squirrelnutkins

I am considering doing my visa application myself. I run a small business so I am no stranger to administration. I don't mind a bit of stress but if its definately a specialist field I would consider using an agent. I know some of the agents and their employees post on this forum and will try to talk me out of it, but I'd like to hear from people who have done their own applications and whether they thought it was worth it. If anyone fancies giving me a bit of their time I would be most grateful to be able to fire a few questions off!

Wendy

Hi

Welcome to BE

It's not too hard to do the application yourself, I personally used an agent but that was before I found the forum.

The agents on here will not really try to tout for business, they are extremely valued members though, so their advise is brilliant - especially since it's free

As to your questions, fire away hun, someone will know probably the answer

Clippy

Yes, what Wendy said

iPom

It also depends on your circumstances and which particular visa you're applying for. Some paperwork is easier than others and if you're fit and healthy, with no complications in your life (such as children and an ex somewhere who has to give you permission to take your kids out of the country for example- etc) then it should be fairly straightforward.

squirrelnutkins

OK point taken - thank you!

How long does it ususlly take for the application to go through assuming I have all the information ready.

We were hoping to holiday in Perth this time next year or maybe uk summertime 2008 and get the visas stamped at the same time.

We want to do it on the cheap beacuse we are not 100% sure if we will move to oz or not, so a holiday will hopefully give us more idea.

Anastasia Beaverhausen

If you are happy with all the paper work and understand what needs to be done then go for it. Not everyone needs an agent, but they can help to take the stress out of the process.

I only had to apply for a spouse visa, which is pretty easy, but for the bits I didnt understand the people on here were great.

Good luck.

squirrelnutkins

It will be skilled independant 136

iPom

Ha! That depends on the type of visa you're applying for and how your personal circs are reflected in the application! It also depends on how busy they are at the time and how much info you provide (called Frontloading) on your application!

How long is a piece of string?

Try working out what visa you'll be applying for and then ask others here how long theirs took!

Wendy

Ours took 5 months from lodging to grant. We were 136 MODL.

Is your profession on the MODL list ??

td1

Hi,

I apllied for a 134 skill matching visa and didn't use an agent. On the whole didn't find the process to bad. Spent a lot of time readind and re-reading info to make sure we did everything right and it all went through ok.

squirrelnutkins

It is roof slater and I think it scored 60 points(if i'm thinking of the right list)

Clippy

Roof Slater & Tiler is on MODL - so you get extra points for that WOOHOO!

Wendy

Well then you can expect it taking between 4 - 7 months then.

Have you done the skills assessment yet?? and if not the do you know who does that, I would presume it will be the TRA but even I'm wrong sometimes

Clippy

You wrong Wendy? Sureley not!

steve`o

start here mate

http://www.immi.gov.au/migrate/skilled.htm

i did my own application and its not as difficult as some would make out