While most people would consider that a migration agent is solely responsible for lodging visa applications, there is more to their job than just that. There is so much a migration agent needs to get done in a day.
So, what does the day in the life of a Registered Migration Agent look like?
Like most jobs, the start of the day is all about getting organised. Emails and phone messages are checked and anything urgent that has come up overnight is dealt with.
Responding to clients
Migration agents will take the time to respond to messages that require an urgent response or from any clients who may be distressed or about to become unlawful. New client leads will also be followed up.
Planning
Agents will sort out their case load in order of priority. They are usually working on more than 40 cases at any one time. They also need to organise their schedule to ensure deadlines are met and any requests for information are fulfilled.
Research and Ongoing Professional Development
Migration legislation and government policies are subject to change and it’s crucial that migration agents stay up to date with all the changes. Changes may apply to certain visas and their requirements, fees, timelines etc.
While staying up to date is important for migration agents to be able to better service their clients, continued professional development is also a requirement for migration agents to be able to renew their migration agent registration annually.
Research may also need to be conducted if the agent is working on an unusual visa or to establish if any of the changes in legislation or policy affect their client’s case.
Evaluations
Depending on the visa, this could take some time. For example: evaluations for skilled visas are quite involved.
Final checks and lodgements
Agents will go through visa applications and do a final review before lodging them with the Department of Home Affairs.
Consultations
Agents will meet with clients but prior to this they will need time to prepare for their meeting. Once the consultation is complete, the agent needs time to consolidate all the information that has come out of the consultation and conduct any necessary follow up.
Contact corporate clients
Agents will touch base with their corporate clients to make plans for upcoming jobs and determine what personnel they may need.
Communication
Agents are responsible for communicating to their clients any changes in visa application processes, delays and any other changes that may affect them or their application. Of course, they also make that all important phone call advising their clients that their visa has been approved!
Deal with new enquiries
Throughout the day, potential clients may ring or walk in off the street. Agents will take the time to talk with them and determine what services they require. Depending on these client’s needs, they may need to start immediately working on their case.
Administration
As with any job, admin plays a big part. Depending on the type of support the migration agent has, this will determine how much time will need to be dedicated to administrative tasks. In medium to large sized migration agencies, some migration agents may have admin assistants that can assist with these tasks. A lot of sole operators may need to do their own admin which can take some time.
The role of a migration agent is quite varied and involved, with a lot to get through each day. As with any profession, their main goal is to keep their clients happy and do their best to obtain positive outcomes on each of their cases.
Travel Exemptions
While Australian borders are currently closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, travel exemptions may apply under the following circumstances:
– A traveller has a compassionate or compelling reason to visit Australia
– Overseas workers holding a Subclass 482 or 400 visa are required to undertake a job in Australia that cannot be filled by a local employee
Visa Solutions Australia has been successful in acquiring a broad range of exemptions, from critical workers to those needing to travel on compassionate grounds.
If you would like to speak to a registered migration agent, call Visa Solutions Australia on 1800 828 008.
