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What to Prepare Before a Family Migration Consultation

A family migration consultation is more useful when the main facts are clear from the beginning. You do not need to prepare a complete application or collect every possible document before speaking with a Registered Migration Agent.

For a 15-minute free initial consultation, focus on the key information that helps us understand the nature of your matter and identify an appropriate next step.

Written by Ting Wang, Registered Migration AgentMARN: 2217978Last updated

1. Your main objective

Start by identifying what you would like to achieve. For example:

  • applying for a partner visa;
  • bringing a parent or child to Australia;
  • understanding whether a family member may have a relevant visa pathway;
  • responding to a change in family circumstances; or
  • deciding whether you need further professional assistance.

Keep the initial question focused

It is helpful to prepare one or two main questions rather than trying to discuss every possible issue within 15 minutes.

2. Basic personal and immigration information

Please have the following information available for the people involved:

  • full names and dates of birth;
  • citizenship and current country of residence;
  • current Australian visa, if applicable;
  • visa expiry date;
  • previous Australian visa applications;
  • any visa refusals or cancellations; and
  • any approaching deadlines.

If you are unsure

If you are unsure about a date or visa subclass, say so. It is better to identify information that needs to be checked than to provide an inaccurate answer.

3. Information relevant to the type of family matter

Partner matters

Be ready to briefly explain:

  • whether you are married, engaged or in a de facto relationship;
  • when and how the relationship began;
  • whether you currently live together;
  • where each partner is located;
  • each person’s current visa or immigration status;
  • any previous marriages or relationships; and
  • any previous partner sponsorships or visa applications.

A short relationship timeline

You do not need to describe your entire relationship history during the free consultation. A short timeline is usually enough to identify what may require further assessment.

Parent matters

It may be helpful to know:

  • the age and location of each parent;
  • the number of children in the family;
  • where those children live;
  • each child’s citizenship or residence status;
  • who may be the proposed sponsor; and
  • whether any parent currently holds or has previously applied for an Australian visa.

Different parent pathways

Different parent pathways can involve substantially different requirements, costs and waiting periods. A detailed comparison may require a separate assessment.

Child matters

Please prepare basic information about:

  • the child’s age and current location;
  • the child’s citizenship and visa status;
  • the relationship between the child and the proposed sponsor;
  • whether the child is biological, adopted or a stepchild;
  • the circumstances of both parents; and
  • any parenting, custody, guardianship or consent arrangements.

Parental responsibility

Where parental responsibility is relevant, further documents may need to be reviewed before advice can be provided.

4. Documents to have available

For an initial conversation, you do not need to send a complete document package, but you can have the following documents available for reference:

  • passport details;
  • current visa grant notices;
  • previous refusal or cancellation notices;
  • marriage, divorce or birth certificates;
  • court orders or parental consent documents, if relevant;
  • previous visa applications; and
  • a simple relationship or family timeline.

Protect sensitive information

Please do not send original documents or large amounts of sensitive personal information through social media or an unrequested channel. We will explain what documents are required and how to provide them securely if further review is needed.

5. Matters that should be mentioned early

Please tell us at the beginning if the matter involves:

  • a visa that is about to expire;
  • a previous refusal or cancellation;
  • unlawful immigration status;
  • criminal or police history;
  • significant health concerns;
  • family violence or safety concerns;
  • court proceedings involving a child; or
  • another urgent deadline.

A different type of assistance may be needed

These issues may affect whether a short initial consultation is suitable. A longer consultation, document review, urgent assistance or referral to another professional may be required.

6. What you do not need to prepare

Before the free consultation, you do not need to:

  • complete an application form;
  • prepare a full relationship statement;
  • obtain every possible supporting document;
  • arrange new police or medical checks;
  • translate all documents; or
  • decide which visa subclass to apply for.

The purpose of preparation

The purpose of the initial consultation is to understand the general situation and identify what should be considered next—not to ask you to prepare an application before the relevant pathway has been assessed.

After the consultation

After the call, we will send you a brief follow-up email outlining the next step discussed.

If further assistance appears appropriate, we may provide a proposed service scope and an estimate of professional fees. You can then decide whether you would like to proceed. There is no obligation to engage Life Australis for further services.

Official resources

Important information

This article provides general information only and does not constitute migration advice for your individual circumstances. The documents and information required will depend on the relevant visa pathway and the facts of each matter.