12 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Migration Consultant in Sydney

The wrong migration consultant is not only going to cost you time and money, but also in some instances, the wrong consultant can cost you your visa. These all can be avoided by asking the right questions at the beginning.

If you're about to sign a contract or make a deposit, here are 12 questions to ask any migration consultant in Sydney.

1- Have you registered with MARA?

Immigration assistance is only legal for a fee by a MARA registered agent. Do not rely on their word, get their MARN and verify it on the [MARA register](https://www.mara.gov.au) website.

2- What is the number of years you have spent in this kind of visa?

It's important to understand that migrating in general does not equate to being able to migrate on your specific visa. In some cases the skilled migration specialist may not be the best person for an application for a complex visa to partner. The skilled migration specialist may not be the best person for an application for a complex visa to partner, and vice versa.

3. Do I have to pay for my consultation?

Some agents provide a free initial chat, while others have a fixed fee for the initial chat. Make sure you understand this at the outset, as it will prevent any confusion on your first invoice.

4. Charge by the hour or have a fixed fee?

This is the biggest factor in cost. If your situation is complicated, ask which model is applicable and why.

5. What is in your all-inclusive, and what does "extra" mean?

If they give you a flat price, make sure they put it in writing. Be specific about what additional charges would result, so you don't have any surprises.

6. Will you personally deal with my file or will it be handed over to someone else?

After the initial meeting, large firms may refer your matter to a case manager. Inquire whose name will be and how to reach them directly.

7. Do you have a realistic timeframe for my visa category?

There is no one who can promise processing times as it is dependent on the Department of Home Affairs. However, an agent with the experience and knowledge should be able to provide you with a realistic range in accordance with the trends in the market.

8. What is the consequence of my visa application being rejected?

Be specific about what support (if any) is being provided if things don't go according to plan and whether the review or appeal work is an extra cost.

9. Do you have references or reviews that I can check out myself?

Check out sources outside of the agency's site. Read Google reviews, Trustpilot or other third party reviews and assess their response to bad reviews.

10. What will the way of communication be and will I receive updates frequently?

Some clients will want a regular update per week, some will just want to know when anything changes. Establish ground rules right away, and avoid confusion.

11. Have you got any cases like mine?

If your circumstance is unusual (a past refusal, unusual employment experience, complicated family circumstances) explicitly ask if they have dealt with anything like it in the past.

12. What will be the total expense for me from consultation to the decision on my visa?

Don't just accept the headline consultation charge, ask for a detailed breakdown. This should comprise of application fees, agent fees, and any potential extras.

Final Thoughts

These are questions any good migration consultant will be happy to answer — if they are not happy to answer then it's another warning sign. Don't assume, ask first.

If you're on the fence about taking a step forward in Sydney, you can book a consultation at APG Migration office in Sydney, Blacktown or Parramatta for $99 for 30 minutes, and ask these same questions before you make a decision.

Helping you study, work, and settle in Australia with expert visa guidance.