ImmiAccount advise PLEASE ......

[Pasteypoms]

Hi, please can some one advise me. My agent logged our visa (189) on 31 may, we have done police checks and medicals 2 weeks ago ( with out a C/O being allocated) still waiting for a case officer, does any one know how long it's taking to get one? Also I wanted to see how our application is going, I noticed there is a ImmiAccount online which I'm guessing you can check your progress of your visa? I have spoken to our agent as he lodged it for us and he said ' we cannot access this as it's under there login and I would be able to view everyone's visas he is dealing with' is this correct??? Sorry to babble on ... Its been a long day lol :wub::wacko:

 

Also any one going MELBOURNE???

[ayrshire2oz]

It might be the case for agents though to be honest there's not that much to see, if you want confirmation it is lodged could he send you a screen shot of your own immi page.

[Cissi]

Sorry but your agent does not know what he's talking about. You should ask him for the TRN (transaction reference number), or check if he has forwarded any visa payment receipt or application confirmation / acknowledgement email. The TRN should look like this EGOXXXXXXX (10 digits).

 

Then, you can create an ImmiAccount here: https://online.immi.gov.au/lusc/register

 

Once you've created the account, you can import your visa application using the TRN.

 

 

 

Once the application is imported, you can see the list of documents uploaded, what is currently requested, as well as set up email notifications for any case contact or document request. You can then also upload documents requested directly to the site, although I wouldn't do this without consulting your agent first if you are unsure.

 

I agree that it's fairly boring to look at but you should have access to your own application. I found out that I received my 457 visa grant about a day before the agent notified me.

[Cissi]

Also, @Pasteypoms, I'm in Melbourne if you have any question

[Adam Grey]

Yep, agents lodge your application through their immi account. If you want a progress update, simply ask your agent for one.

 

Unlike the advice above about the agent that doesn't know what he's doing, I would avoid importing your application to a newly created ImmiAccount. Duplicate accounts tend to create a whole heap of technical issues and I've personally spent many wasted hours and emails trying to resolve such issues with the DIBP.....Frustrating doesn't even cover it. :mad:

[Cissi]

Official guide from IMMI with a video showing you how to import your application:

http://www.immi.gov.au/helptexts/en/online-account/demonstrations/import-application/

 

I would say that on the "Statement of Role" page, I would incline to choose the last option i.e. receive correspondence but not to act in any other capacity, to ensure and assure the agent that you will only keep up with progress and not interfere with the application process.

[Adam Grey]

Cissi, have you ever tried to get the DIBP to merge duplicate accounts? Tried to make sure the right HAP ID is used when an applicant duplicates it? The system is extremely buggy and has been since it began. It's quite frankly a complete pain in the backside when an applicant does this. If the OP wants an update I suggest the OP simply asks the agent, they are obliged to give one!

[Cissi]

Hi Adam,

 

I have not tried to merge duplicate ImmiAccounts because (a) it's not my job, and (b) it's not necessary in my case. If the OP imports the application in order to follow correspondence of her visa application, and does not interfere with the application, what harm is there? It's a completely legitimate function allowed by the DIBP.

 

Agents are not always responsive to their client queries and it is within the OP or any applicant's rights to monitor the progress of their application. I personally think that her agent should have explained to her the possibility of monitoring her application via an ImmiAccount along with any potential issue that may cause, rather than brushing it off that she can't. Once informed, she can understand the risks, and know what she should and should not do whilst being kept up to date with her application. I am not going to pretend this function does not exist. Applying for a PR visa and potentially moving countries are extremely emotional and stressful to some people, and being kept in the dark doesn't help.

[Adam Grey]

I agree the agent should keep them updated, peace of mind is extremely important. Agents are obligated to give updates and that includes forwarding correspondence received from the DIBP. If he agent isn't doing that then by all means take issue with the agent.

 

What I'm saying is applicants importing their applications into a separate immi account, or contacting the DIBP directly, or making a separate application etc etc can have an adverse effect on their application. You can't go around advocating something without knowing the implications.

[Cissi]

What I'm saying is applicants importing their applications into a separate immi account, or contacting the DIBP directly, or making a separate application etc etc can have an adverse effect on their application. You can't go around advocating something without knowing the implications.

