What do you do when you have a problem or question in your head that you can't solve on your own?
You call a friend, then maybe your friend tells you what he or she heard of from another friend, maybe you google things, visit different websites for comparison, and your last resort will probably be to pay for professional help, right?
What's common, usually, is that people start seeking for professional help, the last resort, when their situation is already very bad, and that is really not a good habit.
I am guilty of it myself. I used to have this regular headache and I kind of ignored it by thinking I'll just drink paracetamol. Done. Problem solved. Then my vision started to blur, that's when I went to the doctor. It turned out I had astigmatism, but by this time, my vision can no longer be corrected. I have to wear glasses for the rest of my life. It will probably get worse because I don't even wear my eye glasses regularly.
When you have health issues, you go to a doctor.
When you have legal issues, you go to a lawyer
When you have personal financial issues, you go to a financial adviser.
When you have business financial issues, you go to an accountant.
When you have life issues, you go to a life coach.
When you have visa issues, you go to a visa consultant or a migration agent.
Information regarding visa matters is abound on the internet. It can seriously get overwhelming how much information there is out there. That can be a problem in itself sometimes because you get information overload. You just don't know where to begin anymore. Many of the information out there may not even be applicable to you.
You want to get the concise information that applies to you, your circumstances, and your nationality.
The most reliable information regarding visa and migration can be found on the Australia immigration website, of course. The Department's website contains a wealth of information for every nationality, but even an average person could get lost in all the links available in there. I've spoken to average Filipino and Australian citizens, and even they don't want to bother looking up things that are public available on the immigration website.
Why is it that even with the information available on the immigration website, people still turn to forums and ask questions? I can only guess that many people just don't "speak immigration". I mean it's English but to many people it's still foreign. Just like when you talk to someone about investing, they would not have a clue what you're talking about even though you are speaking the same language.
Online forums are interesting, and people are SO generous to provide their experience with agencies and immigration. Again, while interesting, forums give out too much information that you don't necessarily need and just eats up your time.
Online forums are interesting, and people are SO generous to provide their experience with agencies and immigration. Again, while interesting, forums give out too much information that you don't necessarily need and just eats up your time.
If you're going to travel abroad, do your research first. Instead of paying the full visa fee and just finding out later that you didn't meet the visa requirements, do your research. If not, then talk to a professional or an agency.
Yes, you normally have to pay a small fee to consult with someone who understands the visa process. The point is we are professionals of this field, it took us years to gain this level of wisdom, and we're going to compress and share our wisdom to you in 1 hour (or maybe more). It's our time and undivided attention that we are giving you and we want to put both our times to good use, sound fair? You can check out our FAQs here.
"But I don't want to pay! I want it free!"
Like I said, the information is out there, you just need to know how to filter out what you need. Sometimes there are agencies or companies out there who give free consultation, and those are good options for you freebie-seekers out there as well. They will never give you the entire picture though until you avail of their full services.
So ask yourself the following basic questions:
Like I said, the information is out there, you just need to know how to filter out what you need. Sometimes there are agencies or companies out there who give free consultation, and those are good options for you freebie-seekers out there as well. They will never give you the entire picture though until you avail of their full services.
So ask yourself the following basic questions:
- Do I understand the purpose of why I am applying for a visa?
- Do I know what visa to apply for?
- Do I know the requirements for this visa and where to get them?
- Do I have the financial capacity for this application?
- Do I need a sponsor or financial supporter for this?
- Do I know what my obligations or visa conditions will be?
- Do I lodge this application by post, at the service delivery partner, or online?
- Are my documents acceptable?
- Have I prepared enough for my travel to Australia?
As the saying goes, prevention is better than cure. Once you have lodged that visa application, there is no turning back. You can withdraw your application yes, but chances are, you will not get a refund on the visa fee you have already paid for. So why risk it? Prepare and give due diligence before you apply for a visa to Australia.
If you want to apply for a visa, you may just want to talk to a real person who speaks your language, without all the mumbo jumbo jargon. Maybe right now is not the right timing for your visa application. When will be the right time? Are you even eligible at all? Perhaps you have all the qualities required for just a certain visa type. You just need someone to assist you and lead the way for you.
Like this article? Please share, and let me know your thoughts by commenting below. Thanks for reading!
Coming up next: The Visa Facilitation Service (VFS)
Like this article? Please share, and let me know your thoughts by commenting below. Thanks for reading!
Coming up next: The Visa Facilitation Service (VFS)
