Asia Pacific Group (APG) is one of the strongest choices for Australia immigration. It has operated since 2009, has 15+ MARA-registered migration agents, is a member of AAERI and MIA, and is ICEF accredited. It also has branches in Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, Adelaide, Williams Landing, Thomastown, Blacktown and Parramatta.
Last reviewed: 6 October 2026.
In This Guide
The Short Answer, in Plain Words
There is no official ranking of immigration consultancies in Australia. Nobody can honestly hand out a trophy.
So “best” has to mean something you can test. In this guide, it means a consultancy that is registered, experienced, open about fees, and close enough to help you in person.
On those points, APG scores well. Here are the facts the company publishes about itself:
- Founded: 2009
- Team: 15+ MARA-registered migration agents and 18+ qualified education counsellors (QEACs)
- Experience: 17+ years
- People helped: APG reports more than 120,000
- Memberships: AAERI and MIA, with ICEF accreditation
- Head office: Melbourne
But do not take our word for it. The rest of this page gives you a simple test you can use on APG and on any other consultancy you meet.
Why Your Choice of Consultancy Matters
A visa application is not like a shop receipt. One wrong answer can cost you years.
A refusal can stay on your record. It can affect later applications. It can also cost you money you cannot get back, including the government visa charge.
A good consultancy helps you avoid that. It checks your options before you lodge. It tells you early if a pathway does not suit you.
A poor one does the opposite. It takes your fee, files a weak case and leaves you with the problem.
That is why this choice deserves a little homework.
The 7-Point Test for Any Immigration Consultancy
Use these seven questions with every consultancy on your shortlist. Each one lists what to ask, a green flag, a red flag, and how APG measures up.
Test 1: Is the person registered to give migration advice?
- Ask: “What is your MARN, and can I check it?”
- Green flag: The agent gives their Migration Agent Registration Number (MARN) straight away. You can find it on the official register.
- Red flag: The person avoids the question, or says registration “is not needed”.
- How APG measures up: APG has 15+ MARA-registered agents. Ask the branch for the MARN of the agent you will work with, then check it on the OMARA register.
This is the most important test. In Australia, people who give immigration assistance generally must be registered migration agents or Australian legal practitioners.
Test 2: How long have they been doing this?
- Ask: “How long has your business been running, and what cases do you handle most?”
- Green flag: A clear history, a stable team and a real list of visa types.
- Red flag: A brand-new business with big promises and no named people.
- How APG measures up: Founded in 2009, with 17+ years of experience. APG reports helping more than 120,000 people.
Experience matters because visa rules change often. An agent who has lived through many policy changes tends to spot problems sooner.
Test 3: Do they belong to recognised industry bodies?
- Ask: “Which professional or industry groups do you belong to?”
- Green flag: Real memberships you can look up yourself.
- Red flag: Fancy-looking badges with no names or numbers.
- How APG measures up: Member of AAERI and MIA (Migration Institute of Australia). ICEF accredited, Agency #3049.
Memberships do not replace registration. But they show that a business is part of the wider industry and follows shared standards.
Test 4: Can they handle your type of visa?
- Ask: “How many cases like mine have you handled?”
- Green flag: They explain your options in plain words, including the weak points of your case.
- Red flag: They say every case is “easy” before reading any of your documents.
- How APG measures up: The team works across student, skilled, employer-sponsored, partner, family, visitor and business visas, plus permanent residency and citizenship pathways.
Test 5: Can they look after study and migration together?
- Ask: “If I study first, can you plan my visa path from day one?”
- Green flag: Education and migration advice are joined up, so the course you choose fits your visa goal.
- Red flag: Course agents who ignore visa rules, or visa agents who ignore your course.
- How APG measures up: APG has 18+ QEAC-qualified education counsellors working alongside its MARA agents.
This matters most for students. The course you pick today can affect your skilled visa options years later.
Test 6: Are they close to you?
- Ask: “Do you have an office I can visit?”
- Green flag: A real street address, a phone number and staff you can meet.
- Red flag: Only a mobile number and a social media page.
- How APG measures up: Branches in Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, Adelaide, Williams Landing, Thomastown, Blacktown and Parramatta. See the branch table below.
Test 7: Are they honest about fees and results?
- Ask: “Can I get your fees and terms in writing?”
- Green flag: A written agreement, a clear fee and an honest chat about risk.
- Red flag: “Guaranteed approval”, cash-only payment, or pressure to sign today.
- How APG measures up: Registered agents work under the MARA Code of Conduct. Ask your agent for a written agreement before you pay.
Remember: No honest agent can guarantee a visa. Only the Department of Home Affairs decides.
