Should I use a migration agent?
It is always advisable to seek the help of a registered migration agent to minimise the risk of delays or refusal on your Australian visa application.
A registered migration agent is a professional who is authorised by the Australian Government to provide advice and assistance with the process of obtaining a visa to or remain in Australia. They can provide a wide range of services to help individuals and businesses navigate complex and ever-changing Australian immigration laws and regulations.
The migration agent should be registered with the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (OMARA) and should abide by the Code of Conduct, which is set out by OMARA.
A good migration agent can help reduce the risk of visa refusal or delay in processing by:
Assessing an applicant’s eligibility in fine detail, taking into consideration their circumstances and any relevant immigration factors at the time, to provide strategic advice and find the best visa option for their client
Preparing a strong and decision-ready application, including providing guidance on the complete documentation required and ensuring that all the legal requirements are met
Lodging the applications in the right order, ensuring that all the necessary steps are taken at the right time
Advising on additional requirements that may be necessary to support the application, such as health checks, police certificates, character assessments, or English language requirements
Representing the applicant in communications with the Department of Home Affairs, especially in response to a Request for Further Information (RFI), to ensure that the response adequately covers the relevant regulations, avoiding any further delays or miscommunication
Addressing issues with the visa application and advise the applicant how to address them, before the application is lodged or before the Department issues an RFI
Keeping their clients informed of any changes in immigration laws or policies that may impact the application
Providing advice on other immigration related matters, such as sponsorship, and compliance with visa conditions
Most migration agents provide support throughout the visa application process and charge fees accordingly. At Open Visa Migration, our Principal Migration Agent Marcella Johan-mosi (MARN: 1066619) is a registered migration agent with over 10 years of experience. We provide a complete service where we prepare and lodge your visa application from start to finish.
However, we also recognise that most applicants may have already undertaken their own research of the visa requirements and prepared their own visa application, but just need an expert to review the information so they can submit with confidence. At Open Visa Migration we can cater for such well-prepared applicants and offer an option to simply review the application and supporting documents, advise on how to strengthen the application and meet the immigration regulations, at a reduced fee compared to the complete service option.
In addition to the frustration and disappointment, a visa refusal can result in unnecessary time and cost if applicants need to reapply, affect the applicant’s eligibility for other visas in the future, prolonged separation from loved ones who are already in Australia, or missed opportunities for work, study or business in Australia.
If you want to know how to lodge a decision-ready visa application or get a boost to your application, contact us for more information on how we can help.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is intended to serve as a general guide only and should not be relied upon as legal or professional advice. It is advisable to seek the guidance of a registered migration agent for tailored advice that is specific to your individual circumstances. We do not accept any liability for any reliance on the information contained on this website.