know, a visa application can be much more complex and daunting than you thought. They helped us put together a strong skills assessment application for the electrical engineering technician occupation which meant we were able to apply for a 189 visa instead of being restricted with moving to the NT or ACT where jobs were likely to be more limited. Here’s why you should use a registered migration agent: Save Time and Money; Browsing through Australia’s rules and laws on migration and visas is a time-consuming process. Using a Registered Migration Agent like Friederike Kuehn will reduce the possibility that the visa application will be invalid or even refused. Another told me with 100% certainty that we were eligible under the avionics skill but only if we moved to Western Australia (which I knew was wrong as avionics was only an option in Northern Territory and ACT at the time!) The Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (‘OMARA’) defines a migration agent as an individual who uses “their knowledge of Australia’s migration procedures to supply advice or assistance to a person wishing to get a visa or enter or remain in Australia. Australia & New Zealand magazine articles, Migration Mastermind: Create a life you love in Australia, Values and Vision of Smart Steps to Australia, shipping container of your belongings to Australia, Here are some endorsements from my readers about Veronika Hurbis from Sort Out My Visa that you might like to check out. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Avoid a higher risk of refusal, save time and stress. It took about six months from sending off the skills assessment paperwork to being granted our visa (this was in 2013/2014). Applying for some visas can be relatively straight forward, such as a holiday visa however other visa applications can be incredibly complicated and require an in-depth knowledge of the specific countries laws and visa processes. Also, good agents will turn down clients if they don’t think have a chance of a successful application. Office of Migration Agents Registration Authority (OMARA) released average fees that migration agents charged in 2015 – for different visa categories. Below we list our top four reasons why hiring a Migration Agent is the best thing you can do when migrating to Australia. Save you from confusion. In an attempt to slow down the spread of COVID-19, most countries have implemented restrictions on visa issuance, and you need to know about these changes before making an application. It really lightens the load to know that a migration expert is leading on the application for you and all you need to do is provide the information they need when they request it. Are you confused by the visa requirements and worried about whether you are doing the right thing and whether your application could be rejected because you have made a mistake? They’ll ensure your case is properly documented to limit the requests from the migration department. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. And, ‘if you choose to use a migration agent, you should use a registered migration agent.’ You can make a visa application without the use of a migration agent, but we think you should think about the following reasons why you should use a registered migration agent. Why Migration Lawyers at No Borders will keep your future secure. Some clients find this difficult to understand and may make complaints against agents because they refused to help them. Content online can go out of date quickly, so always make sure it is correct right now. That figure terrified the living daylights out of me, and it had scared her enough to put her off her dream while she saved up (NB: this conversation was 4 – 5 years ago and she still hasn’t moved. Why Use a Migration Agent? The difference between the agents I spoke to was astounding. Please note, is not compulsory to use a Registered Migration Agent for your Visa however, up to 30% of all independent visa applications fail and it is in your best interest to speak with one of the migration specialists at Australian Skilled Migration before taking any further steps or risking significant financial losses. It always pays to explore a few different opinions. Why Use A Registered Migration Agent Australian Immigration law is very complex and is also constantly changing. Your email address will not be published. Well, it’s not that they have a special relationship with the department, but since they know all that’s required, they’ll ensure the process is seamless. Why Should I use an Australian Migration Agent? Deciding whether to go through a Migration Lawyer or a Migration Agent? (Providing you have carefully chosen a professional migration agent, that is.) I had one agent tell me we weren’t eligible full stop and there was nothing we could do. I do wonder whether being told that fee put her off so much that she just crossed the dream off her list altogether as it was so out of reach). Firstly, with about 100 visa subclasses available in Australia, it can be hard to navigate which visa subclass is most appropriate for you. Migration Rules Are Dynamic; There's always something new in the migration landscape. No matter how hard your immigration case is, it is quite likely, that your registered migration agent has worked a similar matter in the past. It may sound like I’m contradicting myself here, but JUST using a migration agent isn’t enough. Our skills assessment was accepted quickly and they went on to