katwoman1980 Posted June 8, 2014 Share Posted June 8, 2014 Ok Guys, Lots of Questions, do you need to have a Migration Agent, who would people recommend? Any nightmare stories to stay away from? We're looking to go from the UK, do we need to start with the Visa first then look for work after that or get a job and that pushes the process through? Any advice greatly appreciated! Kristen Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VERYSTORMY Posted June 8, 2014 Share Posted June 8, 2014 That is an impossible question as it depends on your circumstances. Some people do the visa themselves, others use an agent. Personally, I am a fan of using an agent. One of the most highly regarded is Go Matilda or @wrussel No, you don't look for a job yet. But, you need to be aware many people do not qualify for a visa. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
calNgary Posted June 9, 2014 Share Posted June 9, 2014 Lots of people seem to apply successfully without using an agent, we personally used Visa Bureau and were very happy with their service. Cal x Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kayinperth Posted June 9, 2014 Share Posted June 9, 2014 do you need to have a Migration Agent You know, it depends on the person. If you are busy full time worker or busy mum, normally using agent will save your time, no mistake (normally) to collect documentations etc as your agent will tell you what you need to do time to time. but you don't have to use an agent of course. If you are not confidence to deal with the process, better to use an agent. Because if you made mistake in your application, you might need to do whole process from beginning with another visa fee. who would people recommend? Anyone around you used agents before? You don't have to seek the agent near your place or even in the country. Most communication would be done by e-mail, and some post mails some times. You can search agents through internet, communicate with them through e-mail or phone, then if you feel comfortable to ask help to them, go for it. Don't decide an agent because of cost is cheap... Any nightmare stories to stay away from? I heard that someone used an agent, but they didn't aware of changes during june-july season. (rules are changed every 1st of july normally) Lack of communication (no reply for 5 days etc) A few migration agents website don't change their homepage for changing rules etc, that would be one of signals they are not reliable etc (it may be because "Im too busy" tho...) Already pointed out, you don't have any visa yet, you can't get a job. Unfortunately most companies want people who can work asap, and/or who have visa for long term (not expire in 1-3 months etc). You can seek your new employer while you are staying in UK, and it would lead your 457visa. However you are required of luck and strong skills to appeal to the company. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wrussell Posted June 9, 2014 Share Posted June 9, 2014 Ok Guys,Lots of Questions, do you need to have a Migration Agent, who would people recommend? Any nightmare stories to stay away from? We're looking to go from the UK, do we need to start with the Visa first then look for work after that or get a job and that pushes the process through? Any advice greatly appreciated! Kristen Any of the registered migration agents who regularly post on this forum would manage your matter professionally. I advise all prospective applicants to seek a written professional assessment from a registered migration before committing to a course of action. This might cost you a consultation fee. If it is apparent that you should be able to act on your own behalf, with some guidance, you can expect to be so advised. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adam Grey Posted June 9, 2014 Share Posted June 9, 2014 Do you need an agent? - First thing is no, you do not need an agent. Whether you decide to use one or not depends mostly upon how confident you feel to complete your own application. Nobody should ever advise that you have to use one and nobody should ever advise you to go alone, only you know your own capabilities. Recommendations - Thousands of independent reviews and testimonials can be found at http://www.migrationagentreviews.com. Highly recommended that you only use a MARA registered agent. Searches of the register can be made here: https://www.mara.gov.au All MARA registered agents must supply a written quotation of fees before taking you on as a client. They should not make any guarantees of success, and if the application stands little chance of success they must make this clear to you. No agent should take you on as a client without a thorough assessment. Even if an assessment is given over the phone a good agent should follow this up in writing so that you are fully aware of the factors in your case before engagement. Some agents do not like to give away too much information at the assessment stage. It's understandable because there are so many enquirers on a daily basis who ask question after question with no intention of using the agent's service, taking up time that could be spent on clients, but at a bare minimum you should be going into an agreement knowing full well the cost, timeframe, visa pathway, risks and overall chance of success. Horror stories - Like any industries there are always good and bad service providers. Though not illegal I would personally avoid companies outside Australia that are not MARA registered, or those that act as a third party drawing clients in before outsourcing the work to a MARA registered agent. Avoid companies that have auto-assessments that give you a points score without anyone looking into your details. Avoid companies that give very high points scores based upon assumptions. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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