Tips to Choose the Best Immigration Agent in Australia
There are many factors to be consider when deciding to hire a migration agent. Whether to study, to work or to pursue permanent residency, it entails risks, questions and not to mention educational adjustments one has to get. Many International students are seeking to hire a consultant whether for Visa extension, Migration, Australian PR after study or Work permit application after competed education in Australia.
You should be careful in choosing the right agency. There are reports of incorrect information, overstated processing fees, and people being lied on visa procedures by dishonest agents or bogus agents.
As such, we have some best tips on how to find the best migration agent in Australia to help you achieve your goals without hassle.
Research about the Immigration agent
With the use of the technology, you should be able to check about Immigration agent/ agency/company’s website online. You can also check their Facebook Profile with clients review or Google+ pages especially the review or testimonial section to give you an idea about their performance and how clients have rated them.
If you want to consider some good agents, you can search for state or city specific key words such like best migration agent in Melbourne and resume with the research.
2. Check if the agent is registered
All migration agents in Australia are mandatory to be registered at Office of Migration Agents Registration Authority (OMARA) if they are to offer migration consultation, local services, and support.
OMARA is an industry regulator for Australian migration agent services which aims to ensure that clients needing migration services understand their rights and likewise, registered migration agents know their obligation. The body supervises agents for integrity of behavior, quality of immigration support and handles complains effectively.
Log on to www.mara.gov.au to know more about OMARA.
3. Inquire about the migration agent’s relevant experience
It is advised to check the agent’s experience in managing relevant visa and how long they have been in the business. With vast experience, they are more knowledgeable and are familiar with usual issues which applicants confront, thus they are much eager to deal with complicated situations. You can do your research using online platform, reviews on social media as well as recent clients’ testimonials. Or you can also ask the migration agent directly.
Open communication
As someone who has partial knowledge on visa, it is usual formal you to ask a lot of questions. Your agent should pay attention to your inquiries and your plan and offer you recommendations in order to get the best result. Visa application and decision may take point in time based on the type of visa and documents. Open communication between you and your representative will play a great part. You should be happy in taking suggestions and make it to decisions as your agent's main goal is your top interest reliant on your personal facts.
Prompt and reply to feature that you should expect from a perfect agent. Remember that visa application involves series of steps which are usually time-bound. Your agent should be competent to answer your requests efficiently and in appropriate manner.
Provides honest assessment
As revealed earlier, only registered migration agents are qualified to provide professional guidance. You might also face agents who are willing to sign you up in a necessary contract which is also an sign to be careful as you should have full autonomy to decide in due time.
Last but not least – Fees
Readily accessible in the official website is an available list of average costs to give you an idea how much you might pay to get help with your visa. Your agent should be able to explain their fee structure.
We hope that the over tips will give guide you in choosing right migration agents. But consider these are only tips and there are enough of possible situations which you may face further along the line. If you have questions about an agent, trust your gut sense and keep exploring until you find the one who appreciates your goals and offers you with the best suited direction to achieve it.