Going it alone!

[Pooks]

Hi All,

After much debating i have decided to do the emigration step myself without using an agency.. saving me a few pounds (or dollars - got to get practice in!)

Does anyone know where to start!?!

I will be applying via spouse visa - who should my first point of contact be?

thanks all,

[amaslam]

The first point of contact is the Immigration website. Get all of the forms and related forms for the spouse visa, give it a go in filling it all out. It should take one or two afternoons at a minimum to fill in all the bits. If everything looks filled in and not too many doubts then continue to go it alone, if lots of missing info or lots of questions then try the forum first with the questions and if most of the replies come back with (get an agent) then re-consider and get an agent.

DIAC website: Department of Immigration & Citizenship

Originally Posted by Pooks

Hi All,

After much debating i have decided to do the emigration step myself without using an agency.. saving me a few pounds (or dollars - got to get practice in!)

Does anyone know where to start!?!

I will be applying via spouse visa - who should my first point of contact be?

thanks all,

[MyDearBoy]

Originally Posted by amaslam

The first point of contact is the Immigration website. Get all of the forms and related forms for the spouse visa, give it a go in filling it all out. It should take one or two afternoons at a minimum to fill in all the bits. If everything looks filled in and not too many doubts then continue to go it alone, if lots of missing info or lots of questions then try the forum first with the questions and if most of the replies come back with (get an agent) then re-consider and get an agent.

DIAC website: Department of Immigration & Citizenship

Well my advice would be nearly the same as the above but do NOT get an agent. There is nothing a realitively sensible person cannot do on their own that an agent can, unless you have very complicated issues ie no trade criminal covictions etc.

[Dolly]

If you look at the sticky at the top of the forum page "Thinking of emigrating?" you'll be able to work out if you qualify for a visa.

Then check out the sticky "please read...." where there's lots of useful info.

As MyDearBoy said, if you're application is straightforward, and you're confident that you can do the skills assessment, then you don't really need an agent. I always do advise seeking the advice of an agent when your are starting out as they can put you on track straight away hence not wasting time and effort trying to work out things like which ASCO code to use, how to get extra points (if needed) etc., where to send medical results etc etc etc

Dolly

[interplanetjanet]

If you're doing the spouse visa because your spouse is an Aussie, don't bother with the immigration agent. It'll be a waste of money. It's easy peasy, and all the information is right there on the DIAC website. When you've got your materials gathered together and ready to submit, go over the entire application and don't rely on the checklist. As I recall, the checklist is incomplete. I don't remember what is left off - I think a certified copy of your passport or something. Just make sure to read everything and re-read it again! Good luck!