Kymmbo Posted May 18, 2014 Share Posted May 18, 2014 Hello, I previously posted up a similar thread but would really love to hear some opinions on this... I am hoping to apply for a skilled permanent visa for myself and family and I am the main applicant (mental health nurse). Only possible issue we have is that I have a cochlear implant, which I had done 2 years ago. After taking advice from folk on the previous thread I put up and trawling through migration agents that specialise in complex health cases I am now wondering whether there is really any point in using a migration agent at all when they have no influence on the actual decision by the medical officer to grant a visa... We meet the points test and are quite happy to go through the process of applying on our own, and realise that we will not be able to get a definite answer until the visas are applied and paid for, and so are willing to take that gamble with our cash if there's a chance it will get us into oz (total scam though!).But, with fees of almost £200 for a 'pre-medical assessment' in addition to standard processing fees, and no real answers, is there really any point of using an agent?!! Cheers! :rolleyes: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
calNgary Posted May 18, 2014 Share Posted May 18, 2014 Our agent was pretty honest and said upfront they didnt know how the medical would go and there was nothing they could really do to enhance our chances. We went with them anyway and didn't look back, they were great and tbh i think we would have used them regardless of me having a medical issue ,just for peace of mind. If your 101% confident in applying and know exactly what to do, then maybe just go for it alone, it really is personal choice. Cal x Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ScottLaura Posted May 19, 2014 Share Posted May 19, 2014 Would never use a migration agent. There is nothing complicated about the process you need to go through to get your forms logged & submitted. Save your money and treat your family. We did our own paperwork and not only did we save time but loads of money as well. Good luck!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wattsy1982 Posted May 19, 2014 Share Posted May 19, 2014 I agree with ScottLaura. This said, we did use an agent but only because at the time of applying we had a new born, a toddler and I was working away mon-fri, so decided to off load it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VERYSTORMY Posted May 19, 2014 Share Posted May 19, 2014 After been on here for many years, I am a huge fan of agents. The amount of visa refusals that occur due to a simple mistake being made is incredible. In medical cases an agent is a must as, it is not just they fill in the forms for you - complex medical cases are about a lot more than that. The best in the business for medical issues is George Lombard. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VERYSTORMY Posted May 19, 2014 Share Posted May 19, 2014 Would never use a migration agent. There is nothing complicated about the process you need to go through to get your forms logged & submitted. Save your money and treat your family. We did our own paperwork and not only did we save time but loads of money as well. Good luck!! Your case may be simple and could be don't without. The OP is not a simple case and unless done with exceptional care could result in a visa refusal and the loss of fees. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gidza Posted May 20, 2014 Share Posted May 20, 2014 Personally I would do it myself. Just have a thorough read of the guidelines before you start and do t hesitate to ask questions here. I did mine myself. Nothing at all complicated. The process is self explanatory. Even DIBP state on the website that you dont need an agent but if you do they have to be registered. At the end of the day it's a personal choice. I saved myself thousands of £ and encountered nothing that required any expert knowledge Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kymmbo Posted May 22, 2014 Author Share Posted May 22, 2014 After been on here for many years, I am a huge fan of agents. The amount of visa refusals that occur due to a simple mistake being made is incredible. In medical cases an agent is a must as, it is not just they fill in the forms for you - complex medical cases are about a lot more than that. The best in the business for medical issues is George Lombard. Thanks for your reply, I've already contacted that agent due to suggestions on a previous thread. I have done lots of research and, while I realise the process isn't easy I am fairly confident in applying myself if needed. Bottom line is that from what I understand an agent can't influence the medical officer's decision, which is what our case is going to depend on. And if we wanted an agent to appeal the decision for us it wouldn't be included in their original fee anyways. While I'm not doubting there is a lot more to migration agents than simply filling out forms, I'm just struggling to see what they could do for my family that we couldn't do ourselves... Great hearing replies for people who have done it themselves though, cheers! