6 Tips for Choosing an Australian Immigration Agent

The COVID-19 pandemic has many people re-evaluating their living arrangements and exploring new opportunities. Many employees who have lived in a nine-to-five office setting are now experiencing flexible and remote work environments, opening up the opportunities to work from anywhere.

Moving to Australia is a dream shared by many, but the process can be complex and time-consuming. Here are six tips for choosing an Australian immigration agent to help navigate the process.

Confirm Registration with MARA

The Migration Agents Registration Authority, colloquially known as MARA, is the regulatory body that oversees immigration agents. Their job is to ensure that all agents offering their services adhere to a code of conduct. The goal is to ensure that professionals are operating with the utmost integrity when helping immigrants navigate the detailed migration process.

When you search for an Australian immigration agent, look for someone registered with MARA who can provide their registration number as proof. For example, Ausdirect Migration has its badge and registration number displayed on their home page. You can plug this number into the MARA search database and confirm that they are recognized as a registered agent.

Look for Pricing Transparency

Another thing to look for when choosing an immigration agent is pricing transparency. While the pricing may vary depending on your visa requirements, the agent should be able to provide accurate estimates of their fees. Many agents will provide a range, which accounts for variances in your family situation, potential surprises, and delays - all of which are standard in the immigration world.

If your agent is unable to provide an estimate after a consultation that outlines your unique situation, it's time to find someone else.

Read Reviews and Testimonials

Take some time to read reviews and testimonials from other people with similar situations to yours. For example, if you're moving to Australia on a partner visa, look for reviews from someone else who used the same approach.

It's important to look at both on-site reviews and third-party reviews. There are various travel bloggers and forums discussing the experience of immigrating to Australia using an agent. Don't hesitate to ask questions about the experience, but take advice from online strangers with a grain of salt.

Schedule a Consultation

When you know which agent you want to work with, schedule a consultation to outline the path forward. Many agents will offer a free consultation to help outline which visa is right for your needs and how they would go about the application process. Others will charge a consultation fee and waive it when you sign up for their service. This format prevents people from asking for expert advice, then taking a DIY approach with the information.

The consultation is also an opportunity to get to know the agent a bit better. Communication skills are of the utmost importance during this process. Use this meeting as an opportunity to determine whether the agent has the skills required to guide you through the process and keep you informed.

Read the Fine Print

Take some time to read the fine print in the terms and conditions before you agree to work with a specific agent. It's important to understand the fee structure, along with what is and is not included, and the nuances of your contract. Don't hesitate to have an attorney look over the agreement before you sign.

Trust Your Instincts

Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. There's no 100% guarantee that your application will be approved, even with an agent's help. If the timeline seems too quick or the pricing is significantly less than the competition’s, find another option to protect your time and money.

While the immigration process can be challenging, working with an agent for your move to Australia can help. Use these tips to select the right Australian immigration agent to navigate the application process so that you can start your great Australian adventure.

This article does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors or management of EconoTimes