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Frequently asked questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about using a Registered Migration Agent.

 

Why use a Registered Migration Agent?
Migrating to Australia, even if only for a fixed period of time, is a major life decision. You will reap many rewards however you will also face a number of challenges. You therefore want to ensure that the process of getting here goes as smoothly as possible. For businesses seeking to sponsor foreign nationals to work for them, using a Registered Migration Agent will give you peace of mind as to your compliance with the visa legal requirements and we will help you get your new workers in position with the minimum of delay.


What can a Registered Migration Agent do for me?
A Registered Migration Agent has an in-depth understanding of Australian immigration law and can provide you with expert and accurate advice. This will give you the best chance of success and help you avoid wasting considerable time and money. We will utilise our expertise to fill in those daunting forms, prepare additional supporting information and persuasively argue your case for you, which will significantly reduce your own stress levels.


Why shouldn't I just apply myself?
Immigration to Australia is tightly prescribed by a whole raft of complex and confusing legislation which is amended frequently. It is amongst the strictest immigration law in the world. Set criteria must be satisfied for you to be eligible for a visa, often with no room for the application of any discretion. If you get just one thing wrong it can result in your application being refused and the application fees charged by the Department of Immigration are generally NOT refundable. Other significant costs can be involved in the process of applying for a visa. You may need to pay for medical examinations, police checks, English language testing, skills assessment and perhaps more. It is vital to ensure that you are not spending this money in vain. If you are applying within Australia the consequences of getting things wrong can be severe - once you have had an application refused or a visa cancelled, and you no longer hold a substantive visa, you may only apply for an extremely limited range of visas which you will most likely not be eligible for. Your only alternative is to leave Australia and re-apply offshore. Restrictions may also be imposed on future applications for people who have had visas cancelled. A Registered Migration Agent can negotiate this minefield for you and give you the best chance of success. We are specifically trained in the intricacies of Australian immigration law and practice. We understand what is involved in the process of applying for a visa and can help prevent you making some of the common mistakes which can lead to applications being refused or visas being subsequently cancelled.


Don't Registered Migration Agents just fill in forms?
No - a successful visa application will not just entail the completion of a form. Virtually all visas also require detailed supporting statements and documents expanding on the information provided within the application form. You are far more likely to be successful if you have someone who understands the immigration laws assist with the preparation of such statements and documents. Furthermore, filling in the forms can be very difficult and stressful. Department of Immigration forms are very complicated and highly prescriptive. We fill in these forms regularly and understand the legislative basis behind the questions, and thus know what the Department is really looking for.


Is it worth the cost?
A Registered Migration Agent will manage the process of putting your application together more efficiently, and thus can reach the point of being able to submit your application more rapidly than you can do yourself. We will do most of the work for you, thus reducing your stress levels and leaving you free to focus on the other important areas of your life. Applying for an Australian visa can be a costly process - application fees can be in the thousands and you may also need to pay for medical examinations, police checks, English language testing, skills assessment and so on. If you are unsuccessful you are highly unlikely to get any of this money back. It is therefore worth investing in the expertise of a Registered Migration Agent to ensure that you are not spending this money in vain.


Is the Migration Agent profession regulated?
Yes! It is illegal for non registered agents to provide immigration assistance within Australia. To become a Registered Migration Agent you must either complete a Graduate Certificate in Australian Migration Law and Practice, or hold a legal practising certificate. You must then apply for registration through the Office of the Migration Agents Regulation Authority - this entails satisfying stringent character and security requirements. The conduct of registered migration agents is covered by a Code of Conduct, which has the force of law. It places legal obligations on agents to provide you with a good level of service. The Code of Conduct can be viewed via the link below. Registration must be renewed annually which requires demonstrating compliance with a number of criteria, including participating in a minimum level of Continuing Professional Development courses, to ensure that your knowledge remains current. https://www.mara.gov.au/tools-for-registered-agents/code-of-conduct


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