A good agent can actually answer all three.
You have been reading for weeks.
Government pages. Facebook groups. A friend who “knows someone”. They all say different things.
Now you have to pick an agent. That is a big choice. This person will hold your papers, your money, and your family’s plans.
Most people pick the cheapest agent, or the first one who calls back. They will only find out if the agency is good after they have already paid...
...But you can find out before you pay. Ask these three things:
Many agencies, especially large ones, will reply every ~5-14 days after you paid them thousands of dollars to handle your application.
This doesn't make sense. You have placed your future in a migration agency, and they decide to take their annual leave before replying to you on any question you might have.
On top of that, The Department can ask for more documents and give you a close deadline to send them.
If your agent is slow, you carry the risk, not the agent.
So ask for a reply time, then what happens if they miss it. Most agents can answer the first question. Very few can answer the second.
At many big agencies, you meet the agent once. After that, you talk to a receptionist or a case officer. They pass your questions on, and you wait.
Ask two things. Who do I call when I have a question? Will the registered agent answer me?
You want the agent.
A registered agent must give you a written agreement/document before starting work. It should show the work they’ll do and what it costs - including any hidden fees that they want to keep hidden from you so can become their client.
Check that it separates the agent’s fee from the government’s visa fee. Ask what costs extra. Ask what happens to your money if you stop partway.
We are a smaller agency in Melbourne based in the western suburbs. We have one agent. His name is Tushar Chopra.
There is no call centre. No receptionist. You talk to Tushar by phone or video. Simple.
Clients get a reply within 24 hours, or they don’t pay us.
That includes weekends. If we miss it, we give back our fee. Government visa fees still apply.
“He’s helped me 24/7 and even on weekends.” — Kevyn Halim, Google review
Tushar does. He writes it. He checks it. He picks up when you call.
Your file never goes to someone you have not met.
You see our fees in writing before you pay us anything. Tushar will prepare that.
Our fee and the government’s fee are shown apart. So you know where each dollar goes.
“I highly recommend Tushar as a migration agent. He handled my 189 visa application professionally and efficiently, and I successfully received my permanent residency as a carpenter. I got invited within just six weeks, and the whole process was smooth and well organised.” — Max Tutak, Google review
Every case is different. We can’t promise the same result or the same timing for you.
“He was always responsive, professional, and ensured everything was handled perfectly.” — Wansh Sharma, Google review
Then you choose. Nobody will push you.
Tushar speaks English and Hindi.
P.S. Skipped to the end? Here's the page in three lines: Ask how fast they reply. Ask who works on your case. Get the fees written or in a document. Then book a free call and ask us all three.
Tushar Chopra is a Registered Migration Agent, MARN 2418420. He is a member of the Migration Institute of Australia (#49744).
This article is general information only, not migration advice for your situation. Every case is different. Prestige Immigration is a private business, not part of the Australian Government, and we cannot promise that a visa will be granted.
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Whether you're applying for a student visa, planning your PR pathway or navigating a partner visa, Prestige Immigration provides registered migration advice that is honest, practical and built around your circumstances.
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