General Information vs Tailored Migration Advice

1. What is general migration information?

General information explains migration topics for a broad audience. It may include:

• an overview of a visa category;
• general application steps;
• common types of supporting documents;
• publicly available government information;
• explanations of migration terminology; or
• general information about professional services.

2. What is tailored migration advice?

Tailored migration advice considers your individual circumstances. Depending on the matter, this may include:

• your citizenship and current location;
• your current visa and its expiry date;
• your relationship or family circumstances;
• the proposed sponsor’s status and history;
• previous visa applications, refusals or cancellations;
• relevant health or character matters;
• the documents and evidence available;
• important dates or deadlines; and
• your intended outcome.

3. Why can similar cases have different outcomes?

Two people may appear to have similar circumstances but still face different legal or evidentiary issues.

For example, the appropriate pathway may be affected by:

• where a person is located;
• the visa they currently hold;
• previous sponsorships or relationships;
• the age or circumstances of a family member;
• parental responsibility arrangements;
• the timing of an application;
• previous immigration history; or
• differences in the available evidence.

4. What can be covered in a free initial consultation?

A 15-minute free initial consultation allows you to briefly explain your main concern and helps us understand the general nature of your matter.

The consultation may help clarify:

• the main issue you would like to address;
• whether Life Australis may be able to assist; and
• what the next practical step may be.

5. When should you seek tailored advice?

You may benefit from tailored migration advice if:

• you are unsure which visa pathway is relevant;
• your visa is approaching its expiry date;
• you have received a refusal or cancellation notice;
• your circumstances differ from the examples found online;
• your relationship or family circumstances are complicated;
• there are inconsistencies or gaps in your documents;
• a child, former partner or parenting arrangement is involved;
• you need to make an important decision based on your eligibility; or
• you want assistance preparing an application.

6. Who can provide immigration assistance?

In Australia, immigration assistance may be provided by a Registered Migration Agent, an Australian legal practitioner or certain exempt persons. An exempt person is not permitted to charge for that assistance.

Before engaging a migration agent, you can check the individual’s registration and Migration Agents Registration Number on the OMARA register.

7. Protect your personal information

Avoid posting passport details, visa grant numbers, refusal letters, relationship evidence or other sensitive personal information in public comments or social media groups.

If documents need to be reviewed, use the secure submission method provided by the professional assisting you.

8. The practical difference

General information can help you understand a topic and prepare useful questions.

Tailored migration advice goes further by applying relevant migration requirements to your individual facts and documents. It should clearly identify any assumptions, information gaps and matters requiring further verification.

No migration professional can guarantee the outcome of a visa application. Decisions are made by the relevant government authority based on the applicable law, policy, evidence and circumstances of the matter.