Do I need an immigration agent?

I have received numerous inquiries about which agency I went to to assist me in my VISA application.  I did hire an agency in the first part of the process, paid half of their professional fee, and never returned to them.  I wish I could tell you the agency's name, but then I respect that agency's way of doing business.  I was just not pleased with the service.

Everything in this post is purely based on my experience, so don't take this as true for everybody.  I will try to balance the pros and cons between hiring-a-migration agent versus doing-it-yourself.


First, I'll try to list the Pros and Cons if you choose to pursue the application without the assistance of an immigration agent.

Pros of doing-it-yourself
-save more for your pocket money (between 60k as the cheapest and can go as high as more than 2,000 AUD in professional fees)
-the department can communicate to you directly, enabling you to ask questions directly, receive answers directly, and respond quickly (there, that's three direct reasons).  I called the DIAC several times, most who applied personally does.  I usually wait between 5-10 minutes in the queue but it's worth the wait.  I get the most accurate answers direct from the source and you can ask them anything.
-no third-party to be disappointed with.  Let's face it, if you are the type who want things done perfectly and quickly, the way we want, and commensurate to the money we paid for, then think again if you are considering an agent.

Cons of doing-it-yourself
-most of us will be new to the application process, so you don't know where to find the answers to your questions. Worse, you don't know the right questions to ask.  That's ok, many immigration applicants are first time applicants and we are bound to ask many questions we feel their answers are very difficult to find.
This means, you have to research, research, and do more research.  Google is the best place to start.

Here, the Pros and Cons of hiring-an-agent to assist with your application.

Pros of hiring-an-agent
-in my experience, the agency is most helpful when you are starting with your application.  The agency's experience can help you give a clear picture of what to expect, what to start with, and how to do it.  They will be helpful when you are mostly clueless about what immigration, qualifications of an applicant, and what its processes is all about.
-options and more options: Agencies don't usually run out of options for you to continue your plans to migrate to another country.  Believe me, try to visit one, arrange for a consultation.
-you will feel more positive that your application will be more successful if you hire an agent.  That's how i felt when i started and I can't deny its benefit.
-you don't have to know what goes on in the application process
-when you have a question, the agency can mostly answer them.  take note, mostly, not all.
-the agency's experience in dealing with VISA applications will be of great help if you encounter any problems along the way.

Cons of hiring-an-agent
-the department no longer communicates to you, but to the agent directly thus your speed of response will depend upon how quick and attentive an agent will be in attending to applications, remember, you hire an agency, you are not the only applicant they assist in VISA application, there could be many of you per agent.
-cost, the cheapest professional fee will cost you at least 60,000 pesos.  the most expensive will cost you more than 2,000 Australian Dollars.  These fees are only true to Philippine based migration agencies.  They can cost more if you hire agencies in Australia.
-you still do most of the legwork which is gathering all your required documents

Now, if you feel you really need an agent's assistance, then make sure that:
-The agent you choose is MARA registered.  This means, an agent has to be recognized by Australia to assist VISA applications and makes sure that the agents are qualified.  You can search if an agent or its authorized representative is MARA registered.
-an agency or agent has proven track record with positive feedback from previous customers.  Google the agency or agent's name.  You might, just might, find something.
-in my case, I'd choose an agency whose office is in close proximity to my location.  I will feel more secure if I see a big, clean, and well-staffed office.

Hiring an agent or doing the application yourself is still a personal choice.  If I have plenty of extra cash, I'd go for an agent, but my hands-on approach to my application will redundate (if there is such a word) the agency's role in my application.

Tell us your experience if you are happy with your agent or more happy that you did it yourself.