Applying for a visa can be a daunting and anxiety-provoking task. Applying for some visas can be relatively straight forward, such as a holiday visa, however other visa applications can be very complicated and require an in-depth knowledge of the specific country’s laws and visa processes.
Obtaining professional immigration advice before applying for a visa helps to ensure the most appropriate pathway is chosen and your application is properly made.
Save time and money
By working with an immigration lawyer and their team, you can save time and money by minimising mistakes to obtain a faster result.
Sometimes small things can have a huge impact on your visa outcome. If you are submitting an application for a visa by yourself or making your application with reference to what you have read or by what a friend did in their case, the chances are you will make a mistake. And some mistakes can have terrible consequences, such as a refusal or a considerably lengthy delay.
Australia has its own legislation and policy for immigration which determine the complexity and depth of information required to ascertain if an applicant reaches the minimum set of requirements, and if the visa applied for can be ultimately granted.
As you can imagine, it is not the intention of any immigration department to make a visa application complex or difficult, although it may feel like it at times.
However, form filling is only one aspect of the visa application process. If you don’t meet the requirements set by the visa type you wish to apply for, you may be just filling in applications with no chance of obtaining a visa.
Avoid mistakes and traps
An immigration lawyer and consultant understands the precise documents required for your visa type, which will help to minimise mistakes and streamline your application. Providing the Department of Home Affairs (previously Department of Immigration and Border Protection) with all the forms and supporting documents required is referred to as a decision-ready application. These applications are processed faster without unnecessary delay.
Even a small error in terminology or incorrect interpretation can have a significant effect on the validity of a visa application, remember it is not the job of the Department to check and assist a visa applicant in their visa application. One error, however small, could leave you with an invalid application (which will be simply returned to you as it will not be even considered by the Department) or the visa being refused.
It is important to remember that immigration laws and policies change frequently, which can mean that you may meet the requirements for a successful visa application on one day and not be eligible for the same visa the next.
Receive objective assessment
An applicant cannot always be expected to have the knowledge of particular migration laws, policy or visa processes and requirements.
Individual circumstances such as education, age, health, family, criminal record and more are taken into consideration by the Department, particularly with permanent resident visas.
By consulting an expert, you will receive objective visa assessment advice, a tested visa strategy that is straightforward, and clear instructions about what documents are needed. The required material can be forwarded to your immigration lawyer who will prepare your application, lodge it and follow up with the Department on your behalf.
Skill and Strategies
By using an experienced immigration lawyer and consultant, you will benefit from in-depth knowledge and strategies based on the professional’s experience working with visa applications, as well as access to legislation, databases and resources.
An immigration lawyer and consultant is able to assist you and guide you through the different types of visas that may suit your circumstances and provide you with up to date information on immigration requirements and laws.
In addition to providing you with details of the visa requirements, immigration lawyers can complete the required paper work on your behalf and lodge the application which can shorten the time before obtaining your visa.
If your circumstances mean that you are unable to obtain the visa you want, an immigration lawyer may be able to provide you with other avenues or bridging visa options that you may wish to consider, which could provide a pathway to obtaining the visa you originally wanted at a later date.
Fees are usually determined based on the type of visa and the depth of services required for such assistance.
Conclusion
Migration agents and lawyers offering immigration services must be registered with the Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA). They must have a sound knowledge and understanding of migration law and procedure and must abide by a very strict code of conduct when dealing with their clients and the Department.
If you or someone you know wants more information or needs help or advice, please contact us on 1300 815 501 or email info@domantaylegal.com.au.
