simonfiction

I've decided to hand over the extra cash in exchange for a hand held approach to applying for my Independent Skilled Visa, but I'm now in need of some advice on finding an agent. I'm applying as a .NET programmer.

Firstly, where do I start to look for one and how do I tell a good agent from a bad one? Do I need one who specialises specifically in computing careers and assessment through ACS? I'm living in Vancouver right now but I am British (I've been working out here for the last 6 months on my dual citizenship).

At what point should I approach the agent? Do they help you every step of the way, including your reference for skills assessment? I'd like to start getting my references now as I have a lot of previous employers but I am in fact still 6 months short of having enough experience to apply for my ACS assessment. Some advice on when I should get the agent involved would be great.

Lastly, how much should I expect to pay? I don't want to be ripped off and I don't want to go with someone suspiciously cheap who won't be of much help.

So many questions

fairwayskid

Hey Simon

Try these guys http://www.australianmigrations.com.au/

We used them and they were great worth every bit of the money. Not sure if they have a US office but if you email this girl http://www.australianmigrations.com....ember_1498.htm

she is fab and will sort you out with the info you need.

Paddy

Dorothy

The OP is in Vancouver, so why would he need a US office?

It doesn't really matter where your agent is located so long as they are MARA registered and you can check references. If you are applying for IT then I would recommend PT Labs (you can do a search on here for his name which will come up with contact details). He is the guy who seems to be the ACS guru. Speak to a few agents, though to see what their fees include.

Les Mighalls

Obviously its been a little while since Paddy studied geography.

Some info for the OP.

It doesn't matter where the agent is located as most of us deal via email and telephone anyway. We, for example, have clients from all over, including North and South America who we've never spoken to. Just swapped emails. Other agents would be the same.

Make sure that you deal with a Registered Migration Agent and you can check that on http://www.themara.com.au. For preference try to make sure that only an RMA works on your file to minimise the risk of any errors.

Make sure the RMA has a Client Account to hold your funds in (this is compulsory for RMAs who are compliant with Australian law).

Make sure you have a written contract (Letter of Engagement) setting out the exact terms on which you hire the RMA and read it and understand it BEFORE you sign it and pay over your money.

You can engage a RMA at any part in the process, but I prefer to be involved from the beginning, not for commercial reasons but just to make sure things run as smoothly as possible.

Finally check out anyone you intend to engage via at least a basic google search or queries via forums such as this.

simonfiction

Thanks everyone, exactly the advice I was looking for