Australia Immigration

Apr 25

Australia Immigration

Using a Migration Agent

What services can migration agents provide?

A migration agent can:

·         advise you on the visa that may best suit you

·         tell you the documents you will need to submit with your application

·         help you fill out the application form

·         submit the application for you

·         communicate with the department on your behalf.

You do not need to use a migration agent to lodge any kind of visa application or asylum claim. Your application will not be decided any sooner if you use a migration agent and they cannot influence the outcome of your application.

However, if you do not feel confident in lodging an application, or if your case is complex, you may wish to use a migration agent to help you.

Using a migration agent in Australia

In Australia, migration agents must be registered with the Migration

Migrant categories

Most migrants come to Australia as:

·         Skilled migrants - must have work skills or abilities that will benefit Australia

·         Family migrants - must have a relative in Australia who can sponsor them, or be in an interdependent relationship with a person eligible to nominate them

·         Refugee, humanitarian or special assistance migrants - for people overseas who are recognized as a refugee or believe they may be eligible on other humanitarian grounds

For further information See:
- Migrating to Australia
- Australian Immigration - the facts

Issues to consider before applying to migrate

Before you apply to migrate to Australia you should think about what is involved in moving to and settling in another country.

It is essential that you think about how you will provide for yourself and your family for at least the first two years in Australia.

The Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs' Form 994i provides information about the following topics:

·         Cost of living in Australia

·         Medical costs

·         Employment in Australia

·         Language education

·         Two year wait for social security benefits

·         Help for families with children

See: Form 994i - Settlement information for migrants to Australia

Settling In Australia

Once you have decided to apply to migrate, you will need to ensure that you get to know as much as you can about Australia. There is helpful information listed below. You should also make your own enquiries about life in Australia.

See:
Australia in brief (Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade)
Guide to Australia (Charles Sturt University)

See:
Potential migrants – index to information for migrants and sponsors to consider before migrating.
Life in Australia – Homepage