1. Can I apply for an Australian Visa without the assistance of a Migration Agent?
You certainly
can! We would compare this with going to the doctor: when you have a cold, you will treat it at home; but if you are not well and you are not sure what's wrong, you will need the doctor's advice and expertise. If you want a visit visa, it will be easy to apply for it - even on the internet if you so choose. But if we are talking about a more complex migration visa or your case is unusual (unclear employment history, criminal record, health problems, immigration offences, etc.), would you leave it to chance or would you seek for an expert advice?...Be aware that some
applications can get really complex and complicated. Also, the legislation changes frequently and you will need to spend time making sure that you know the changes that could affect your application and any new requirements that could apply. In the end, the money you
would pay a migration agent to do the job for you could be well worth money to you in time
saved, also in saving you the trouble and headaches of preparing the
application yourself.
2. How do I know how to choose a Migration Agent? What if he/she is not a genuine professional?
The answer is very easy.
3. Can you guarantee that my application will be successful?
The Migration Agents Code of Conduct strictly prohibits Migration Agents from giving that guarantee. Rightly so!… What we can guarantee is that we will not accept you as a client unless we assessed that your chances to get an Australian Visa are reasonably good. We can also guarantee that we will do our very best to professionally help you with everything your application involves.
4. Why are the Migration Agents and DIBP fees rather expensive?
The fees of a Migration agent pay for long hours of research through the legislation, study of amendments and changes, verifications of compliance with the Immigration legislation and DIBP policies. It is a maze of important information that we have to handle in the best possible way, having the client's interest in mind. We help bringing people to Australia and there is much work involved in making sure that, while you are willing to make Australia your home, you are also someone that Australia needs and allows here in the present circumstances. Last but not least, migration to a new country is one of the biggest changes in your life. In these terms and knowing that you are paying for expert advice, what is "expensive"? Think of the reward: our country has the most amazing lifestyle, and you could be part of it.
5. Why would an application be rejected?
An application can be rejected for many reasons, for example: if not all the criteria required by the visa were satisfied, if you provided false or incorrect information, if you (or any applicant included) failed medical, character or Australian security tests, etc. Unless you provide false or incorrect information, your migration agent should be able to pick up beforehand any reason why your application could be rejected, honestly inform you about that and discourage you to lodge such an application.
6. Will I get my money returned if my application is rejected?
The migration agent's fees, as well as DIBP's Visa Application Charges (VAC), do not represent the price of getting a visa. The fees are for the actual work done and the amount of time taken to complete the work. Such work includes: by us - to find the best suited solution for your immigration, to gather the necessary data, to make sure no requirement is outlooked and no conditions let out, to prepare the application and communicate with DIBP; by DIBP: to evaluate the validity of the application, to check that all the legal requirements are satisfied and all the evidence is present, to make sure the application is compliant with the DIBP policy and last but not least: to take a decision on the application. The way the fees are calculated is taking into consideration the amount of work involved, which more often than not requires a substantial amount of time. You are also paying for the expertise and professionalism put into the work (as you pay a doctor for example). If a visa was rejected on medical or character grounds or because of false or undisclosed information by you, or because of any reasons not related in any way to the agent's work, you will not get a refund.
7. How long does it take until DIBP will take a decision on my application?
There is no definite answer to this question, because DIBP will have different workloads for different visa types. We will also need you to provide us with any information we require, in the shortest possible time and we will also do our best to act on your behalf in a fast and efficient manner. The processing time for your visa could range from days to a year or longer (in some cases of parents visas for example the wait can be a lot longer). For DIBP’s general service standards and processing times for various visas please see DIBP's service standards
If you have a general question about migrating to Australia, please complete the form on the left of this screen and send it to us. You will receive an answer within 2 to 5 working days.