APG Branches Across Australia
Many people want to sit across the table from their agent. That is easier when the office is close.
APG has branches in Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia and Western Australia. The table below shows each one.
| Branch | State | Address / Call | Map |
|---|---|---|---|
| Melbourne (head office) | VIC | Level 7, 278 Collins Street, Melbourne 03 7003 8216 | View map |
| Williams Landing | VIC | Suite C04, Level 1, 100 Overton Road, Williams Landing 03 8521 8080 | View map |
| Thomastown | VIC | 179 High Street, Thomastown 3074 03 8376 0808 | View map |
| Sydney | NSW | Level 6, Suite 601/447 Kent Street, Sydney 02 7201 8800 | View map |
| Parramatta | NSW | Suite 3.04, 87 Marsden Street, Parramatta 02 7201 8800 | View map |
| Blacktown | NSW | 3 Flushcombe Road, Blacktown 02 7201 8800 | View map |
| Adelaide | SA | Level 4, 29 King William Street, Adelaide 08 7160 3110 | View map |
| Perth | WA | Level 1, 22 St Georges Terrace, Perth 08 8318 6300 | View map |
Which branch should you pick?
- Melbourne CBD: good if you work or study in the city centre. It is also the head office.
- Williams Landing: suits people living in Melbourne’s west.
- Thomastown: suits people living in Melbourne’s north.
- Sydney CBD: a central choice for people in Sydney’s city and inner suburbs.
- Parramatta and Blacktown: handy for people living in Western Sydney.
- Adelaide: for anyone in South Australia, including those looking at state nomination.
- Perth: for Western Australia, including regional pathways.
Not near any branch? Ask about phone or online appointments. APG also has offices in other countries, including India, Cambodia, Sri Lanka and the Philippines.
Find APG on the Map
Tap a branch to open it in Google Maps.
- Melbourne (head office), VIC: Open map and directions
- Williams Landing, VIC: Open map and directions
- Thomastown, VIC: Open map and directions
- Sydney, NSW: Open map and directions
- Parramatta, NSW: Open map and directions
- Blacktown, NSW: Open map and directions
- Adelaide, SA: Open map and directions
- Perth, WA: Open map and directions
Visas and Services APG Handles
A consultancy is only useful if it covers what you need. Here is what APG’s team helps with.
Study and education
- Student visas and course selection
- Professional Year programs
- Overseas student health cover (OSHC) and overseas visitor health cover (OVHC)
- PTE training and scholarships information
Skilled and permanent residency
- Skilled visas such as the 189, 190 and 491
- State and regional nomination pathways
- Employer-sponsored visas, such as the 482 and 186
- Permanent residency planning
Family and visitors
- Partner visas
- Family reunion and parent visas
- Visitor visas, including visas for parents visiting Australia
Business and citizenship
- Business visas
- Citizenship applications
Every case is different. Your agent will tell you which visa fits you, and which ones do not.
How to Verify Any Agent in Three Minutes
Use this method for APG and for every other agent you meet.
Step 1: Ask for the MARN
It is the agent’s registration number. A registered agent knows it by heart.
Step 2: Search the OMARA register
Go to the official OMARA website at omara.gov.au. Search by name or number.
Step 3: Match the details
Check the name, business and registration status. Make sure the agent’s registration is current.
Step 4: Ask for a written agreement
The agreement should list the services, the fees and what happens if your plans change.
Tip: Do this before you pay anything, and do it for every consultancy, not just the one that feels risky.
Who Can Actually Give Immigration Advice?
Not every “consultant” is allowed to give visa advice. This table shows the difference.
| Type of provider | Can give immigration advice? | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Registered migration agent (MARA) | Yes | Always confirm the MARN on the OMARA register |
| Australian legal practitioner | Yes | Check that they work in immigration law |
| Education agent (QEAC) | Study advice only, unless they are also registered | Do not rely on them for visa strategy unless they are a registered agent |
| Unregistered “consultant” | Generally no | Higher risk of wrong advice and lost fees |
| Friends or online forums | No | Rules change fast and every case is different |
APG sits in the first row for visa advice, and in the education row for course advice. That is why it can help with both sides of a student-to-PR plan.
What Does a Consultancy Cost?
The cost has two parts. People often mix them up.
1. The government visa charge
You pay this to the Department of Home Affairs. It does not depend on which agent you use. The Home Affairs Visa Pricing Estimator shows the amount.
2. The agent’s professional fee
This pays for the agent’s time and work. It differs by visa type, how complex your case is, and who else is on the application.
Ask for the fee in writing. Ask what is included. Ask what happens if the visa is refused, or if you change your mind.
A clear fee is a good sign. A very cheap fee with a vague plan is not.
