Migration agents for 457 visa australia?

Question

Can anyone advise me as to whether I need to use a migration agent for a 457 visa. My partner Has a job offer in perth and they have never sponsored before. They asked us if we had an agent..we were hoping not to use one to save costs? Are they really necessary? Thanks, all advice appreciated!

Answer 1

Perhaps they only asked if you had an agent so they didn't have to hunt around for one.



It is definitely possible to get a 457 visa without an agent but when one is used, the employer must pay all of the costs for at least their side of the process i.e. the sponsorship application and having the nomination approved. The employer side of things is by far the most complex but their sponsorship approval covers all sponsorships for a 3 year period so it's a one off expense and effort and while a nomination must be done for each employee, they're not very complex. Most also pay for the employee's agent costs as well and usually (though not always), the same agent is used.



The sponsorship obligations under the regulations state:



The standard business sponsor must not recover, or seek to recover, from the primary or secondary sponsored person, all or part of the costs (including migration agent costs):



• that relate specifically to the recruitment of the primary sponsored person

• associated with becoming or being a sponsor or former approved sponsor.



The whole process is clearly explained in the 457 booklet and on the DIAC website. Have a thorough read of those and see if you feel you can handle your side of things yourselves - you should be able to without too much trouble.

http://www.immi.gov.au/allforms/booklets/books9.pdf 457 booklet

http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/skilled-workers/sbs/ 457 visa from the DIAC website



If you decide to handle your application without an agent (or even if you use an agent so you know what questions to ask), join the Pomsinoz forum where you'll find hundreds of other members who have first hand experience with the 457 process.

http://www.pomsinoz.com/forum/migration-issues/ PIO Migration Issues forum

Answer 2

Jo--my PET HATE are Immigration Agents.These are people who do what?

Fill in the same forms you can fill in for nothing but charge a fee for doing so.

OK--You don't speak English ? So What? Aussie Govt Depts print any official form in practically any language on the planet. You CAN read and write in your language--cant you?

And that is the major ''draw card'' they use to SUCK YOU IN

If you do speak and write English --tell me, how hard is it to write your name , age, date of birth, address and personal details in the boxes?

These Agents have one other insidious stink around them and that is they INFER but without actually saying it directly , that only they can arrange a definite visa. In other words, we will charge you a fee but practically guarantee a visa and this IS UTTER CRAP.

ONLY the Dept of Immigration issue visas and only after they alone investigate the application. ANYONE says in any way they can ''arrange'' or guarantee the issue of a visa is a LIAR AND A CHEAT.

Immigration would love to be given the details of any individual or Company that imply they can offer you a visa by using their services and guess who fits into that category.?

So--fill in your own application fully, truthfully and legibly, supply all documentation and answer all questions honestly. You qualify or you dont but at least you wont be out of pocket thousands of dollars by doing yourself the same thing those fools do.

Answer 3

The main requirements are that you must:

• prove that you have a prescribed qualification OR have completed the prescribed course and passed the prescribed examination

• have personal access to the required Professional Library

• demonstrate your proficiency in the English language.



To join, see the information on the following website:

http://rapidmigration.com.au/index.html



If it's skilled migration you're after, start with the General Skilled Migration booklet:

Answer 4

Members of Parliament can assist at no cost



Ask there first BUT if Perth means a mining industry job then they may repay the agent costs so ask, politely

Answer 5

They are not necessary. They will just send you forms to fill in and charge you for it.



Do it yourself and you fill in exactly the same forms but save their charges.



Unless you are incredibly stupid you don't need an agent.