What is it?
The initial consultation is a meeting / conversation with one of our expert Registered Migration Agents that occurs after your initial contact with the firm. The initial consultation can be between 20 minutes and one hour or more, depending on the type and complexity of your legal issue. At the conclusion of the meeting, your migration agent may be able to indicate a management plan or options, or in some cases we may require more information before finalizing our advice.
What does it cost?
We offer a fixed cost for the initial consultation. The type of matter and its complexity can influence the scope and purpose of an initial consultation. Our service team needs a broad overview of your matter before they can provide you with the relevant fixed cost. We usually recommend one hour of consultation. If you would like a quote, please get in touch with us!
Why should you pay for an initial consultation?
How does it work?
Prior to your initial consultation, you will receive general information relevant to your matter along with a checklist of information and documents that you will need to bring.
If you come along to our office for the meeting, arrive a little early. Reception will usually offer you a refreshment.
If you have your initial consultation via Skype or phone, please make sure your technical advises are working and we have a few minutes time beforehand to check the connection.
What is the objective of an initial consultation?
The objective of the initial consultation is to understand your issue and provide you with an overview of your options. At the conclusion of the meeting, your migration agent may be able to indicate a management plan or options, or in some cases we may require more information before finalising our advice. We will confirm when you will receive formal written advice in regarding your matter. The advice you receive will form the basis of whether you proceed with your matter, or not.
There are no additional costs and no ongoing obligations associated with your fixed initial consultation.
You should use the initial consultation as an opportunity to ask the agent for a written estimate of their fees. This will give you an idea of how much you need to pay altogether and what you are paying for. This should include the visa application charge and all other fees required to be paid. Professional fees are usually charged by the hour or by the service provided.
As well as the fees paid to your agent, you will also need to pay a fee to the Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) for your visa. This is known as a visa application charge (VAC). Visa application charges will vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for and may change from time to time.
Many agents will pay the visa application charge on your behalf, but this will be in addition to the fee they charge you for their services. This is called a disbursement. Remember also that you may need to pay your agent any credit card charges they have incurred in paying the visa application charge. You should have a look at the visa pricing table on the DIBP website to find out what the charge for your application will be.
How to make the most of your initial consultation?
The initial consultation serves two purposes – it enables the Registered Migration Agent to determine the nature of your issue, so that they can provide advice about your best course of action. It is best to send all your required documents (i.e. detailed resume, qualification documents, English test result, passport copy) and your specific questions to the agent, prior to the consultation. This way he can take a look and your consultation time is not used for viewing of documents.
The second and very important purpose is for you to determine whether the agent has the skills and experience to offer you the best advice – and is someone you can work with and trust. Should the inquiry be outside the scope of the agent, he should assist you with his existing network and refer a specialized agent within this field.
