What to Expect From a Registered Migration Agent

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What to Expect From a Registered Migration Agent
If you choose to use a migration agent to help
with your visa application, its important to
check they are registered with the Office of the
Migration Agents Registration Authority (the
Authority). Its against the law for anyone who
is not registered to advise about eligibility for
a visa or provide assistance beyond clerical help
with a visa or citizenship application.
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• Registered migration agents are skilled
  professionals with up-to-date knowledge of
  Australian migration law, and are bound by the
  professional standards set out in the migration
  agents Code of Conduct. This provides you with
  a level of protection. On the other hand, an
  unregistered agent may not have current knowledge
  about the law and ignore any form of consumer
  protection.

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• So what can you expect when using a registered
  migration agent? Firstly, your agent must be
  realistic with you about your chances of getting
  a visa they shouldnt give you false hope and
  can never guarantee you a visa. You should
  discuss with your agent what your chances of
  success are and your agent should provide you
  with an agreement of services and fees before
  they start work or take any money from you. The
  agreement should give you a breakdown of the
  costs involved in preparing and submitting your
  visa application, including the agents
  professional fees and any visa application
  charges.
• One of the benefits of using a registered
  migration agent is that they must charge you
  reasonable fees for their services. You can see
  the average range of fees charged by registered
  migration agents here . Your agent must also keep
  you informed about the progress of your visa
  application and must let you know in writing
  about the outcome as soon as possible.

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• At the end of the process, or after completing a
  large block of work, the agent must give you an
  invoice for the work they have completed. Its
  important to know that agent fees can vary and
  may depend on the type of visa you need, the
  amount of time it will take to prepare your
  application, or if you need extra help or have
  complex circumstances. For example, your agent
  might charge more if you have dependents on your
  application (such as children). Some agents who
  are very experienced and highly qualified may
  charge a higher fee.

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• If your agents fees seem too high, discuss this
  with them before signing a contract. You should
  consider talking to a few agents about their
  services and fees before you choose one and sign
  a written contract with them.
• If you have any issues with your registered
  migration agent, you should try to resolve them
  first by talking to your agent. If this doesnt
  work, the Authority may be able to help you. You
  can call the Authority on 1300 226 272 or
  complete the complaint form on the website.
  Remember, if you get migration advice from
  someone who is not a registered migration agent,
  the Authority cannot assist you if theres a
  problem.

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• Read more here
• http//migrationblog.border.gov.au/2014/07/16/what
  -to-expect-from-a-registered-migration-agent/
• Image Source
• http//www.opalconsulting.com.au