If you’ve already contacted a migration agent or lawyer and scheduled your consultation, you’re on the right path towards securing the visa or immigration outcome you’re aiming for. However, to make the most out of that consultation, there are essential steps to take in preparation. Here’s a guide on what to bring and how to ensure you have all the relevant information before your consultation.
1. Compile a List of Questions
Before your meeting, write down all the questions you want to ask your migration agent or lawyer. Preparing a comprehensive list ensures that you won’t forget any key concerns. Consultations are usually time-limited, often scheduled for an hour. Many migration professionals prefer not to address additional queries after the session is over, unless you’ve paid for extended support. Therefore, it’s crucial to make the most out of your allotted consultation time.
That said, some migration lawyers, like us, are open to answering follow-up questions after the consultation. However, these follow-ups should be directly related to the topics discussed during your initial meeting. By preparing your questions beforehand, you maximise the efficiency of your consultation, ensuring that no topic is left untouched.
2. Prepare and Send Your CV in Advance
Your CV or résumé is a key document that migration agents and lawyers need to assess your qualifications. It should include all your educational background, professional experience, and detailed job descriptions for each role you’ve held. Having a well-organised and thorough CV helps the agent understand your work experience and the potential visa pathways you could pursue.
If you work in a specialised field, such as engineering, IT, or healthcare, it’s crucial to clearly explain your professional jargon. Agents may not be familiar with the specific terminology used in your industry, so providing a straightforward, easy-to-understand CV will help avoid confusion. To give your migration lawyer or agent enough time to properly evaluate your qualifications, it’s highly recommended to send your CV ahead of time. Doing so allows them to research possible visa pathways or required skills assessments and provide you with better advice during the consultation.
Every individual has a unique background, and sometimes, assessing their experience may require extensive research. If your work experience is varied or involves switching roles frequently, it becomes even more important for the agent to review your CV carefully before your consultation. A well-prepared CV is crucial for assessing your eligibility for visas, such as the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) or the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190).
3. Include Your Partner’s CV if Applicable
If you have a spouse or de facto partner, it’s beneficial to provide their CV as well. Your partner’s qualifications may be relevant to your visa application, and in some cases, they may even be the
stronger candidate to act as the primary applicant. This is especially important if your partner has higher points under Australia’s points-based visa system or if they are listed on Australia’s Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
Providing both CVs allows your migration agent to compare your qualifications and suggest the best pathway for your visa application. In some instances, your partner’s occupation may be more in demand, giving your application priority under certain visa categories. Additionally, your partner’s qualifications could contribute to your overall points score, improving your chances of receiving an invitation to apply for a visa.
4. Prepare Other Supporting Documents
In addition to your CV, there may be other documents that will help your migration agent assess your case. These could include copies of your qualifications, certifications, and references from past employers. If you’ve lived in multiple countries, you may also need to gather police clearance certificates from those countries. Having these documents ready in advance will allow your migration agent to evaluate all aspects of your situation comprehensively.
If you have any previous visa applications or correspondence with immigration authorities, bring those documents as well. Previous applications may contain valuable information about your case that could inform the advice your migration agent or lawyer provides. If there were any issues or complications with prior applications, your lawyer will need this information to give you the best guidance going forward.
5. Be Prepared for a Tailored Consultation
Finally, it’s essential to remember that visa advice is not one-size-fits-all. Every person’s situation is different, and migration agents must often conduct thorough research to determine the best visa pathway for each client. For instance, someone with a background in IT may have a completely different pathway compared to someone in healthcare or construction.
Your migration agent will consider several factors during the consultation. These include your occupation, experience, qualifications, whether your occupation is on the relevant skills lists, and whether you’re eligible for a skills assessment. They will also look at your family situation to determine if your partner or spouse can enhance your visa application.
6. Expect a Research-Driven Approach
In many cases, migration agents need time to research your case before providing specific advice. As everyone’s experience is unique, the work experience and qualifications you present may require further analysis. For example, if your work experience is varied or does not fit neatly into a particular category, your migration lawyer may need to explore alternative pathways or determine whether a skills assessment is necessary.
This research process is essential to ensure that your application meets the requirements of the Australian Department of Home Affairs. Without a thorough understanding of your background, your agent or lawyer cannot provide you with accurate advice on your visa options.
To make the most of your migration consultation, it’s vital to be fully prepared. Ensure that you’ve compiled a list of questions, provided a comprehensive CV (and that of your partner, if applicable), and have all other relevant documents ready. By preparing ahead of time, you will not only save yourself time during the consultation but also ensure that your migration agent or lawyer can provide you with the best possible advice tailored to your unique circumstances.
If you’re ready to take the next step in your migration journey, schedule a consultation with our experienced team at NB Migration Law. We’re here to help you navigate the complexities of the Australian immigration process with confidence. Book your consultation today!