successfully secure our 189 visa a few weeks later. Selecting your migration agent is something you should spend some time getting right. They only move forward with applications that will pass the test. Speak to the agent on the phone. There are 3 main reasons why you should use a registered migration agent. Choose wisely! Emigrating is a very expensive process, so it is understandable that people try to keep the costs down as much as possible and cut back on fees where they can. I was starting to lose all hope when I found Sort Out My Visa advertised in Australia and New Zealand magazine. BMS always advises the clients to use the services of a Registered Migration Agent (RMA) or Australian Lawyer because only the RMA or Australian Lawyer is well versed with the migration law and therefore the complexity of the migration procedures. Here’s why you should apply for a visa through a migration agent. If you are a potential migrant or visa applicant you can obtain an assessment of your visa options by consulting with a qualified Migration Agent. Something else to be aware of is that often MARA registered agents will pass their workload on to assistants that aren’t MARA agents. Why use a migration agent? Delays could cause all kinds of issues depending on your circumstances – it could mean you lose a job offer, or it could set back your house sale, or a medical issue could arise out of the blue that means you are no longer eligible to move or delays could stop your move altogether if your occupation gets taken off the list or they change the points needed to apply. Wondering why to use a migration agent? We often respond then ask – Why use a Doctor? It’s quite daunting to apply for a visa by yourself, and you might get a refusal at the end of the process. But don’t believe just us. It’s Hassle Free. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. According to Government statistics, around 75% of people applying for an employer-sponsored visa use a Registered Migration Agent to lode their application. Often clients ask us, Why cant I do the application myself when my English is good or my first language? There is only one downside to using a professional immigration agent, and that is the cost. As such, it might be difficult to discuss any circumstance applying specifically to your case. Just sit back and let Ready Migration handle it. Why Use a Migration Agent. This isn’t a problem if the person who will be assisting is experienced and knows what they are doing, but it is something to be aware of as the person you speak to might not be the person helping with your application. Dealing with the Department of Immigration can be difficult on a number of levels. Well, you can still follow up on these changes, but since you're preoccupied with other things, you might not get the time to do this. Migration agents can help you navigate the complex world of visa applications. There are also other reasons why you should use an Australian agent: A Registered Migration Agent must also follow a Code of Conduct. Why Use a Migration Agent? Click the button below to download my list of questions to ask potential migration agents, Your email address will not be published. The Australian Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) says on its web-site that a person does ‘… not need to use a migration agent to apply for any visa.’ And, ‘if you choose to use a migration agent, you should use a registered migration agent.’ Therefore, don’t hesitate to let a migration agent initiate your visa application. Here are a few tips to you get started when looking for an agent, You should do some basic research online before you start making calls. And then there are people who have agents that keep charging more and more to answer every little question. Why Use a Migration Agent or Immigration Lawyer? I personally feel the value we received from our agent went way beyond the money it cost us. When you’re going through something totally new – like Australian visa paperwork and moving to a whole new country – having someone who can give you accurate and detailed Australian visa advice makes everything much easier and less stressful. Currently, hundreds of lawyers simultaneously hold licenses as qualified migration agents. There are three fundamental reasons why you should be using a migration agent to prepare and lodge your application for you. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. This means if the agent breaches the code, then you can... Professional indemnity insurance is mandatory.. Personally, I feel like it is too important to skimp on the most important aspect of your move. Only registered migration agents can give you immigration assistance. Outside Australia +613 9573 5200 | Call Us at 1300 887 818. Why Should I use an Australian Migration Agent? It’s quite stressful to become a permanent resident in Australia, and so, you’ll find the services of a migration agent useful. A registered migration agent is bound by the regulations set out by the Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA) in its Code of Conduct. If you are one of those people, you might consider getting a migration agent to handle your Australian immigration applications and forms for you. Why Use a Migration Agent? While this is good news for those who like accessing things at a click, it’s sometimes difficult to reach them in case you have a query. Appointment Hours. It scares me how much power agents have to put an end to your dream by giving