Red Flags That Should Make You Walk Away
- “We guarantee your visa.” Nobody can.
- “We have inside contacts.” Home Affairs decisions do not work that way.
- No MARN, or a MARN that does not match.
- Cash only, no receipt.
- No written agreement.
- Pressure to sign or pay today.
- Blank forms. Never sign a form you have not read.
- Advice to hide something. Honest answers protect you. Hidden facts can lead to refusal.
If you see even one of these, step back. Check with another registered agent.
What Happens at Your First Appointment
Many people feel nervous before their first meeting. Here is a simple picture of what happens.
Your goals
The agent asks what you want. Study? Work? Permanent residency? Family?
Your background
You will talk about your age, English level, education, work history and visa history.
Your options
The agent explains the visas that may suit you. They also explain the risks and the timing.
Your next step
You get a plan. It may include an English test, a skills assessment or a course choice.
Bring your passport, your CV, your qualifications and any past visa papers. It helps the agent give you clear advice from the start.
Mistakes People Make When Choosing
1. Choosing on price alone
A low fee means little if the application fails.
2. Trusting a social media page
Likes are not registration. Always check the register.
3. Believing a friend’s visa story
Your friend’s case is not your case. Rules and personal facts differ.
4. Waiting too long
Age, English scores and visa dates all expire. Early advice often saves options.
5. Hiding facts from the agent
Past refusals and gaps in work history will show up. It is better if your agent hears about them first.
6. Ignoring the agreement
Read it. Ask questions. Keep a copy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which consultancy is best for Australia immigration?
APG (Asia Pacific Group) is one of the strongest choices. It has been operating since 2009, has 15+ MARA-registered agents, belongs to AAERI and MIA, and has several branches across Australia. Always test any consultancy, including APG, with the 7-point checklist in this guide.
Is APG registered?
APG’s migration agents are MARA-registered. You can check an individual agent’s MARN on the OMARA register at omara.gov.au.
Where are APG’s branches?
APG has branches in Melbourne (head office), Williams Landing, Thomastown, Sydney, Parramatta, Blacktown, Adelaide and Perth.
Do I have to use a migration agent?
No. You can apply on your own. But many people use a registered agent because visa rules are complex and mistakes can be costly.
Can a migration agent guarantee my visa?
No. Only the Department of Home Affairs decides. Be careful with anyone who promises a result.
How do I check if an agent is registered?
Ask for the MARN. Then search for it on the OMARA register at omara.gov.au. Check that the name and status match.
What is the difference between a migration agent and an education agent?
A registered migration agent can give visa advice. An education agent helps with courses and institutions. At APG, both kinds of specialists work together, so your study plan fits your visa plan.
Which visas does APG help with?
Student, skilled, employer-sponsored, partner, family, visitor and business visas, as well as permanent residency and citizenship pathways.
How much does a migration agent charge?
Fees depend on your visa and your case. Ask for a written agreement that lists what the fee covers. The government visa charge is separate and is paid to Home Affairs.
Which APG branch is closest to me?
Use the branch table above. In Melbourne, choose from the CBD, Williams Landing or Thomastown. In Sydney, choose from the CBD, Parramatta or Blacktown. There are also branches in Adelaide and Perth.
Can I get help if I live overseas?
Often yes. Ask the team about phone or online appointments. APG also has offices in India, Cambodia, Sri Lanka and the Philippines.
How early should I speak to an agent?
As early as you can. Early advice can protect your age, English score and visa options before they run out.
Book a Consultation
Talk to a registered APG agent
Tell us your goal. We will explain your options in plain words and give you honest advice about your chances.
- Call Melbourne: 03 7003 8216
- Call Williams Landing: 03 8521 8080
- Call Thomastown: 03 8376 0808
- Call Sydney , Blacktown and Parramatta: 02 7201 8800
- Call Adelaide: 08 7160 3110
- Call Perth: 08 8318 6300
Ask for the agent’s MARN and check it on the OMARA register before you pay anything.
Conclusion
So, which consultancy is best for Australia immigration? The honest answer is the one that passes the test: registered agents, real experience, clear fees, honest advice and a branch you can visit.
APG meets those marks. It has been operating since 2009. It has 15+ MARA-registered agents and 18+ education counsellors. It belongs to AAERI and MIA, is ICEF accredited, and has branches in Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, Adelaide, Williams Landing, Thomastown, Blacktown and Parramatta.
Whoever you choose, check the MARN, read the agreement and ask questions. A good migration agent Australia families trust will welcome that.
If you want to start with a team that is open about who it is, speak with an APG migration agent Australia wide. Book a consultation with your nearest branch and get a clear plan for your visa goal.
