Australia Immigration Agents

Written by Patricia Tunstall
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Australia uses a system of Migration Agents to provide expert advice on applying for a visa to the country. These agents are registered with the Migrant Agents Registration Authority (MARA), and are bound by a Code of Conduct that sets standards and rules for their profession, such as fees that are "reasonable." These agents can be found inside Australia, or in other countries of the world to advise potential immigrants on visa applications and procedures.

The fundamental qualification for an agent is a three-day course on Australian immigration laws, but some agents also have legal backgrounds, which means they bring another level of expertise to their understanding of these laws. Their approach to advice for applicants is comprehensive, and based on an overall knowledge of Australian immigration policies. All registered agents must complete Continuing Professional Development courses before re-registering every year.

What Migration Agents Can Do

Your application will not be accepted any sooner because you use a migration agent because these advisers cannot influence the outcome of your case. Furthermore, if agents tell you or insinuate that they have such influence, they are in violation of the Code of Conduct and should be reported to MARA. Having clarified this, it should be pointed out that there is a reason for having these agents, as they can perform invaluable services to applicants who want to ensure a successful outcome to this serious process.

There are several kinds of visas offered by Australia, and governmental procedures in any nation can be complex and misunderstood by lay people. What agents can do is make sure all necessary information is collected and presented to the immigration department so delays don't mar the process. They can, if an applicant wishes, guide the application from start to finish to make sure all steps are properly followed. They can let you know from the start that you do not meet the guidelines for visa applicants, thus saving a lot of time and money. On the other hand, they can inform you of documents and approaches to a complicated procedure that might better lead to a successful ending.

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