 

The risk of the adverse effect should be communicated to the applicants by their agents, as well as the possibility of using ImmiAccount. I have imported application to monitor before with no consequences whatsoever. I share my experience with fellow members as I know it. Agents work on a lot of more applications and have far more information and experience than I do. If they don't advise their clients or brush them off, prompting their clients to seek and act on advice from a forum or follow instructions on official DIBP website, and they end up having to deal with the consequences, then that's fair, isn't it?

 

Again, I'm not aware of any horror story that happened after importing applications to a separate ImmiAccount. I followed instructions on DIBP and it worked well. I specifically said that the OP should consult her agent before making any changes directly to her application, and should choose to receive correspondence only, rather than being involved in the application. The OP or anyone else could check with their agent and/or DIBP before doing it if they want. I can't see that this is unreasonable advice.

Edited June 20, 2014 by Cissi

[Adam Grey]

Fair enough. Feel free to do whatever you see fit.

[Alan Collett]

I agree the agent should keep them updated, peace of mind is extremely important. Agents are obligated to give updates and that includes forwarding correspondence received from the DIBP. If he agent isn't doing that then by all means take issue with the agent.

 

What I'm saying is applicants importing their applications into a separate immi account, or contacting the DIBP directly, or making a separate application etc etc can have an adverse effect on their application. You can't go around advocating something without knowing the implications.

 

 

+1

 

Best regards.

[wrussell]

and does not interfere with the application

 

They cannot help themselves.

 

I let a client access an application once and only once.

 

I took me 3 days to fix the mess.

 

I advise clients who want to access applications and/or contact case officers directly all the best representing themselves.

[Cissi]

They cannot help themselves.

 

If an applicant interferes with the application against your explicit advice, then s/he suffers from it e.g., delays, rejection, etc. This is the applicant's choice, life, and money. I think it is a fair assumption to make that majority if not all applicants are adults with reasonable education / experience, otherwise they wouldn't meet the immigration requirements for Australia. Adults can drink, and many can drive. The advice is you do not drink and drive. Because some decide to drink and drive, should alcohol and/or cars be made unavailable to others?

 

ImmiAccount is a useful tool for applicants who want to monitor their application progress, and from what I've read around several forums, many have used it for this purpose without negative consequences. Agents should explain the option and the risks to their clients, but a generic "don't do it" doesn't make sense. A simple Google search for "check status of visa application Australia" comes up with plenty of results, including the official DIBP website. Unless you can ban your clients from using the Internet, they will find a way to access the application if they want to. The solution isn't to hide the option from them, but to fully inform your clients of what to do, what not to do, and the potential consequences if they do not follow your advice. My view is people are not stupid, they just need to be fully informed in order to make the right choices.

Edited June 20, 2014 by Cissi

[MaggieMay24]

They cannot help themselves.

 

As much as I'd like to think this wouldn't be me, I have to admit I wouldn't be able to help myself either. I recall reading a post from someone who was trying to get confirmation from their agent that their marriage license (or something like that) had been uploaded as they could see it still said "Required" on their application. The agent said they'd provided it so it was fine. The poster wanted to know what they should do.

 

I know if it'd been me, I'd have uploaded it myself just to be sure it was done. I wouldn't be able to help myself :unsure:

Edited June 20, 2014 by MaggieMay24

[Cissi]

As much as I'd like to think this wouldn't be me, I have to admit I wouldn't be able to help myself either. I recall reading a post from someone who was trying to get confirmation from their agent that their marriage license (or something like that) had been uploaded as they could see it still said "Required" on their application. The agent said they'd provided it so it was fine. The poster wanted to know what they should do.

 

I know if it'd been me, I'd have uploaded it myself just to be sure it was done. I wouldn't be able to help myself :unsure:

 

So if the agent has walked through the account with you, explaining that after you upload a file, the status will change from "Recommended" to "Required", then "Received" when it's been processed, AND that you should not upload any file without consulting them as it could result in delay of your application or, in the worst case, rejection, it wouldn't have made any difference? You would still not be able to help yourself from reuploading the file even though you can see it in the list of "Attachments Provided"?

