5 Benefits of Using a Migration Agent
Many immigrants have this misconception that relocation to Australia is not a complicated matter. They believe it is a process they can manage on their own. Like most first time ventures, everything is conjecture until they actually undergo the migration process. Then they realize it’s not as simple as initially thought. Fact is, many were given the opportunity to hire a Migration Agent but chose not to. They did not believe there are many benefits of using a Migration Agent.
For the most part, people who want to migrate to Australia are largely uninformed of what a Migration Agent does. They may conduct online research but they will also ask others who have similarly migrated without the benefit of using a Migration Agent. They fail to consider that the advice they receive could be self- serving; fueled by a sense of accomplishment of getting through migration on their own. Assuming the person can be trusted and verified as doing such. Of course, there are also the costs of hiring a Migration Agent to consider.
Regardless of the notions or beliefs, one fact has to be considered above everything else. And that is Australia’s Migration Laws are tough and complicated. The laws prescribe procedures and documentation that must be strictly followed and complied with. If you are serious and committed to your plan of migrating to Australia, you should hire a Migration Agent.
Here are 5 benefits of using a Migration Agent in Australia:
Migration Agents are Well – Versed with the Intricacies of the Migration Law
Migration agents have assisted hundreds and thousands of migrants to enter and live a comfortable, productive life in Australia. Each case is different from another and Migration Agents constantly refer to the provisions of the Migration Law to accommodate the various migration circumstances.
Immigrants are not aware that becoming a Migration Agent is not easy. To become a Migration Agent you must possess either of these qualifications:
- Hold a current Australian legal practicing certificate
- Graduate Certificate in Australian Migration Law and Practice
Migration Agents are well versed and capable of interpreting the provisions of the Migration Law for your benefit.
Migration Agents Will Save You Money
Obviously when you hire for specialized services, these will carry a premium into the pricing. Migration Agents are highly- skilled, trained and certified in their profession. Those who believe they can get by without a Migration Agent and save more money will be in for a rude awakening.
The fees you pay the Department of Immigration and Border Protection of DIBP are non- refundable. If your application gets declined for whatever reason, you will not get your money back. Therefore, if you want to be efficient in the process, you have to get it right the first time.
Migration Agents in Australia can get this done for you in the most expedient and efficient ways possible.
Migration Agents Will Save You Time.
Should you be declined in your visa application, there are provisions in the Migration Law that prohibit you from initiating future visa applications.
Section 48 of the Migration Act 1958 and current migration regulations restrict non- citizens who have had their application declined from pursuing further applications except for the following:
- Bridging visas
- Partner visas
- Child residence visas
- Protection visas
Those who have been declined can only pursue future applications outside Australia. Depending on the reasons for refusal; such as submitting inaccurate documentation, you could be denied future applications for at least one year.
Hiring a Migration Agent ensures all of your documents are complete, authentic and fully compliant with the Migration Law.
A Migration Agent Increases the Probability of Having Your Visa Approved
If you get your visa application declined and wish to appeal the decision, keep in mind that the Migration Review Tribunal or MRT has very strict criteria on which cases qualify for an appeal.
Thus, it is highly possible that once your visa application gets declined you will need to comply with the prescription period before applying again.
A Migration Agent will work to ensure your papers have been thoroughly reviewed before submission. Again, the Migration Law of Australia is very strict. Hundreds or thousands of applications are denied. You would not want to be among those whose only option may be an appeal which ultimately may not be granted.
Hiring a Migration Agent Will Reduce the Stress from the Migration Process
Applying for a visa in Australia will be very stressful. In addition to the processes to complete and documentation you have to submit, there are the fears and anxieties that exist when undertaking a life-changing endeavor.
Hiring a Migration Agent in your corner will help alleviate most of these stressors because you are confident of having someone in your corner that can do the following for you:
- Render accurate interpretation and legal advice on the provisions of the Migration Law.
- Organise and systematise the summary of documents that you have to submit.
- Coach and advice you on how to comply with the required proceedings of the migration process.
- Consult and keep you updated on the status of your application.
These are enough to ease the burden and relieve you of some of the burden that comes with the dream of migrating to Australia.
If you have been convinced of hiring a Migration Agent bear in mind these considerations before contracting his or her services:
- The Migration Agent must be registered with the Office of the Migrations Agents Registration Authority which falls under the auspices of the Australian Government.
- Find out if the candidate is a freelancer or part of an agency. Migration Agents who belong to an agency can provide more benefits due to their larger network and accumulated experiences.
- Conduct due diligence on all prospective Migration Agents.
To be very clear, you are not obligated to hire the services of a Migration Agent. However, as you have read, contracting their services have many benefits that will make the entire process less overwhelming.
Hiring a Migration Agent will not guarantee the success of your application but he or she will definitely improve the chances of your visa being approved.
