> Hello,
> I'm considering migrating to Australia as a skilled person.
>
> What are the average/reasonable price for migration agent services ?
> What is the current timeline ?
>
> I'd like to get recomendations and prices (both positive and negative)
> regarding registered migration agents.
>
> Since I'm an Israeli, I'd preffer agents who are experienced in
> processing files of israeli citizens.
>
> Another thing... what are the criterions in choosing an appropriate
> agent ?
>
> Thanks a lot in advance
> Alex
Hi,
A number of your questions have been answered on the forum many times so
it could be worth doing a quick search and seeing what that brings up.
There is a plethora of useful information on these boards!
Two agents that are often recommended on the forum are George Lombard
and Alan Collett, although you'll need to email them as to what
experience they have with israeli citizens.
The important points when selecting an agent are to check that the
actual agent (not the company) are MARA registered, and that you have
their full costs in writing up front before you sign with them.
Whomever you chose to go with, whether George, Alan or another, do a
search on this forum for them and see what feedback they have from other
forum members. There are some excellent agents out there (not just
George or Alan), there are also some unprofessional or not excellent
agents out there.
In my experience, you'll be looking at between £500-£1000 for the use
of an agent, depending on whether you just want help with the skills
assessment or both the skills assessment and the visa.
Timeline, very much depends on what sort of visa you are going for,
which body is doing your skills assessment and how quick you are at
sorting out paperwork and references.
For my visa, I made first contact with my agent (George Lombard) on the
30-march-2004.
My skills assessment was lodged 16-Jun-2004 (ACS/RPL), my assessment was
approved 18-Aug-2004. There had been a delay due to needing to get an
additional reference.
My visa was lodged 9-Sep-2004
Police/Medicals requested 26-Oct-2004
Capital Investment Bond requested 14-Jan-2005 (had originally been
requested mid Dec however was lost in the post!)
Capital Investment Bond Paid 06-Feb-2005
Visa Granted - 02-Mar-2005
i.e. somewhere between 8-12 months is considered fairly normal, at least
for a skilled independent visa.
hth
Good Luck
:-)
Alex
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