Many people do not have idea whether or not it is necessary to hire an Expert Migration Agent to apply their visa application. They usually find hiring an agent a financial strain.

Following are Top 5 reasons why you must & should hire a migration agent to assist with your application.

1. More complexities to Visa than what meets the eye

Graduate Temporary Subclass 485 visas are a classic example for this.

Since these pertain to students, many prefer to lodge these by themselves sans an agent without understanding how tedious and complex the whole process is. Many students do not get the desired result and hence we’ve seen the following:

• Many students selecting the wrong stream, end up with either a refusal of a visa or a visa that is shorted than expected
• The golden window of Visa application is often missed by them due to which they are refused. If this time is missed, it usually cannot be fixed, even if you appeal to the AAT (Administrative Appeals Tribunal)
• Wrong timing and insufficient paperwork –Eg.Applying for a Visa without proper completion letter confirming the date of completion or on the same day they complete and are being refused.

Enter Expert Migration Agent who along with his expertise takes due care to understand both the Migration Regulations and the Department of Immigration Procedures Advice Manual. The expert agent also has a pre-lodge visa application checklist to ensure that essential documents and other requirements during applying, hence ensuring the rejection being at bare minimum.

2. Constant Changes in Migration Rules

The migration paradigm shifts continuously –hence every year we see new options evolving according to the future trends.

2017 has seen:

• Skilled Occupations Lists have undergone major change for General Skilled Migration, 457 and ENS
• SkillSelect invitations requiring higher points scores for Skilled Independent Subclass 189 visas
• States like Tasmania, ACT, Queensland, Victoria have made significant changes to their State Migration Plans
• It is necessary to apply for Partner visas online. Paper applications no longer accepted

The migration agent needs to be updated with the latest in and continuous changes that are being made in Migration Rules and settings, so that they can present their clients with best possible opportunities or the ones that may arise.

As migration rules toughen, qualifying for Australian migration is getting more competitive, hence it is important to have a a skilled migration agent on your side.

3. Department of Migration – A tricky affair

Funding cuts coupled with the rise is in the number of visa applications lodged has made the Department of Immigration is less accessible than previously.

• Preference is given to dealing with client electronically as getting through on the phone become difficult
• Teams have started handling visa applications as against a dedicated case manager processing your file. This, in turn, has made it cumbersome to discuss a particular special circumstance which may apply to your case
• Applications that are no adequately documented will be refused indicates the Immigration Department
• In cases where further information is asked by them, the request from Immigration can be difficult to understand –it is possible for applicants to make a mistake and not provide the documentation required

An agent who is experienced will ensure full documentation of your case so that any requests from Immigration are kept to the minimum.In case if you do receive a request for further information, they will be able to guide you clearly about the specific documentation that will address the issues. Wherever necessary, issues can be escalated by them to ensure that the case is resolved.

4. Always keep a Backup Plan

With so many changes so quickly in the migration landscape, it only makes sense that you consider all relevant options rather than putting all your eggs into one basket.

These viable options will be advised to you by a proficient migration agent. They will assist in identifying the one which is best suited to your circumstance. The expert agent will also advise you to keep your options open as long as possible, in case changes to migration settings mean that the main option is no longer possible.

Due to the continuous changing migration scenario, obtaining permanent residence in Australia could be a stressful experience. Having a dedicated migration agent by your side can be of a great respite increasing the chances of a positive outcome.

5. The only chance to Get it Right

Refusal of your application means that you lose the Immigration application fees – which obviously mean a lot of money gone down the drain.

However, the situation can be drastic such as:

• A 10-year ban can be imposed on visa approvals in case of false or misleading information being provided
• Even severe is the onshore refusal can result in a Section 48 bar –which would prevent you from lodging further visa applications from within Australia
• In some cases, to be eligible, there are certain time frames for some visa applications to be lodged – such as the Graduate Skilled Subclass 485 visa
• Your age can play an important role in many skilled visa types
• In case the migration rules change after you lodge, you may not be able to re-lodge your application

Capable migration agents will ensure that all due diligence is carried out thoroughly before your application is lodged so that a simple mistake will not jeopardize your immigration possibilities.