It’s a big step deciding that you’re ready to start preparing your Partner Visa. Naturally, you’re going to be doing a lot of research, looking into options and probably spending a lot of time reading google reviews.
Another really important factor to consider is whether to DIY your Partner Visa application or engage a Migration Agent to do it for you.
Here are some Pro’s and Con’s that might help you decide which option is right for you.
Reasons to DIY your Partner Visa (or at least consider it)
1. Save your money
Let’s start with the obvious. Migration Agents and Lawyers are expensive! Some couple’s need to save for at least a year or two to simply afford the Partner Visa Application Fee, and on top of that you then have professional fees. It’s not within everyone’s reach and budget to engage professional representation.
If you have the time to invest in learning how to put together your Partner Visa, then choosing to DIY your Partner Visa can save yourself a lot of money.
2. Take ownership and control of your application
Handing off your application to a Migration Agent to manage for you means letting go of doing things the way you want. At the end of the day, it’s your love story and you may be best placed to present it to Immigration in a way that you want. For some couples, letting go of the control is really hard and they prefer to be the ones communicating with Immigration.
3. You have a relatively straightforward case
If you’re across the basics of putting together your Partner Visa and your application isn’t deemed as ‘high risk’, then the option to DIY your Partner Visa might be the right one for you. There are some cases where it’s really not necessary to engage a Migration Agent to prepare and lodge the application for you.
Reasons why NOT to DIY your Partner Visa Application
1. You don’t have the time to do it yourself
Putting together a Partner Visa takes a lot of time. You need to make sure that both you and your partner have time to invest in the process and can share the workload. If you don’t, or if you would rather have as little to do with the application as possible, then you should consider using a Migration Agent to guide you through the entire process.
2. You have a complex case
Complexities can range from minor to major. The more complex an application, the more I would advise against choosing to DIY your Partner Visa. Immigration laws are really complex, especially when it comes to certain areas such as character issues, health issues and previous visa compliance.
If you answer ‘yes’ to any of the following questions, then you should probably consider using a Migration Agent and rely on their expertise:
- Do you or your Partner have any criminal convictions;
- Do you, as the applicant, have any health issues?
- Has your Partner (the visa sponsor) ever sponsored anyone else for a Partner Visa?
- Have you had a previous refusal or visa cancellation?
Answering yes to any of these questions could put your application in a higher risk category, and if you’re not trained in immigration law, then you might find yourself in some muddy waters when Immigration comes looking for more information.
Which option is best for me?
Only you can answer this question, but the above list has hopefully helped. If you’re reading this blog, then you’ve already started doing your research and you’re probably after a smart yet affordable way to put together your application.
I’m a huge DIY advocate, and at the Partner Visa Academy we want to empower couples to DIY their applications. But there are cases where DIY’ing your application is also risky and not encouraged. You also need to make sure that you and your partner meet the requirements of demonstrating that you are either in a de-facto or spousal relationship. If you’re not sure whether you do, then you may be best off starting with a visa advice session.
If believe you do meet the criteria of being in either a de-facto or spousal relationship, you’re looking to DIY your Partner Visa, you have the time to invest in learning how to put it together and you want guidance along the way, then book an introductory session with me and we can explore whether the Partner Visa Academy is the right level of support for you.
IMPORTANT: Please note, this does not constitute Immigration advice. Always seek advice from a Registered Migration Agent before applying for an Australian Visa. Migration Law is constantly changing. This information is accurate only at the time of publication.
