Immigration Debate

In my last article Cathrine Burnett of Migration Matters shared the 7 common pitfalls that Brits emigrating to Australia fall into when they’re applying for their Visa.

Catherine is a Migration agent with nearly 10 years working in the Emigration industry so there’s not much she hasn’t seen, so her tips and suggestions are based on REAL experience, working with REAL clients.

In the second part of this Article she shares her Top 10 tips for ensuring a Stress Free emigration to Australia

Tip #1. Do your research

Start by knowing exactly which visa class you want to apply for. There are hundreds of different Australian Visa classes and applying for the one that’s best for you & your family is essential. Visit the DIAC website, speak to a Registered Migration Agent or even do one of the many FREE on-line assessments that many Migration Agents offer.

Tip #2. Beware of well meaning advice

You’ll hundreds of people out there willing to give you advise that promises to guarantee you getting a visa, finding a job or saving money. Always get proper informed advice from a reputable source such as Registers Migration Agents, Assessing Bodies or the DIAC website. Beware of advice from well-meaning friends, family or forum posters ‘who have been through the process’. Remember each application is unique, what may be applicable to the person giving the advise may not be applicable to you

Tip #3. Have your paper work in order

Make sure you have all identity documents, birth certificates, marriage certificates, decree absolutes in one place. Make sure your passports are valid or have long validity left, if not have them renewed. Finally, Keep all documents relating to emigration queries in a folder or an easy accessible place for quick reference

Tip #4. Research the areas you’d like to live

It sounds obvious but Australia is a REALLY big place. Each city, State and regional area has it’s own feel, lifestyle and job opportunities. Australia. The best way of finding out what an area is really like is to make a ‘reccie’, an information gathering trip. Many people are not able to do this but there’s still plenty of excellent information to be found on the internet and through other sources (Migration Agents, Removal Companies etc). Pay particular attention to Cost of living, Rental and housing costs, schools and education and facilities such as hospitals, recreation reserves etc. Most importantly pay attention to the climate: how would you cope in the hot 40C days of a Perth summer or the stifling humidity of Darwin or would Melbourne where you can get all four seasons in one day be better for you.

Tip #5. Make a plan - have an emigration plan

If you’re planning to emigrate with your spouse or partner then divide the work between you and make sure each person knows who’s doing what. Who’s going to deal with the Migration Agent or the DIAC, get removal quotes, arrange the medicals and get certified copies. The emigration process can be slow and confusing so you need to have a plan and stay organised.

In the next and final of this article Cathrine shares the rest of her tips for ensuring a stress free Migration to Australia.