Top 3 reasons for using a Registered Migration Agent in your next visa application

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This month, I want to discuss one of the first and most important questions that anyone coming to Australia faces: Should I use an Agent to help me with my application or should I do it by myself?

People have many different reasons to come to Australia and it is important for you to understand that regardless of what your intentions are, there are many legislative requirements to meet and each visa has its own independent criteria.

Do I have to use a Registered Migration Agent (RMA)?

In a nutshell, the answer is no, you do not have to. You may choose to lodge your own application with the Department of Immigration. However, before making a decision, I recommend that you consider the following reasons for using an RMA:

1. It is called Migration Law for a reason (professional skills).

I remember that quite some time ago, I read a comment from someone saying that RMAs will not be able to do anything for clients that you wouldn’t be able to do for yourself, that migration agents only fill and submit forms and so on.

This is a very common misconception that many people have. It is true that there is a lot of administrative work involved in any government application, but this is just the surface work. As Migration Agents, we are concerned with the Law. Migration Law is complex and covers a wide range of legislation, policy and procedure which are extremely difficult for people to understand without the proper training and experience.

It is vital to understand that filling forms and providing the “recommended” evidence is just not good enough. You need to understand what the legislative requirements are in order to be able to meet them.

In Australia, an Agent needs to be registered with the Migration Agents Registration Authority to provide migration advice, be qualified and be able to demonstrate that we:

• have sufficient knowledge of migration law and procedures;
• are people of integrity;
• are fit and proper people to provide immigration assistance.

2. It is time and cost-efficient (value for money).

Using a RMA is extremely time-effective and cost-efficient. Why? Well, we get things done right the first time.

We have encountered many people who have spent thousands of dollars on courses, application fees, tribunal costs, not mentioning the long processing and waiting times, because they did not get the right advice at the start.

You may not know it, but even something as common as an application for a tourist visa can turn into a huge nightmare for any other future visa applications. You may also think that managing your own application can save you a little money; however, you need to be aware that not knowing what you are doing can have very negative consequences, some of which, unfortunately, cannot be undone.

Our Registered Migration Agents have written very useful articles which will help you understand common errors to avoid in making visa applications, what to do when things go wrong, what to do when your visa is refused, and—one of my personal favorites—The Department of Immigration is not always right!

I invite you to read our blog and in particular the articles noted above. They will help you in getting a better understanding about migration to Australia and why is important to have a professional by your side.

3. Using a RMA gives you peace of mind (we are insured, regulated and professional).

Many people do not know that, as Registered Migrations Agents, we are have a strict Code of Conduct which sets out the professional standards that we must follow in dealing with our clients.

If you feel that your RMA has not acted in a professional way or has not followed the Code of Conduct, you can make a formal complaint to the Office of the Migrations Agents Registration Authority which is part of the Australian Government.

At National Visas, we have friendly and professional Registered Migration Agents who will provide you with all the assistance you need in making a visa application. Our staff will make you feel comfortable from your first contact with us, through to the final result—gaining your VISA!

We provide a superior service to our clients because we understand how important this decision is in their life.

Finally, I would recommend you should check a few things before engaging the services of an agent:

• Is the agent registered? You can check any agent’s current registration status here.
• Is the agent a sole trader or is he/she part of an experienced team? It is very important to know who you are dealing with. You can check our team here.
• What is the agent’s reputation? At National Visas, we are proud of our work and our successful history record. We have been the No.1 provider of online immigration services for more than 10 years and our agents have a combined experience of over 25 years in the industry!

I invite you to check what others have said about us on this trusted website: Migration Agent Reviews.

Would you like help with your visa application?

You can start the process by taking a free online assessment here.

I look forward to helping you turn your Australian permanent residence dream into a reality. As a migrant to Australia myself (I am from Mexico and arrived in Australia on a skilled visa.), I really understand just how important your visa application is to you.

National Visas’ registered migration agents are skilled, dedicated migration professionals—we’d love to help you achieve your dream.

Regards,

Alfonso Varela
Migration Advisor
MARN: 1278626