An interview with a registered migration agent

Interviewer: Cecilia Chan

Interviewee: Ms. Louisa (Ling-Zhi) Ying, a registered migration agent of Upway Migration Services Australia. She specialises in getting Australian visas for people from Chinese-speaking countries.

Hi Louisa! To begin with, how many years have you operated as a migration agent and why did you get involved?

I've been operating for over five years. The reason why I chose this profession is because I am a migrant (from China) and I understand the difficulties (overseas) people face when they wish to visit, study or migrate to Australia. I registered myself as an accredited migration agent after completing a course in Australian immigration law.

How do you consider yourself an 'accredited' migration agent?

My registration number with MARA is 9904961. Moreover, I am a member of the MIA and my number is 2132.

Urr, what's MARA and MIA?

The Migration Agents Registration Association (MARA) is the body in charge of registering and monitoring the activities of migration agents. For example, they ensure registered migration agents undertake the Continued Professional Training (CPT) every year, in order to maintain their professionalism.

In addition to MARA, the Migration Institute of Australia (MIA) is a membership-based body for migration agents, that encourages quality services. For example, they frequently update their members on every single change to migration policies.

Why should overseas students approach a migration agent?

They need a professional to protect their rights and a specialist to efficiently and effectively complete their visa applications. Moreover, a registered migration agent is wholly responsible for the success or failure of a student's (namely the client's) application and they are required to have professional insurance in place to protect their client's interests. A migration agent is not only trained to familiarise themselves with Australian immigration policies, but also has extensive experience in dealing with application cases.

Visa applications should be taken very seriously. The result of any visa application, to a great extent, will affect the future life and aspirations of an overseas student. In all, it is recommended that overseas students appoint a migration agent.

When (or at what stage) should an overseas student approach a migration agent?

If a student is confident in the eligibility of their migration visa application and it relates to their current tertiary course, they can approach a migration agent half-a-year before the course completion date. However, for those who are unsure of their course's eligibility, or if they have been awarded tertiary qualifications overseas, it might be better for them to contact a migration agent at the start of their course.

What common errors do overseas student make during their application?

I have met many overseas students who could not satisfy the point criteria when they applied for the Independent Skilled Visa Migration in Australia. This usually means they either attempted the do-it-yourself approach or they hadn't appointed an experienced migration agent to advise them on what are the right courses to enrol in, to be eligible to apply for migration.

What can be done if they fail to meet the point criteria for Independent Skilled Visa Migration?

Those who can't meet the point requirement should appoint a migration agent to find alternative ways to meet visa eligibility. For instance, a way around this could be submitting an application for a regional skilled visa.

Wow, this requires some analytical thinking! What are some of the difficult cases you've encountered?

I haven't really come across any difficult study visa cases. This is because I make sure the cases I accept have the potential eligibility for migration and Australian permanent residency.

Let me think of something difficult… So let's say a student's visa has been cancelled, what can they do?

They should consult with a migration agent to find out the reasons why their visa was cancelled, especially if the student finds their visa was unreasonably cancelled. However, the student must act in a timely manner. In the refusal letter, it states very clearly the conditions and timeframe in which the student can appeal. For instance, not long ago, a student made an appeal to the court in regards to the cancellation of his student visa by DIMIA, whereby he won the case. In such circumstances, it is highly recommended to find a migration agent to argue on the student's behalf.

Excellent! Lastly, would you have any websites to recommend to overseas students relating to immigration to Australia?

The MIA, MARA and DIMIA websites would be a good start. Students should also check whether their appointed agent is accredited. For example, here are my registered details:

I'm happy for students to send enquiries to me at upway@alphalink.com.au

Thanks Louisa!