At Spectrum, we’ve supported thousands of migrants settle successfully in Melbourne since 1980. Here are the two big problems that many face, and our advice to help.

It can be stressful waiting to hear about a visa application.

Australian Migration laws are quite strict. The Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs are the only people who make decisions about visa applications or requirements.

This can mean that people look for ways to speed up the process. Because of this, many migrants are unfortunately taken advantage of by scams, misinformation or unscrupulous ‘migration companies’ that use false claims or bad practices.

Looking for a Migration Agent in Melbourne? Here are the ‘red flags’ to avoid:

• Promising ‘100% success’ or ‘guaranteed visa’ without knowing information about your eligibility or reviewing your documents.
• Unclear information about fees, or hidden costs
• Suggesting unethical or dishonest ways to fulfil your selection criteria
• Lodging your application even with missing information
• Not being properly registered with the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (OMARA or MARA)

This can cost you lots of time, and lots of money, paying to fix mistakes or issues caused by unethical Migration businesses or incorrect information. It can even lead to your Visa application being banned, refused or significantly delayed.

Many of our clients and even our staff have experienced this, so we understand the harm that this can cause to hopeful migrants.

Your future is too important to risk. If a Migration business promises something that sounds ‘too good to be true’, it probably is. If you experience any of these, make a report to OMARA.

‘FREE CONSULTATIONS’ – What you didn’t know

Some migration companies offer ‘free consultations’. However, this can sometimes lead to disappointment.

Many ‘free consultations’ turn out to be just ten minute conversations. These conversations don’t need to give you accurate, true or personalised information. Unlike paid professional Migration Consultations, you are not protected by Australian Consumer Laws.

In some cases, these quick ‘free consultations’ may actually be disguised ‘sales pitches’, designed to win you over with unrealistic promises. Some migrants also report going to a ‘free consultation’, only to be pressured into signing a contract for expensive services.

So when you see a ‘free consultation’ on offer, it’s important to check what is actually included in this service. Is it really a consultation, or just a conversation?

A proper professional consultation with a Migration Agent should:

• Take time – at least thirty minutes
• Provide you specific advice and details about your unique situation, including if a particular Visa is not right for you, so you don’t waste your money.
• Give you clear pricing for any services, with no hidden fees or charges

You should walk away feeling informed, clear, and confident about your next steps.

When you are applying for a visa to live, work or study in Australia, there is a lot of information and documentation that is required by the Australian Government.

The Department of Home Affairs, who manage all migration and visa cases, processes each application thoroughly.

DID YOU KNOW: Tiny mistakes, such as incorrect dates or missing questions, can cause your application to be delayed or refused – costing you time and money.

We are all human. Usually, it is very normal for any person to make occasional mistakes in documentation. Especially if you are also managing work, study, parenting, or other important priorities!

Yet, when it comes to your Visa application, it can have long-term impacts.

When it comes to something as important as your migration journey, you want to get it right, the first time.

After 46 years of helping migrants and refugees settle in Melbourne, here’s our biggest tip:

Don’t navigate your Migration journey alone. Seek the support of a professional Migration Agent, one who:

• Is fully registered
• Understands Migration laws
• Sees you as a person
• Gives you transparent pricing upfront
• Works for a recognised, trustworthy organisation