If you are considering hiring a migration agent to assist with your visa application, it’s essential that you select one with whom you feel most comfortable. Here are some factors you should keep in mind when searching for one:
An application mistake could cost tens of thousands of dollars and years of uncertainty, and an experienced registered migration agents Adelaide can reduce these risks significantly.
Qualifications
Becoming a migration agent requires fulfilling various qualifications. These include an excellent knowledge of Australian immigration laws and procedures as well as being able to explain complex legal concepts clearly and simply. Furthermore, they must possess strong communication skills as well as being willing to collaborate with people from diverse cultural backgrounds.
Most countries have their own requirements for becoming a migration agent, but most will involve some form of education – usually law or immigration related degrees – along with professional indemnity insurance.
Australia requires applicants for registered migration agent status to earn at minimum a Graduate Diploma of Australian Migration Law from an Australian university, complete a separate Capstone Assessment test from their university course, and submit their registration application within 12 months after graduating from it. They also must undergo national police checks as well as demonstrate English language skills.
Experience
Choose a migration agent who specialises in the type of visa you require, has experience handling similar cases to yours and has an established success record with similar cases – testimonials can help provide insight. Also inquire about their fees and rates before selecting them as your agent.
An immigration agent’s fees depend on the complexity of your case. For instance, applying for a visa from a high-risk country requires more work (arguments preparation, evidence gathering etc) and therefore costs more.
As a general guideline, your migration agents Adelaide should always be open and honest about their fees, otherwise it could be a telltale sign of fraud or other untoward activity. Always obtain written contracts and receipts when paying agents – especially MARA registered ones which you can check here (OMARA register) since failing to do so could mean their registration has lapsed and your funds could go down the drain!
Fees
You should carefully consider all factors when selecting your migration agent, such as fees. Make sure any registered migration agent you consider provides you with a written quote with clear terms and conditions (known as a cost agreement) of their services.
These quotes will either be in hourly rate or bill by service format and vary between agents. A migration agent’s fee should reflect the complexity of your visa type – for instance temporary visitor and bridging visas are easier to process while permanent skilled and partner visas require much more effort and are thus more costly.
Discussing proposed migration agent fees Australia with your agent and understanding their motivation for charging them can help determine whether their charges are reasonable and fair, which can ultimately help determine whether you move forward with the migration process or not.
Responsiveness
Migration agents face an ever-evolving work environment; during the COVID-19 pandemic for instance, many countries-imposed travel restrictions to curb virus transmission. A migration agent’s role is to stay abreast of such changes and inform their clients of any resulting requirements or restrictions.
A migration agents Adelaide responsibility also includes making sure their clients qualify for visas; otherwise, their applications could be rejected and prove costly for both them and the client.
To avoid this scenario, EB-5 regional centres must exercise caution when employing foreign migration agents to market their offerings. It should be remembered that some agents may not even be registered with the SEC; if they are, registration must be maintained to operate within U.S. borders.