+ Why should I use a Registered Migration Agent instead of applying for a visa on my own?
Registered Migration Agents are professionally trained and qualified in Australian immigration law. They are required to undertake regular professional development to ensure their knowledge of immigration law and policy is up to date. Their strong understanding of immigration law and policy as well as their skills and experience in preparing and lodging visa applications will help ensure that applicants are applying for the visa that is most suitable for their circumstances and objectives.
Registered Migration Agents will also ensure that the visa application and the supporting documents are relevant and accurate so that the applicant meets the eligibility requirements for the visa.
+ How much do you charge?
Our fees will vary for each client depending on the type of visa that the applicant is applying for, the complexity of their case, if there have been any previous visa refusals or cancellations or if there are previous character issues relating to any of the applicants. We would need to sit down and assess each case before providing an estimate on the fees charged. On average, our fees are within the range charged by most Registered Migration Agents in the industry.
+ Can you guarantee a visa approval?
By law, Registered Migration Agents are not permitted to guarantee the success of an application. This is enshrined in the Code of Conduct for registered migration agents which regulates the conduct of Registered Migration Agents and prescribes the obligations they have towards their clients.
In practice, there are no guarantees that any visa application would be approved or refused as the decision is made independently by a case officer at the Department of Home Affairs.
+ Will I get my money back if my visa is refused?
Unfortunately no, the visa application charge and other fees payable to the Department of Home Affairs are non-refundable. Refunds are granted only in very limited circumstances. Our service fees are charged based on the work we perform and the services we provide. Therefore, our fees are also non-refundable as we do not charge based on the outcome of the visa application.
+ Do you have consultations outside of standard business hours?
Yes, if necessary we can provide consultations over the phone or on video call after hours. We try to be as flexible and accessible as possible as we understand the challenges and pressures of modern life. We suggest contacting us to book in a consultation outside of standard business hours.
+ Do I need to take a health examination for my visa application?
Depending on your country of passport or the visa you are applying for, the Department of Home Affairs may request for you to undertake a health examination as part of the visa application process. The results of health examinations are valid for 12 months so we recommend undertaking a health examination about 3-4 months before the expected time of decision on your visa application.
+ Do I need to be in Australia to apply for a visa?
No, not necessarily. The type of visa you apply for will determine whether you need to be in Australia or outside of Australia at the time the application is lodged. There will also be a requirement on where you need to be at the time the Department of Home Affairs makes a decision on your visa application.
+ How can I get a police certificate?
The procedures on obtaining police certificates or police clearances will vary from country to country. We recommend contacting the relevant national police authority to understand the process. In Australia, the Australian Federal Police (AFP) can issue a national police clearance for immigration purposes. If you engage us, we can assist with obtaining an Australian Police Certificate.
+ How long does it take for my visa to be approved?
Visa processing times vary for each type or subclass of visa. Some visas can take as little as a couple of days before a decision is made such as the Resident Return Visa (Subclass 155). Other visas such as the onshore Partner Visa (Subclass 820) can take up to 28 months to be decided. The Department of Home Affairs publishes its global processing times for each visa subclass.
+ I want to be sponsored by a company to work in Australia. Can you find me an employer who is willing to sponsor me?
No, we do not match prospective job applicants with recruitment agencies or companies. Our job is to manage the visa and sponsorship application process. It is up to applicants and employers or recruiters to seek each other out before engaging us.
+ Can I add a family member to my visa?
Yes, in some instances you can add an immediate family member to your visa application. Only family members that fit the definition of being a member of your family unit can be included. This is usually a spouse, de facto partner or a dependent child. They can only be included on the visa application if the relevant legislation for that visa subclass allows you to do so.
+ Is it possible to obtain a bridging visa if I have applied for a visa from overseas?
Generally, no. Bridging visas are designed to allow a visa applicant to remain in Australia lawfully before the outcome of a visa application, a review application at the AAT or a judicial review.
If you are overseas at the time you applied for a visa and are waiting for the outcome, you will need to apply for another visa in order to be permitted to enter Australia.
+ It is more than 5 years since I became PR, can I travel overseas?
Yes, however you will need to apply for travel rights in order to return to Australia. Generally, permanent visas are issued with 5 years of travel rights to leave and enter Australia on multiple occasions. Five years from the date the permanent visa was granted, the travel rights cease and permanent residents are encouraged to apply for a Resident Return Visa (Subclass 155 & 157) in order to travel in and out of Australia.
+ I’m on a 485 temporary graduate visa. How can I get PR (Permanent Residency)?
The potential pathways to permanent residency will depend on a range of factors including your age, skills and work experience, qualifications, nominated occupation and English proficiency. With the introduction of the new regional visas in November 2019, the options may also depend on where you completed your Australian qualifications, how long you have lived in a regional area of Australia and the relevant requirements for each state and territory.
We recommend booking in a one hour consultation with us so that we can assess your eligibility and advise on potential pathways.
+ Do I need to have English skills to migrate to Australia? +
If you are applying for one of the family visas such as a partner, child or parent visa, English is not a requirement for the grant of the visa. However, if you are applying for a skilled visa, employer sponsored visa or a student visa, a minimum level of English proficiency is required for the grant of the visa. The level of English required will vary depending on the visa subclass or stream.
+ My husband is an Australian citizen. Am I eligible to be an Australian citizen too? +
Unless you are eligible by birth, descent or adoption, the only way to apply for Australian citizenship is if you are a permanent resident and meet the residency requirements. This means that you have been a permanent resident for at least 12 months and residing in Australia for at least 4 years while holding a valid visa. In that time, you must not have been away from Australia for more than 12 months in total for the past 4 years and for more than 90 days in total in the past 12 months.
+ I am an Australian citizen. Can I sponsor my overseas family to Australia? +
There are a number of different visa subclasses which permit Australian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor a family member to Australia. This may include the partner visa, prospective marriage visa, child visa, dependent child visa, parent visa, remaining relative visa, sponsored family visitor visa, temporary sponsored parent visa and the skilled work regional visa.
Please note that this is not a complete list and eligibility will be based on the specific requirements of each visa subclass.