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VERYSTORMY Posted May 22, 2014 Share Posted May 22, 2014 No, an agent can not influence a decision. But they can ensure that the maximum weight is in your favor by ensuring both the correct docs are in and the wording is in a format that is in the best interests of your application - wording can be vital in legal documents. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kymmbo Posted May 28, 2014 Author Share Posted May 28, 2014 Thanks for the tips Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gidza Posted May 28, 2014 Share Posted May 28, 2014 Got my grant on may 26th for a visa application I did myself. Saved me thousands of £ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gaunty Posted May 28, 2014 Share Posted May 28, 2014 We used an agent and ours was a simple application (in the Trades). We had no medical issues. We were lucky that we could afford it (just) but in my opinion it was money well spent. I offloaded all the grief of the application on to someone else. I didn't have to go trawling the internal/ forums trying to find the right piece on information late at night after a hard day at work (and then not knowing/ worrying if that was actually correct bit of info that would affect the application). If I read something about the process/ application or had a small question, I was always able to pick up the phone to my agent and ask them if it was relevant/ get the answer. As with any professional service- you have to pay for it but you (should) get peace of mind. We used Visa Bureau in London- would recommend them totally. Gaunty Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GreatToBeBritish Posted May 28, 2014 Share Posted May 28, 2014 Hello, I previously posted up a similar thread but would really love to hear some opinions on this... I am hoping to apply for a skilled permanent visa for myself and family and I am the main applicant (mental health nurse). Only possible issue we have is that I have a cochlear implant, which I had done 2 years ago. After taking advice from folk on the previous thread I put up and trawling through migration agents that specialise in complex health cases I am now wondering whether there is really any point in using a migration agent at all when they have no influence on the actual decision by the medical officer to grant a visa... We meet the points test and are quite happy to go through the process of applying on our own, and realise that we will not be able to get a definite answer until the visas are applied and paid for, and so are willing to take that gamble with our cash if there's a chance it will get us into oz (total scam though!).But, with fees of almost £200 for a 'pre-medical assessment' in addition to standard processing fees, and no real answers, is there really any point of using an agent?!! Cheers! :rolleyes: Do it yourself. Of course the agents will tell you that it's better to use them! I found it pretty straight forward to be honest. Good luck Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kellyv Posted May 28, 2014 Share Posted May 28, 2014 I'm with Gaunty. Although expensive the peace of mind they provide is worth it. The amount of money I have seen people lose - just on this forum -through making small mistakes is scary! I know many people do it and have no probs but I'm glad I've paid someone else to take the stress. Personal choice at the end of the day. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gaunty Posted May 28, 2014 Share Posted May 28, 2014 Not only did they do a fantastic job, they saved the day. I had been procrastinating about getting some paperwork completed and my agent had heard through the grapevine that rules/ regulations would possibly be changing in the near future. They warned me, I did what I needed to do within days and passed it to them. They were right- a goal post was moved with a deadline being added. If I had delayed by a further 10 days we would have been outside the deadline and we would have lost everything, and not be able to apply. At all....Ever). Gaunty Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adam Grey Posted May 28, 2014 Share Posted May 28, 2014 Not only did they do a fantastic job, they saved the day. I had been procrastinating about getting some paperwork completed and my agent had heard through the grapevine that rules/ regulations would possibly be changing in the near future. They warned me, I did what I needed to do within days and passed it to them. They were right- a goal post was moved with a deadline being added. If I had delayed by a further 10 days we would have been outside the deadline and we would have lost everything, and not be able to apply. At all....Ever). Gaunty Love this, just what a good agent should be doing, working in the best interests of the client and driving the application. Obviously I'm biased so it's no surprise I would advocate using an agent, but I am often shocked on this forum by the amount of animosity/mistrust that's directed towards agents or the calls to 'go it alone' without having the vaguest idea of the applicant's situation. Sure, using an agent can add an unnecessary expense but they only exist because there's a demand for them and they are meant to work in your best interests. I understand there's a few bad apples, but the majority are sound and earn a living providing a valuable service. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flake Posted May 29, 2014 Share Posted May 29, 2014 We are using a migration agent, we basically figured in the grand scheme of things, the extra cost of a migration agent is just a drop in the ocean as it were, and for the added peace of mind it's worth it. Ours actually worked for the department of immigration so knows exactly what they are looking for and what you don't need to submit. Everyone is different and it really depends on your budget, but I think if it can take away a little worry it's worth it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
