Frequently Asked Questions

Throughout the years, we have had many clients approach us for assistance following a self-represented visa application. When things go wrong, it can be hard to fix mistakes. This can result in a costly (and timely) process to either appeal an application or start a new one (and no, immigration rarely refunds application fees). 

We also have many clients approach us for help after using an unregistered ‘migration agent’. Unfortunately, the immigration advice industry (particularly abroad), has many so-called agents who do not have the qualifications, skill or expertise to appropriately handle your migration strategy. As a result, many people lose significant amounts of money to unscrupulous, unregistered agents. Sometimes, this even results in serious repercussions, such as a ban to enter Australia.

To safeguard your investment in your Australian future, we recommend always using a Registered Migration Agent.  You can find a list of all MARA registered migration agents here.

Clients approach us at differing stages of their migration strategy.  Some approach us at the very beginning, whilst others come to us for help when they are part way through or have had an unfavourable outcome on an application.

At whatever stage of the process you are, our services are clearly outlined in our client agreement, so you will know exactly what work is covered prior to commencing work on your file.

Our services vary considerably depending on the strategy being adopted, however generally you can expect the following:

• Provide you with an honest opinion about your chances of success.
• Provide you with a firm, written quote of our fees to represent you, including details of any components which will represent additional costs (such as skills assessments or preparing applications for penal clearances on your behalf).
• Prepare detailed formal advice on your migration strategy, documentation requirements, along with important information on the process and what to expect.
• Thoroughly check your documentation prior to submitting it to the relevant government body, skills assessing body or Department of Home Affairs.
• Lodging your application, monitoring its progress and liaising with the Department of Home Affairs on your behalf
• Keeping you regularly informed.  We know how important it is to be kept up to date.  You will have direct contact details for your Registered Migration Agent so that you can communicate with them at any time.

To provide migration advice in Australia, an agent needs to be registered with the Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA). It’s a criminal act for unregistered advisers to provide such advice and the Government views this so seriously that such person’s risk penalties of up to 10 years’ imprisonment. Migration agents providing advice outside Australia are not required to be registered and are not bound by the MARA’s stringent requirements.

No migration agent can guarantee that you will be 100% successful in your application. In fact, it’s against the MARA’s Code of Conduct to make such a claim. Click here to view the full Code of Conduct.

Migration agents are prohibited from implying that they have a special relationship with the Department of Home Affairs, which could benefit their clients.

Always ask your agent for their seven-digit MARN – a registration number allocated by the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority to duly registered migration agents.

The processing time for visa applications will vary according to the visa class you apply for and the priority order in which applications are processed by the Department of Home Affairs.

At the commencement of your work, Regional Migration Australia will provide you with current processing time on your visa.  This is an estimate, and to be used as a guide only.

Clients will be advised of any changes or delays announced by the Department of Home Affairs which may affect their visa application.

If you are looking for Employer Sponsorship in Australia, you are no doubt aware that this can be a tough process.  Traditional recruitment agencies don't seem to promote international candidates (this may be due to issues surrounding providing migration advice).

Having formal representation in Australia can certainly help.  One of the very first things we notice when dealing with international clients is that their CV/Resume and covering letter is often not formatted for the Australian job market.  Most international candidates do not have an Australian contact.  For these two reasons a lot of applications are immediately dismissed.

We can provide support when seeking Employer Sponsorship

• Regional Migration Australia can provide you with detailed information on Employer Sponsorship and your visa options.  If you are offshore, the subclass 482 visa may be the most appropriate option due to shorter processing time on this visa.
• Assistance to prepare a professional CV/Resume and Covering letter for the Australian job market.
• Provide formal representation when dealing with Australian Employers.
• Provide you with a support letter, so that interested employers can contact us to talk about sponsorship (sometimes employers just need to talk to a professional before making this decision).

This support service is designed to assist with your search for Employer Sponsorship opportunities by giving you the tools you need to stand out in the Australian job market, and by being available for discussion to interested employers.  You will be responsible for making applications and contacting Australian businesses.

Professional representation will help you to stand out among international candidates and show your commitment to finding an Australian sponsor.

No agent can ever offer you any guarantees regarding the outcome of your application.  

For a visa application to be successful, you as the applicant must satisfy all requirements of the visa class you apply for. Whether or not you meet all of the requirements is ultimately up to the Department of Home Affairs

What we will do, is provide you with a thorough assessment of your current situation.  Based on our professional knowledge of Australian migration law, we’re able to offer you realistic and honest advice regarding the likely outcome of your visa application.

If we believe that your application is unlikely to succeed, we will advise you not to proceed with your visa application. Under no circumstances will we advise you to proceed with an application unless we believe it has a good chance of success.

You must have been living in Australia on a valid Australian visa for four years immediately before applying, including one year as a permanent resident, and:

You must not have been absent from Australia for more than one year during the four year period, including no more than 90 days in the year immediately before applying.