Migrating to Australia is a major life-changing process. With such a high cost, both economically and the significance the outcome bears on your life, it’s essential you choose the right migration agent. However, with thousands of agents available, how do you know which is the right one? Here’s a list of our top 5 tips for choosing a migration agent.

1. Make Sure the Migration Agent is Registered with MARA

One of the most essential things to consider is if the agent is registered with the Office of Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA). We believe it’s critical to choose an agent with MARA, who are the body who regulate all agents within Australia and make sure that all of them conduct their work in alignment with the proper policies and procedures. Being registered with MARA is the best guarantee that the agent is operating with integrity and possesses significant knowledge of Australia’s immigration legislation and procedures. All registered MARA agents must stay up-to-date with current migration laws and are under the impact of regulatory forces. We have heard stories of unregistered agents scamming people out of thousands of dollars, so it’s vital that you select a registered migration agent.  

2. Check Out What Other Clients Have to Say

One of the best ways to verify if a migration agent is the right one for you is by checking client testimonials. We say don’t just check out the ones on their websites, which are almost guaranteed only to say good things, but to review several unbiased and uncontrolled sources such as Google My Business. We always say stay away from any business if there are more negative reviews than positive ones.

3. Choose a Registered Migration Agent with Experience

Sometimes the inexperienced, cheaper option is good but not for something as important as a successful visa application. Australia’s immigration environment – laws, policies and processes – are very complex and it takes people years, if not decades, to specialise in the industry. We would recommend that you ask the agent/agency what their experience is and don’t be afraid to judge them based on that.

4. Meet with the Registered Migration Agent

We always suggest that you meet with the migration agent face-to-face (or through an online consultation if a physical location is an issue) before contracting them. One of the best ways of getting to know if the agent is the right one for your case is to get to know the agent personally. From our experience, most agents are happy with this approach, and many even offer free initial consultations.

5. Ask the Tough Questions

While we’re sure there’s are other things to mention, we’ll finish with saying that you shouldn’t be afraid to ask hard questions. You shouldn’t shy from asking the registered agent what their success rate is. You want to work with an agent that has a high success rate. No agent can guarantee the success of a visa application, and no right agent will take on every single case. An agent who is honest and forthcoming about their rate is something to look out for.  

If you are still searching for the right migration agent, we recommend Interstaff. With over 30 years of experience, Interstaff only hires registered migration agents who are equipped in delivering successful applications for business and individuals. Interstaff can help with business sponsorships, business owner visa, investor visas, temporary work visas, permanent residency visas, family and partner visas, student visas, Australia visitor visa and more. With a 4.9-star rating on Google My Business, Interstaff also offers free expert visa.