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The Benefit of Migration Agents to Temporary Residents

Nov 8, 2010 by Craig Vaughan

What is a migration agent?

A migration agent is someone that can advise on immigration matters, assist with the preparation and lodgment of an application and deal directly with the Department of Immigration and Citizenship on your behalf.

Must a migration agent be registered?

A migration agent operating in Australia must be registered with the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA). You can search the Register of Migration Agents on the MARA website www.mara.gov.au.

Why use a registered migration agent?

You would never turn up to court (generally) without a good lawyer who knows the law and can put your best case forward to the judge and jury using their skills, experience and knowledge. Essentially the same principle applies in migration cases.

Migration agents know the complexities and criteria of the law applicable when presenting an immigration application and know the best way to present your case to the department of immigration in the best possible light.

Unlike going for a home loan where if declined we could try a different lender, with migration cases there is essentially just the one bank – the Department of Immigration. It is therefore extremely important that your application is submitted correctly.

What do migration agents charge?

The following is an estimate of the range of fees charged by 70% of migration agents.

Agent Fee Data – September 2009 to August 2010
Permanent Residency Services	Employer Sponsored MigrationGeneral Skilled Migration Business Skills Entry Partner Migration Child Migration Parent Migration Other Family Migration Special Migration Humanitarian Offshore Onshore Protection	$2,500 – $5,000 $1,500 – $3,850 $3,500 – $10,000 $1,500 – $3,500 $1,500 – $3,500 $1,500 – $3,800 $1,500 – $3,500 $2,000 – $5,335 $1,000 – $3,500 $1,000 – $3,850
Temporary Residency Services	StudentsTemporary Business Temporary Non-business	$450 – $2,000 $1,500 – $4,000 $500 – $3,000
Other	Review ApplicationOther	$1,200 – $4,000 $300 – $2,500

Source: www. mara.gov.au

MAP specialises in Home Loans for Foreign Citizens moving to Australia and Temporary Residents living in Australia. We can also help with a referral to a migration agent so just drop us a line and we would be happy to pass on some details.

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