thanx for the vote of confidence Gill!
in general i agree with what Gill has to say. An Australian migration agent is regulated and US ones are not! I would actually recommend you use an agent in Australia rather than in the US. in these days of the internet etc distance is not the problem it used to be. Australian solicitors are probably cheaper as well. Check them out carefully tho, and make sure you check the MARA website to make sure they're registerd.
The only advantage of using a US solicitor is that you can go and beat them up if they don't do a good job. you can always hire someone to beat up an Australian agent!
One final point, migration law is very complex. I think you're better off going with a migration agent who is also a solicitor. migration agents do only a short course. Solicitors do at least a 4 year degree and often more. Yes I am a solicitor and I value the 7 years training I've had (almost finished my masters).
you also need to consider where the agent is. If you have relatives in a particular state you might want to go with an agent in that state. parish patience who Gill mentioned are in Sydney, i'm in melbourne.
REgarding your later question about time limits: yes each visa has a time limit for entering Australia. it's usually between 6 months and 2 years depending on the visa. regarding time spent in Australia, if you live here for less than 2 years in any 5 years you might have problems getting a resident return visa. Australian visas are designed for people to live in Australia not as a permanent entry permit type of thing.
hope this helps
tony
NuB question Sender: Jessica StookeHello, If you are interested in migrating to Australia you can do so independently or by being sponsored by a company. Generally, it is better to go independently...