you misleading or incorrect information.). Why not use Google to diagnose one self? Welcome to Our Consultation Booking Page! A question that I am asked a lot is: how important is it to use a migration agent? Why you should use a Migration Agent Applying for a Visa can be a daunting and anxiety provoking task. As a registered Australian migration agent, I’m often asked by prospective clients whether they should use an agent or go it alone. And some just wanted us to sign on the dotted line to get our cash. Why Should I use an Australian Migration Agent? Cost Effective. INTRODUCTION. Even if you are confident with applications, it might be a good idea to avail the services of a migration agent. Applicants can be requested to provide more information or attend interviews – a migration agent is in the best position to guide applicants through these situations. There are also other reasons why you should use an Australian agent: A Registered Migration Agent must also follow a Code of Conduct. We are up to date with all changes to the migration legislation both when we give you initial advice and during the... We will advise you of the most appropriate class of visa for you personally. After speaking to them, we realised they were the agents for us. I have lots of friends who have migrated to Australia without the help of an agent. Contact us. A registered migration agent is a professional who can use their expertise to ensure that your visa or citizenship application process proceeds as smoothly as possible. Why Use A Migration Agent Why you should use a migration agent… Mostly because they understand what’s required when you’re considering moving to Australia and using a migration agent will save you time and stress. The visa is just paperwork, after all, and, if you’re confident at filling out forms and Googling for answers every step of the way, there is every chance you could do your own application. and not bothered going any further. Why use a Registered Migration Agent. Press; Meet The Team; Why Choose Us? If you choose to do the application yourself, remember that the fee you pay during the application is non-refundable. Why Use Migration Agent Although you do not have to use a registered migration agent to lodge your visa application, they might be able to help you if your case is complex or you require immigration assistance. 1. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. There are a number of reasons why people choose to use the services of a Registered Migration Agent when making a visa application. With an increasing number of visa applications every other day, the migration department is becoming less accessible. These include: Knowing Australian Immigration Laws. If you are a potential migrant or visa applicant you can obtain an assessment of your visa options by consulting with a qualified Migration Agent. Why Use a Migration Agent? If you’d like to speak to Veronika Hurbis of Sort Out My Visa, you can send her an initial inquiry email her through this page. Google the company name. What are the pros and cons of using a migration agent? I didn’t know anybody who had used a migration agent before so I literally just hit Google and looked at adverts in Australia and New Zealand magazine. However, agents cost a lot less than you might think and they do take a lot of work out of your hands, ensure the visa process runs smoothly and they get your visa through as quickly as possible. Why Use a Migration Agent or Immigration Lawyer? They’ll ensure all the necessary documents are uploaded and that the visa application has sufficient evidence. A large number of applicants are unaware of and surprised by how strictly Australian immigration regulations are enforced. Why Use a Migration Agent? Why I think using a migration agent is a good idea Here are some reasons why I believe it is a good idea to employ a reliable migration agent: You will have someone who knows what they are talking about at the end of the phone/email throughout your move (and beyond, if … You don't have to use a migration agent to apply for a visa but if you do, you should use a registered migration agent. Why use a registered migration agent? It’s better to choose an agent that turns people down for the right reasons than an agent that accepts everybody regardless! The paperwork involved in emigrating is massive and it can be difficult to navigate without help. Ask for a breakdown of their fee structure so you can see where the different stage payments need to be made (alarm bells should ring if they expect too much money up front – it should be broken down into stage payments. I just hit publish on my ultimate beach packing li, Good job this guy is cute as I haven’t slept for, Have you ever seen such a beautiful sight?! If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.) A registered Results Migration Agent will help ease this process, they can deal directly with the Department, ensure your rights are protected and that you achieve the outcome you desire. As such, there’s no trial-and-error for them. This is your dream. Understand how they can help with your partner visa! Getting a fee list will also show you which are their core services. Why Use a Migration Agent? There are offices where there may only be one agent and a number of sales/admin staff. This post will explain more about the pros and cons of using a migration agent/immigration agent and, more importantly, how to choose the right migration agent if you decide to go down that route. You don’t have to use a migration agent, but you should use a registered migration agent to act on behalf of your immigration matters. Practical Experience . Make an Enquiry; Testimonials ; Blog; Contact . Australia’s immigration rules are complex and subject to frequent change. Additionally, a visa refusal might tarnish your immigration record and affect your chances of success in the future. (If I hadn’t done my own research before I started making my calls, I could have believed the agent who told me we weren’t eligible and given up on our dream altogether. (Here are some endorsements from my readers about Veronika Hurbis from Sort Out My Visa that you might like to check out.). Australian Visa Consultants has a very high success rate for all categories of temporary and permanent visas. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. There are lots of people who’ve messaged me privately in the Move to Australia Facebook group who have paid and lost money to immigration agents. Immigration assistance is: help to prepare a visa application Australian visa laws are constantly changing and we can assure you that our professional service ensures we are constantly up to date with these changes. However, we do guarantee that we will fully assess your information and provide you with our recommendation regarding your best options for obtaining a visa. Applying for a visa is a time consuming and complicated process. These cookies do not store any personal information. While they may be persuasive to get your custom, you don’t want somebody completing your forms who is not qualified or experienced to do so. So, why not get an expert to do it and save yourself the stress and cost that comes with it. Ditto an agent offering a guarantee to get you a visa or your money back could also be dodgy – how could they know what mysteries are hiding in your past that you haven’t disclosed everything? Some agents add in extra services that they are recommending for you and this can increase the bill by thousands (hence that £10k quote I mentioned before). (Please note: Veronika Hurbis is no longer a MARA registered agent but I still recommend her because I know that she knows her stuff and is reliable.). Call    1300 066 267 to book a free consultation with No Borders Migration Agents. Australia’s immigration rules are complex and subject to frequent change. Most applications are rejected due to wrong documents or providing insufficient evidence to warrant a visa. We prepare and lodge your application and monitor its progress whilst offering support and ongoing assistance to you whilst you await the outcome. Or I could have believed that all agents cost £10k (they really don’t cost any way near that much!) My hubby’s skills crossed a few occupation boundaries so it wasn’t clear which route we could take. A migration agent will keep checking what's new in the migration landscape and implement it accordingly during the application process. So, save yourself the stress by letting a migration agent do it for you. Here are the four reasons why you should use a registered migration agent instead of going solo. There are lots of good agents out there and you need to make sure you find one of them as choosing the wrong one could be an expensive mistake. This means if the agent breaches the code, then you can report them. Anyone providing migration advice in Australia must be registered with the Office of the Migrant Agents Registration Authority (MARA) and must comply with the MARA Code of Conduct. Here at True Blue Migration Services, we are … They are going to be in charge of your migration dream and this is a huge responsibility. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are as essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. If you decide to lodge a visa application, a Registered Migration Agent can make the whole process easier and more effective. These professionals know their own immigration rules inside out and understand what you need to provide to support a visa application. Since the visas are processed by different teams, you don’t have a specific person handling your file. Why Migration Lawyers at No Borders will keep your future secure. Australian immigration law is incredibly complex and changes frequently. The Code is intended to regulate the conduct of Australian migration agents and details the professional and ethical standards which they must adhere to. Doing it on Your Own? I also spoke to a friend of a friend who was looking to emigrate and she told me the agent she had spoken to was going to cost £10k excluding visa costs (a fee which I now realise included all kinds of extras above and beyond the visa application). Monday-Tuesday: 9:00am - 5:00pm Wednesday: 9:00am - 3:00pm Thursday: 9:00am - 5:00pm. When you’re emigrating, there are a lot of costs involved. Now just to explain, we had a complicated situation. Some agents are happy to answer things that come up through the process, others like to charge extra. Although you do not have to use a registered migration agent to lodge your visa application, a registered migration agent might be able to help you if your case is complex or you require immigration assistance. Are you thinking of applying for a visa for employment, residence or study in another country where the language spoken is different from your own language? Visa applications can be much more complicated than they appear. 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