catlover1 Posted June 21, 2014 Share Posted June 21, 2014 Hi there, I would thoroughly recommend an agent. We paid about 200 for ours and it took all the hassle and worry out of the application and knowing that it is done correctly as if it's not it will be sent back to you to start again. I personally think it is really worth that little bit of money as the application I filled in to get my permanent residency was over 70 pages long! Cheers and I can pass you on my agent's details if you need them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alcrock Posted July 16, 2014 Share Posted July 16, 2014 My partner and I are going it alone. No probs so far we can't afford £5000 for an agent. But we both have medical issues and it's heart breaking to think we have to spend £3800 for visas plus £1000 for both Medicals to possibly be refused. Am I right in thinking there is absolutely no way I can get any idea of medical yes or no before applying for the VISA? thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gidza Posted July 16, 2014 Share Posted July 16, 2014 My partner and I are going it alone. No probs so far we can't afford £5000 for an agent. But we both have medical issues and it's heart breaking to think we have to spend £3800 for visas plus £1000 for both Medicals to possibly be refused. Am I right in thinking there is absolutely no way I can get any idea of medical yes or no before applying for the VISA?thanks The doc will submit the meds electronically and you wont know the results. However, if there is something seriously wrong the doc will let you know if it needs urgent attention. If not they wont contact you. So no contact from yhe doc after meds is a goid sign. Regarding your medical condition, it depends whether it's one that will mean you will require attention on public funds in which case they may refuse. But in most cases if the condition is 'ordinary' it wont result in a refusal. My understanding is they dont want to go to Aussie and straight away become a liability yo the Aussie taxpayer through treatment on public monies. So dont let the meds put you off. Besides, there is no other way of getting the visa. And if you font try you will never know if you would have got it so go for it and best wishes Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alcrock Posted July 16, 2014 Share Posted July 16, 2014 Yes we feel we have to try or we will always wonder. But our medical problems are not simple unfortunalty, both quite complicated. My partner has old MH issues no longer a problem and now chronic back issues with a spinal cord stimulator fitted. Working full time so that should help our case. On strong painkillers which we would have to pay for but she would be likely to need to be under a pain consultant incase she has problems with her implant. I am stil being monitored for a small melanoma removed no problems since it was removed 3 yrs ago. (Don't judge I know it may seem daft going to a hot sunny climate!) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gidza Posted July 16, 2014 Share Posted July 16, 2014 Keep the faith alcrock. As a christian I always say nothing is impossible with God so I believe you will get it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alcrock Posted July 17, 2014 Share Posted July 17, 2014 Thanks, does anyone know or have had experience with similar problems and gone through the process? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gidza Posted July 17, 2014 Share Posted July 17, 2014 Alcrock, last night I was reading on another thread about a couple whilo have just been granted but their child has some heart condition. Cant remember which forum. That reminded me of your post. So just to encourage you and go for it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kymmbo Posted July 18, 2014 Author Share Posted July 18, 2014 Yes we feel we have to try or we will always wonder. But our medical problems are not simple unfortunalty, both quite complicated. My partner has old MH issues no longer a problem and now chronic back issues with a spinal cord stimulator fitted. Working full time so that should help our case. On strong painkillers which we would have to pay for but she would be likely to need to be under a pain consultant incase she has problems with her implant. I am stil being monitored for a small melanoma removed no problems since it was removed 3 yrs ago. (Don't judge I know it may seem daft going to a hot sunny climate!) Alcrock, good luck with your application. We feel the same, that we have to try and apply and hope for the best. There really is no other way of knowing for sure! Fingers crossed Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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