8 questions to ask your migration agent

If you are applying for a permanent visa, you should talk to your migration agent and get all the details to ensure that you are in the know whatever happens. A client has to understand the service that they are paying for and how the migration agents can help them once they are abroad. Here is a list of important questions to ask your migration agent before you hire them.

1. Are they registered with the Government of Canada or Australia?

Always go for services provided by registered agents because others can cheat you off your money or provide incomplete assistance. The destination country has a licensing system in place for all agents who are providing migration services to their country.

2. How many clients have they helped? Can they show proof of the migration visas they’ve handled?

Ask when they got their first visa and check if they represented the same visa or client to the department of immigration. (Their name should be on grant letter)

3. Ask for their contact details in the destination country.

You have to make sure that their claims to get your permanent residency are valid and that they have contacts abroad which you can cross-verify. There are many cases of clients being swindled or not being given the visa they were promised because of inexperienced migration agents. Make sure the claims they make will be carried through and that they have helped other clients in cases like yours.

4. Who will attest to the documents?

A registered agent is qualified to attest to your documents. If they don’t, find an agent that will because it will be a much easier process for you.

5. Ask about your processing time.

Though the time can vary according to the visa you are applying for, the migration agent will be able to give you an approximate time so that you can plan your relocation accordingly.

6. Are you registered with any professional institutions in the destination country?

This is important to ensure good migration practices are adhered to and that you are given the best service possible.

7. It is a good idea to ask them about the costs involved in the service

This will help you determine whether the agent is right for you. It is also important to ask whether there are costs involved for family members’ visas etc. Planning your finances well is an important part of the relocation.

8. Will you be informed about changes to the law during your processing time and will be updated about your filing status?

For a transparent process, it is important to understand what is going on regarding migration laws so that you are not caught off-guard. Get to know your visa process and where you stand in terms of being handed a successful visa.

Make sure that you don’t fall victim to agents that promise jobs, fast processing time or those who pass off as registered agents. If they are registered, their work is tracked by the immigration department and you can ask for a refund in case of complaints.