 

I'm not asking in a facetious manner. I am genuinely interested in whether people are able to make the right decisions when armed with information. It's scary to think that they can't.

[MaggieMay24]

If I'd paid money for an agent, I probably wouldn't feel the need to have my own account to monitor the application. So in that regard, the question is moot.

 

As I recall the earlier post, the agent had received an email from DIBP requesting the document and she'd emailed it back to DIBP. The poster was concerned because it was still showing as Required in the system and there was no attachment shown. I recall one of the migration agents replying that the system is sometimes buggy so just because the system doesn't show the document as received doesn't mean DIBP doesn't now have the requested document.

[Cissi]

You said that if it had been you in that particular hypothetical situation, you wouldn't be able to control yourself. I merely continue that hypothetical situation to see if you would still feel that you could not control yourself, given the information.

 

It sounds like the poster was legitimately concerned then if the attachment wasn't shown. The poster asked the question, and received an answer. I assume that she didn't then upload another copy of the file? So having someone explaining to her that the system could be buggy, resulting in etc. prevented her from interfering with the application. Her agent telling her everything was upload without addressing the cause of her concern i.e. the system was buggy, resulted in her being unconvinced and having to go elsewhere for an explanation.

[M1cha3la]

Cissi, its a bold claim to say the OP's agent does not know what they are talking about. You do not know the full situation and it is somewhat unfounded to say, just because you have not heard of any horror stories and simply because you did not experience any problems when (a) you had a completely different scenario with (b) a different visa. You have even said its not relevant to your scenario, so how can you possibly offer up and advocate advice about it?

 

OP, Three MARA's have comment on this thread, who deal with cases day in and out, I would listen their advice rather than speculation.

 

If it helps, we did use an agent and asked a similar question, our agent also advised we shouldn't log on ourselves and then provided copies of everything he had (but again this may be a different scenario). We lodged in Feb and front loaded everything, it took around 6 weeks to get a CO. There is a May lodged thread on here which may also help with an idea of peoples timelines, and have people in a similar position for you to chat to.

 

Good luck with your visa process :wubclub:

Edited June 20, 2014 by M1cha3la
Re worded

[Adam Grey]

I really can see where you're coming from, but if you saw it from the other side you'd realise how impractical it is to do what you're asking the agents to do. If every single aspect of every single issue had to be explained in detail, no applications would get lodged because the agent would spend all day answering queries.

 

Even when clients are given explicit and detailed information they often respond with "but on a forum I read that......" and a great deal of time is then spent explaining in even more detail why that is in fact incorrect, or doesn't apply to their circumstance.

 

Agents are meant to work in their clients best interests and as bizarre as it sounds that can often mean keeping them distanced from the application.

[MaggieMay24]

I don't know what the poster decided to do. My point was that if I'd been in their shoes, I could picture myself figuring there would be little harm in simply uploading the document myself since providing it twice was better than not providing it at all. Perhaps if my agent had spent time (which I was paying for) going through the possible repercussions of what could happen if I fiddled with my application, I may have held off, but I don't suspect I'll ever know.

[Pasteypoms]

Hi cissi, thank you for your response, I'm getting stuck into your advise :-) we are looking at living on bayside in melbourne ( I also like St Kilda but it seems a lot more expensive) we really like modern, contemporary living, with good access to nice shops and restaurants. Oh and not forgetting good schools ( 11 year old and 7) lol. We all enjoy mountain biking, swimming and socialising, which areas would you recommend or not recommend to live? I'm a sports masseur and beauty therapist and hubby is a carpenter/joiner, I'm hoping work is good out there? I would really appreciate yours and other peoples response, as I feel like I'm going round in circles! X

[Cissi]

Cissi, its a bold claim to say the OP's agent does not know what they are talking about.

 

I made my claim based on the OP's post where her agent said that she could not monitor the application progress herself, which is not true. From that, either the agent omitted the whole truth to prevent her from accessing the application herself, or the agent does not know that this function exists. I went with the latter because I'd rather believe that the agent did not know than they know but would not tell her about it. I find the latter dishonest, and would rather assume people lack information than honesty.

