Why Use an Offshore Agent?

Australia has a confusing array of migration classes.  It is often difficult to tell which class is most suitable for you and your family.  There are various age limits (eg <45; <55; >55) and of English language ability ranging from Vocational English to none at all.  If you are confused, fill in the Free Assessment and let us review your situation.

Most people applying to Australia (so-called "offshore applicants") can only file their applications "offshore".

Sometimes even if you are in Australia, you will have to file overseas. So it makes sense to use a consultant whose main area of experience is with offshore applications and overseas posts (ie Australian Embassies, High Commissions and Consulates).

We have assisted more than a thousand people to migrate to Australia and nearly all of those have been cases that could only be filed outside Australia.

We can file your application at any overseas post.

We live in an interactive world and you are probably only an email, fax or phone call away from our office.

Do I need an Agent?

The Australian immigration department’s figures show that a great number of cases fail. Since the implementation of the July 1999 rule changes for skilled migrants, refusals may not show up in the department's future statistics (mainly because if your skills are not accepted you will not file an application). This is because skills assessment and Australia Immigration Law are complex and subject to frequent changes.

If your application is refused, you may not be able to reapply for some time (eg until after you have acquired sufficient work experience) or at all (eg you may lose the ability to reapply because of the age requirement or because you have changed occupation etc.)

In Australia there are heavy penalties for acting as an unregistered migration agent. Many overseas agents or consultants are registered under the department's registration scheme. Under Australia's Migration Regulations, all agents, consultants - and even practising lawyers - must be registered and must undergo annual training to meet the Continuing Professional Development component of the program. Agents cannot be registered (or renew their registration) unless they participate in the CPD program and acquire 10 CPD points each year.

Paul Bernadou is a MARA registered agent (no. 58358) and a member of the professional body of migration agents in Australia. His principal place of practise is overseas. He has 42 years experience as a lawyer and has been practising as a migration consultant for more than 20 years.