What is an Immigration Agent? - And How Can They Help You Emigrate to Australia?

Australian immigration agents are the topic of this installment of our guide to emigrating to Australia...

Using an immigration agent, who is an expert in the field of emigration issues, isn't necessary when applying for an Australian visa, but many prospective immigrants enlist the help of one anyway. This is because their knowledge and experience of the visa regulations and the application process can shorten the time it'll take to obtain your visa, and almost eradicates the likelihood of an incorrect application being lodged (most offer a guarantee of a refund if this happens).

If you opt to use an agent, be sure to only use one that is registered with the Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) and also make sure you get a full account of all the costs involved before starting the application process.

Many offer free online eligibility tests, which are designed as a preliminary review of your eligibility to apply for an Australian Visa. These are a good place to start; they take only a few minutes to complete and are based upon the official criteria set by the DIAC.

If you seem to be eligible, an agent will then contact you to discuss your application and will advise you on what type of visa you require for your circumstances. This is both a complex and crucial step as there are numerous types of visas available and applying for the wrong one will result in your application being rejected and the whole process having to be started again. Having decided on the right type of visa, they'll then collect, examine, assess, and process all of the information and documentation necessary for your application.

Want to learn more about emigrating to Australia? Click here to continue reading our guide: Emigrating To Australia