[sheeling79]

Hi everyone.

As the title of this thread implies, Me and my partner are commencing the process of partner visa and are currently shopping for an agent. We are based in Brisbane.

The last agency we consulted with quoted us 5100 AUD! While another quoted us 3500 AUD. The whole process of selecting an agent is arduous and have left both of us confused.

1) Is it important to engage a local agent (in Brisbane) or should we go with reputable ones even if they are not based locally?

2) What's the difference between a migration agent and a migration lawyer? is it because of that distinction that's why certain agency charge more?

3) I read the Londonerinsydney blog and she gave a detailed description of what the process was. it makes us want to commence with the lodgement ourselves without an agent. thoughts?

Thanks in advance for any advise rendered.

Sheeling

 

[sheeling79]

You may engage a reputable agent anywhere in Australia. I have clients all over the world. We communicate on Skype and email. Partner visas are lodged electronically, which means that all documents are also lodged electronically. So it is easy to collect your documents and either email them to your agent or create a folder in Google Drive and share the folder.

A Migration Agent is a person who is registered with the Migration Agents Registration Authority. They have passed the appropriate training programs. A Migration Lawyer is a Migration Agent who also happens to be Lawyer. Lawyers have additional fiscal responsibilities and tend to charge a higher fee.

About 21% of partner visas are refused because case officers are not satisfied that the couple is in a genuine relationship. Most of the time this is because the evidence of the relationship is not presented well enough. A good agent will make sure that your evidence is clearly presented and that there is no doubt left in your case officer's mind.

Thank you so much for clearing that up, Jeremy!!!

 

[sheeling79]

With respect to the migration agents who contribute to this forum, it IS possible to complete an application yourself.
It's arduous and time-consuming and requires copious reading and asking questions on forums like this one. You will need help.
You should expect that the application will consume much of your thoughts and emotions.
You will need time, patience, confidence, determination, tenacity, and attention to detail.

We completed my wife's application ourselves.
It was our project that we enjoyed doing together because we shared a common goal.
But it would not be possible without the resource this forum provides and the willingness of friends to contribute stat decs and the like.

I have a young friend who made a similar application that was rejected, simply for lack of evidence of a relationship.
He did not ask for help and made too many assumptions
Now he needs a migration agent to help with a tribunal hearing.
The waiting time is well over 12 months plus another application fee.

If you're not prepared for paperwork, administration and data collection, then a migration agent is certainly worth the fees they charge.
Call it an investment in the rest of your life!

All the best.

Hey philipg

I can't help but to blush when you mention "... our project that we enjoyed doing together..."

That is the sweetest thing I have heard so far from this forum. Truth be told the whole process and cost really sucks the romance out of the relationship and I haven't even started!

Thank you so much for your kind encouragement.

Sheeling

 

[sheeling79]

Hi Sheeling

Yes, it really depends on how much time you want to spend on it and how comfortable you are with researching the requirements. You could always do the application yourself and then find a migration agent/lawyer to review the application to make sure it is correct/you haven't left anything out.

I provide partner visa checks for $590 AUD. I find that it works really well for clients who are internet savvy and can find the information themselves, but still want a professional to make sure it's all okay.

At the end of the day the actual partner visa lodgment fee is $7,000 so its worthwhile making sure you get it right.

Kind regards

Lisa Ira (LLB.BA.GDLP)
Principal Migration Consultant (MARN 1467616)
Proxy Migration

e: [email protected]
w: www.proxymigration.com.au

Disclaimer: This message is general in nature does not constitute migration or legal advice and should not be relied upon. To provide you with migration advice, we need to consult with you to obtain your full information and circumstances. If you wish to receive migration advice please email us to arrange an appointment.

Hi Lisa

Thank you for your advise!

Sheeling

 

[sheeling79]

We are waiting for a decision on partner visa application for my wife. Been together 7 years married 18 months.
She's Thai.
We kept everything since the start and fed it all into the evidence. We also have a dual timeline matrix covering the years events milestone locations employment and address history.

It was a highly emotional tour revisiting every month of our relationship and shows how far we've come but also what is at stake. It also makes me more determined.
But it's up to the dibp now. Front end decision ready since October 2017
First nudge email sent yesterday.

We

Hey JTeam,

Goodluck!!! Me and my partner have not been together as long as you have but our relationship is strong. Of course under the eyes of the law, its not about how we feel, its all about proof.

For example, we are not one of those couples who love having our photos taken. We enjoy soaking in the moment, basking in each others company, kissing, chit chating, etc. But now everytime we go on a date I feel obligated to take a selfie of us, keep the receipt etc. It really changes the dynamics.

guess that's the way it is for the next few years...

Sheeling

 

[sheeling79]

It really is a project and you should look at it taking around 2 months before you will be able to submit.

You have had very good advice now from two Registered Migration Agents, these days I would recommend that all applicants should have at least the application reviewed by a RMA. Not all offer this service and I do understand why.

If you do use a RMA for the full application service spend time to find one you feel well with, not just price. It is a long process and feeling comfortable with them is better than not for way over a year.

Lisa the above RMA also said a few weeks/days back that in addition to the review service she offers, that she has 5 & 10 question packs for fixed fees. This can be very beneficial for DIY's that get stuck on a few things. Naturally I forgot the prices - but to me seemed very good value.

Hey ampk

May I ask what do you mean by question packs???

Sheeling

 

[sheeling79]

Selfies really aren't that much value as evidence and neither are random receipts. You want to take a far more comprehensive and systemic approach than that. It is amazing the amount of formal evidence that can be generated if you put your mind to it. Also, if you are still going on " dates", how developed is your relationship at this stage?

Hi Nick,

I understand I will have to substantiate my case with stronger evidences than a random selfie. Joint accounts, insurance, lease agreement etc. Thank you for highlighting that. What I am trying to say is that I have to be more aware of our arrangements towards our case from now on once we start the application process and not just leave things to chance.

Each couple is unique and different. We do what we enjoy in my relationship and that include going out on date nights. My close friend who is married who 10 years still dress up and go on dates with her husband. so whose to say how develop my relationship is? We envision still going out on dates in our 60s.

Sheeling

 

[sheeling79]

Sheeling, if I can offer some counsel, find a way to make the process a part of your relationship.
Work on the application together over Skype or Facetime.
Check and recheck your work.
Look at the process as a learning experience and enjoy learning.

Otherwise, it will become a chore and rob you of the joy of working together.
You each have abilities of your own, so apply them to the task.
You'll be surprised what you learn from each other.
I learned that my wife has an excellent eye for detail.
No matter how I checked my work, she always found some error.

The obligation of selfies is part of the process too.
Have some giggles and fun. You're in this together; it's your relationship.

philipg

Thank you so much for such kind words.

Sheeling

 

[sheeling79]

Nothing wrong with " dating" the way you explain it. You may just want to be a bit careful with the terminology you use in your application. A case officer could well decide to make something out of it.

Noted!!! Thank you Nick. Will definitely keep be cautious about that.

Just do what comes natural. Most useful photos are with friends and family or with clearly identifiable landmarks or in simple, every day home situations.

Ok, I understand now. Thank you so much...