 

You do not know the full situation and it is somewhat unfounded to say, just because you have not heard of any horror stories and simply because you did not experience any problems when (a) you had a completely different scenario with (b) a different visa.

 

I had a different visa, but not a different scenario. Please clarify your (a) comment. Are you saying that a 189 visa and a 475 visa would have different technical issues on ImmiAccount? I followed instructions on DIBP and posted the link to my source as official instruction from DIBP.

 

You have even said its not relevant to your scenario, so how can you possibly offer up and advocate advice about it?

 

I said that it was not relevant to my scenario to merge ImmiAccounts or HAP ID because that was what Adam Grey asked. I offered up advice on how to monitor an application safely. These are two completely differently things.

 

If the three MARA agents are aware of any horror stories of people importing 189 visas into separate ImmiAccount WITHOUT interfering with the application like I suggested, please do enlighten me. My impression is that these comments were related to when applicants accessed and interfered with applications without consulting their agents, which is AGAINST my advice.

 

So given your logic, no one besides a MARA agent or possibly the DIBP themselves should offer anyone else any advice, even if this is a reiteration of the instruction on the official DIBP website? This practice seems to be rampant around the forum.

 

--

 

I find that my advice is analogous to giving people advice on how to safely drive a car, and get criticised for unveiling that driving a car is a possibility for everyone besides the taxi drivers, because ordinary people may crash a car if they went against safety instructions.

[Cissi]

I really can see where you're coming from, but if you saw it from the other side you'd realise how impractical it is to do what you're asking the agents to do. If every single aspect of every single issue had to be explained in detail, no applications would get lodged because the agent would spend all day answering queries.

 

Even when clients are given explicit and detailed information they often respond with "but on a forum I read that......" and a great deal of time is then spent explaining in even more detail why that is in fact incorrect, or doesn't apply to their circumstance.

 

Agents are meant to work in their clients best interests and as bizarre as it sounds that can often mean keeping them distanced from the application.

 

I can understand your point, but unless you can stop your clients from using the Internet, you are better off being the first person to inform your clients of what they can find in various forums and even the DIBP website. I am certainly not the only person who has shown people how to access their applications, but I suspect I may be the rare poster who suggested they do it safely.

 

If you think about it from the human psychology point, if a client find out about this access from the Internet when their agent said s/he cannot have access, s/he are likely to think (a) "my agent does not know", or (b) "my agent does not want me to know". Either case, it means lack of trust and the client will still access the application, likely to do it wrong because s/he not aware of the possible complications and consequences.

 

If an agents sets up this access for his client, he may even be able to set the type of role and access the client can have. The ImmiAccount interface is fairly simple and boring. The status rarely changes and there are few terms that the client would need explanation, mainly the meaning of status changes from Recommended to Required to Received. This way, the client can see that they have a reliable source of knowledge to tap in, who trusts and is willing to educate him/her, s/he are far less likely to take advice from strangers on forums without at least consulting the agent first.

 

I understand that this means more work for agents, but think about the hours you will spend fixing problems, if your clients went their own ways without your guidance. The reality is that you cannot stop them, so personally I think you should help them make the right choice.

[Cissi]

Hi cissi, thank you for your response, I'm getting stuck into your advise :-) we are looking at living on bayside in melbourne ( I also like St Kilda but it seems a lot more expensive) we really like modern, contemporary living, with good access to nice shops and restaurants. Oh and not forgetting good schools ( 11 year old and 7) lol. We all enjoy mountain biking, swimming and socialising, which areas would you recommend or not recommend to live? I'm a sports masseur and beauty therapist and hubby is a carpenter/joiner, I'm hoping work is good out there? I would really appreciate yours and other peoples response, as I feel like I'm going round in circles! X

 

Please use it safely and do not do anything without asking your agent!

 

Bayside is really lovely and has all the things you said you want. I haven't got children so I don't know much about schools, unfortunately. You'll be close to Brighton too, which has lovely local pubs and restaurants. Have you looked at Port Melbourne and Middle Park? It's also close to the beach, but closer to CBD.

 

The doctor who did my husband's medicals last week also suggested Williamstown as a nice seaside suburb because my husband works in Laverton North (the west side of Melbourne). We haven't been there, but will check it out this weekend!