3 Areas Your Migration Agent Should Cover at a Consultation (And Why They're Chargeable)
Migration agents often offer a limited free consultation to give you an idea of your Australian immigration pathways. In some cases, this is enough for a self-lodged visa application. But because Australia migration is not a one-size-fits-all programme but works off a situation-based framework, I generally advise anyone who is seriously exploring their immigration options to schedule a full and paid consultation.
And here’s why,
Clarity in your specific circumstance
Did you know that two IT engineers from Singapore with the same qualifications and work experience can expect different skills assessment outcomes, based simply on when they received their qualifications in their working lifetime? An accountant from Malaysia who is taking the advise from another accountant friend who gained permanent residence in 2015, will likely find that requirements and processes have changed. So, a significant part of my consults involve explaining why information that was shared in a forum isn’t always applicable to my client’s specific circumstance.
Full process and requirements to expect
Submitting a valid visa application is the culmination of numerous small steps that were planned and taken, often months prior to clicking the ‘Submit’ button (or in some cases, handing over of an extremely thick envelope to the Post Office). You can expect on-going chunks of steps being addressed at the same time to get ahead of the volume of applications (or visa expiry dates). Unfortunately, a good number of clients who consult have to take more costly steps because many don’t realise how much time it takes to ready their documents, how far back to go or how long some processing times are. Examples of this type of cost include paying additional fees to fast-track a skills assessment because of time constraints, or submitting a fresh application because the previous was done under a wrong programme, or re-seating the IELTS because the wrong type was undertaken or the required score was unknown.
Associated costs and timeframes to work off
Visa application is a seriously costly affair. In both time and money. And since eligibility for general skilled visas assign more or less points for factors such as age and years of employment - in my opinion, knowing your timelines, consequences of shifts in timeline as well as fees and charges involved is key to making an informed decision. Paying a professional to give accurate and specific individual-based information sets you up for greater success in their journey of visa application, while reducing frustration from uncertainty as well as protects you from wasting time and money.
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Paid consultations are also a great, conducive and private platform for open and non-judgemental in-depth dialogue. And because consults are designed to enable you with the knowledge to make an informed and actionable decision for your future, the exchange is thorough and chargeable.
At the session, you will also get the opportunity to see if the agent or company is a fit with you - which in my opinion is important because the journey is a generally tedious one. The least you should expect to get out of it is some levity from your day to day contact.
