Getting immigration to Australia can be an overwhelming process, regardless of the type of visa (student visa, permanent visa, employer visa, or partner visa) you are applying for. Getting professional advice is one of the best methods to avoid expensive mistakes, delays, and rejections. But not every migration advisor is the same, nor is every one of them transparent. The right questions will help you decide if you are dealing with a competent professional, before you sign a contract or make an upfront payment. Before hiring a Perth visa consultant you should ask these questions:
1. “What is your MARN, and can I verify your registration?”
The provision of immigration assistance for a fee in Australia is restricted to a Registered Migration Agent (RMA) registered with the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (OMARA), or a qualified legal practitioner.
A valid consultant will provide Migration Agent Registration Number (MARN) right away. This number can be easily checked on the official OMARA public register. Collaborating with an unregistered agent can present a very real danger, as the agent may give you unqualified advice, and you will have no legal recourse if your application fails.
2. “How much experience do you have with my specific visa subclass?”
Australian migration law is made of more than 100 visa subclasses, with each having their strict requirements, lists and ever-changing policy settings. A strong visa agent in student visa extension does not always mean a strong visa agent for complex visas like employer sponsored visas (Subclass 482 or 186) or WA visas.
Inquire specifically about their experience in the field of your desired visa category. A professional perth visa consultant ought to be able to describe some frequent mistakes, documentation needs, and current changes to perth visa policies.
3. “Can you provide a clear, itemized breakdown of all total costs?”
Financial shocks are the worst thing during a migration trip. Your consultant should give you a clear breakdown of costs before work starts.
Make sure they clearly distinguish between:
- Professional fees: The agent’s fees for handling your application.
- The Department of Home Affairs charges: Official Visa Application charges (OVC).
- Third party costs: Skills Assessment fees, medical exams, Police clearance, Document translations.
Beware of consultants who give ‘off the cuff’ estimates or don’t issue a Service Agreement which spells out the payments.
4. “Who will manage my case on a day-to-day basis?”
Larger consultancies may be able to introduce you to a senior migration agent at your first meeting or the paperwork may be forwarded to a junior assistant.
Identify who you will submit your final documents to—you might want to have a lawyer look them over—or create them and submit to the Department of Home Affairs. Administrative staff may help you collect your paperwork, but this process should be monitored by a registered professional and approved by him or her to guarantee complete legal compliance.
5. “What risks or potential challenges do you foresee in my application?”
There is no 100% visa success rate for any honest visa migration agent – this will always be the decision of the Department of Home Affairs. Beware of any company that guarantees results or promises too quick of a processing time.
The first consultation is an opportunity for an honest perth visa consultant to make a comprehensive risk assessment. They’ll openly discuss any negative aspect – whether a gap in employment, a visa refusal in the past, or a lack of time – and offer a plan of action to work around the problem.
6. “How will we communicate throughout the process?”
It is essential to communicate, for peace of mind while waiting for updates. Establish when and how you will be getting feedback on your progress (email, phone, client portal). When the time is critical and important deadlines are approaching, you can count on your agent to respond promptly, knowing the average response time for urgent inquiries.
Partner with Trusted Migration Experts at APG Perth
The decision of who you want to partner with is the key to your success in Australia. Throughout your application process, we at APG Perth will make sure you are treated with absolute transparency, customized migration plans and ethical advice from our team of professionals with years of migration experience.
