How to Find the Best Immigration Agent in Australia

Posted by maryparker on July 20th, 2013

The most important thing that you should look for while choosing an immigration agent in Australia is whether the person is registered with the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (or simply MARA). There is absolutely no exception to this basic rule. You should just ask for the certificate of MARA registration which should feature a photograph of the agent. Alternatively, you can visit the website of the regulatory body and download a full list of the registered agents in Australia. Many foreign nationals seeking temporary authorization to study or work in Australia are of a misconception that 457 Visa (or Temporary Work visa) can be obtained without the help of registered migration agents and solicitors. This is a completely wrong notion and you should leave behind these misconceptions before you apply for a work or study Visa.

Checking the validity of certificates is important

Even if an immigration agent promptly responds to your query with a registration certificate, you should still check whether the registration is valid as on date or not. Keep in mind that there are three types of migration agents in Australia. Agents whose registration certificates have been cancelled or suspended are known as Sanctioned Agents. Agents whose registration is no longer valid are known as lapsed agents. And the third group, fully registered agents are actually authorized agents whom you can trust. Before you file an application for Visa, you should ask the agent you are hiring to submit a cost sheet so that you do not end up paying anything extra. Read the fine prints of the service contract. Keep in mind that you have to fulfill all the requirements for getting a 457 Visa and your agent should guide you through the process.

Questions to ask an agent

Do not just count on a valid registration certificate furnished by an immigration agent you are in an advanced stage of talk with. Instead, keep probing him until you are fully satisfied. Ask the following questions to ensure that the agent is fully capable of handling your case.

•             What is your experience? Have you dealt with similar cases in the past? What if I do not meet some requirements? Can you make a special arrangement for me? (An experienced agent will be able to reply to your queries in affirmative.)

•             What is the process for applying for a Visa? Where should I start? What if I do not take your service? (An agent who has been in the job for the past few years will be readily capable of clearing your doubts.) 

•             What are the fees? What are the associated costs? (A considerably experienced agent will inform you about the cost part before you enter a contract with him.)

Once you are pretty sure that a 457 Visa migration agent is a genuine and trustworthy one, you can hire him.

Besides, you should also check whether the immigration agent religiously adheres to the MARA Code of Conduct. You should also look for a clause in the service agreement that clearly states that all your personal information would be kept confidential and only authorized immigration officials can gain access to the confidential data furnished in the application for a 457 Visa.

Where can you find the best immigration agent? Taylor Scott Lawyers have the best agents on board including the likes of Lachlan Riches and Andrew Woo. Choose the best 457 Visa lawyer to accelerate the process of Visa application.