5 Things to Prepare Before Meeting a Migration Agent in Perth

1. Check Your Current Visa Details

If you're already in Australia, start by checking your visa status.

You should know which visa you currently hold, when it expires and whether there are conditions that may affect your plans.

For example, your visa may have restrictions relating to work, study or further applications.

You can check your current visa conditions through the Australian Government's Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) service.

Before your appointment, make a note of:

• Your current visa subclass
• Visa expiry date
• Any relevant visa conditions
• Important application or travel deadlines

If you're applying from overseas and don't currently hold an Australian visa, simply explain your circumstances.

Having this information available helps your migration agent understand your starting position.

2. Be Clear About Your Migration Goals

Before your consultation, think about what you actually want to achieve.

Are you planning to study in Australia? Do you want to explore skilled migration? Are you hoping to join your partner or family?

Your goals will influence which visa options are worth discussing.

For example:

You don't need to know exactly which visa to apply for before meeting an agent.

However, explaining your plans clearly will help make the conversation more focused.

3. Organise Your Education and Employment History

Your qualifications and work experience may be relevant to different Australian visa pathways.

For skilled migration, an agent may need to understand your occupation, qualifications, English language ability and employment history.

For student-related matters, your academic background and intended course may be relevant.

Before your consultation, consider preparing a simple summary of your:

• Educational qualifications
• Employment history and job responsibilities
• English language test results, if available
• Current occupation
• Australian study or employment experience, if applicable

You don't necessarily need to bring every certificate or employment document to the first meeting.

Ask the migration agent which documents they would like to review and use a secure method to share sensitive records.

If you're considering a points-tested skilled visa, XL Migration also provides a Skilled Migration Points Calculator to help you make an initial estimate.

Remember that a points estimate is not a formal eligibility assessment or guarantee of an invitation.

4. Gather Previous Visa Application Information

Have you previously applied for an Australian visa?

If so, your past application history may be relevant to your next steps.

This includes previous visa grants, refusals, cancellations or other correspondence from the Department of Home Affairs.

If you've received a refusal or cancellation decision, tell your migration agent about it even if the decision happened several years ago.

If you have a current request for information or a review deadline, mention it at the beginning of your appointment.

These matters may affect your options and sometimes involve strict time limits.

You should also explain any significant changes in your circumstances, such as a change in your relationship, employment or study arrangements.

Be open about your previous immigration history. Providing accurate information allows the agent to assess your situation using the relevant facts.

5. Prepare Questions About Your Options, Costs and Next Steps

It's easy to forget questions once your appointment begins.

Write them down beforehand so you can cover the matters that are important to you.

Some useful questions include:

• Which visa options may be suitable for my circumstances?
• What eligibility requirements should I check?
• What documents would I need if I decide to apply?
• Are there any problems or risks I should understand?
• What government charges and professional fees may apply?
• What should I do after the consultation?

You can also ask how the agent's services work and what assistance is included.

Registered migration agents in Australia must follow professional conduct requirements, including rules about service agreements and fees.

Before engaging an agent for ongoing work, make sure you understand the written agreement, the services covered and the costs involved.

The Australian Government does not guarantee visa approval simply because an application has been prepared by a registered migration agent.