Ask an Expert

Both can provide immigration assistance in Australia, but they operate under different regulatory frameworks: **MARA-Registered Migration Agent** - Regulated by the Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA) - Must hold a Graduate Certificate in Australian Migration Law and Practice - Subject to MARA's Code of Conduct - Typically lower fees than lawyers - Cannot provide legal advice beyond immigration law **Australian Immigration Lawyer** - Regulated by the relevant state Law Society or Bar Association - Holds a law degree and is admitted to practice - Can provide broader legal advice (useful for complex cases, merits review, judicial review) - Often higher fees - Can appear in the Federal Court if needed **Which should you use?** For standard visa applications (skilled, student, partner), a MARA-registered migration agent is typically sufficient and more cost-effective. For complex cases — prior refusals, character issues, criminal history, Administrative Appeals Tribunal matters — an immigration lawyer adds significant value. [Compare MARA-registered migration agents →](/migration-agents)

For the Subclass 189 points test, your IELTS score determines how many English language points you receive: - **Competent English** (IELTS 6.0 in each of the four bands): 0 extra points — but this is the minimum to apply - **Proficient English** (IELTS 7.0 in each band): 10 points - **Superior English** (IELTS 8.0 in each band): 20 points **Important:** All four bands (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking) must individually meet the threshold. Averaging is not permitted. For most skilled visas, you also need to have your English assessed through an approved test — IELTS Academic, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, or OET (for healthcare occupations only). See our [Test Preparation guide](/test-preparation) for score requirements across different test types.

Scholarships in Australian universities vary widely in availability and competitiveness, so there is no single answer. Your chances depend on your academic record, English language ability, country of origin, financial need, and the specific scholarship criteria. Many Australian universities offer scholarships to international students, and competition can range from moderate to very intense. Merit-based scholarships—those awarded for strong academic performance—are typically more competitive because they attract high-achieving applicants globally. Need-based scholarships are sometimes less competitive but may have specific eligibility requirements tied to your country or circumstances. Some universities also offer scholarships tied to particular fields of study, especially in areas where they want to attract talent, such as STEM, health, or agriculture. The amount of support varies too. A full scholarship covering tuition and living costs is rarer and more competitive than a partial scholarship covering part of tuition. Many scholarships cover tuition only, leaving living costs to the student. Entry scholarships for first-year students are often more available than scholarships for later years. Your best strategy is to research scholarships directly on university websites—each institution publishes its own offerings—and speak to a registered education consultant. They can review your qualifications, identify scholarships you are genuinely competitive for, help you understand the application process, and strengthen your application. A good consultant will be honest about your realistic chances and may also discuss alternative pathways, such as payment plans, part-time work, or lower-cost entry points like diploma programs leading to degree transfer. For tailored advice on your own situation and scholarship eligibility, consult a PIER-registered education consultant who can assess your profile against actual opportunities.

That's a personal financial decision that depends on your individual circumstances, and I can't advise you on it—I'm not a licensed financial or property adviser. What I can tell you is how a buyer's agent works and what to consider when you're ready to move. A buyer's agent represents only you, the buyer. They help you find properties that match your criteria, conduct due diligence (building and pest inspections, title searches, neighbourhood research), negotiate on your behalf, and guide you through to settlement. Unlike a selling agent, a licensed buyer's agent doesn't sell properties or take commissions from vendors or developers—that's the REBAA (Real Estate Buyers' Agents Association of Australia) standard for members-only independence. When you do decide to buy, working with a buyer's agent can be valuable because they understand local market conditions, comparable sales, and what properties are genuinely worth. They can help you avoid overpaying in a heated market or spot good value if the market does soften. Their fee models vary: some charge a fixed fee, others a percentage of the purchase price, and some charge only if they help you win at auction. You engage them before you start looking, not after you've found a property. The timing question—whether to wait for a slide or buy now—turns on factors like your personal circumstances, how long you plan to stay, interest rates, and your capacity to service a loan. A mortgage broker can help you understand your borrowing capacity and whether the numbers work for you right now. For property-buying advice, speak with a licensed buyer's agent in your state. For loan capacity and affordability, consult an ACL-authorised mortgage broker.

Extending a Student visa (Subclass 500) while you are already in Australia is straightforward in procedural terms, but success depends on meeting specific Department of Home Affairs requirements. To extend, you must have a valid letter of offer or enrolment confirmation from a CRICOS-registered provider for a new course of study. This is the foundation of your application. You'll need to demonstrate that you meet the health and character requirements that applied to your original visa, lodge your application through ImmiAccount, and pay the visa application fee. Processing times vary, but applications from within Australia are generally handled within a few weeks to a few months depending on the complexity of your case. The key consideration is your Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement. Home Affairs assesses whether your intention to study is genuine and whether you genuinely intend to leave Australia after your studies end. If there are large gaps between your courses, if your new course doesn't align logically with your previous study or career plans, or if there are other factors suggesting you might be trying to stay in Australia indefinitely, your application could be refused. You'll also need current Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) that remains valid throughout your study period. If your current policy lapses, you must arrange cover before extending your visa. Your student status is protected while your valid extension application is being processed, even if your current visa expires during that time, provided you've applied before your visa ended. However, you should not work beyond the limits of your Student visa conditions during this period. For guidance on your specific situation and to ensure your application is strongest, consult a MARA-registered migration agent who can review your circumstances and help prepare your extension application.

Choosing a study pathway to support Australian permanent residency requires strategic planning around Australia's skills needs and visa requirements. The most direct route is enrolling in a course listed on Australia's skilled occupation list, particularly those in high-demand areas. Currently, fields like nursing, engineering, accounting, IT, and trades (plumbing, electrical work) offer strong pathways. You complete your qualification through a CRICOS-registered institution, gain relevant work experience, and then apply for skilled migration visas like the 189 (independent), 190 (sponsored by state), or 491 (regional sponsorship). Your course needs to be directly related to your nominated occupation for your qualification to count. Your study itself won't guarantee PR, but it's a strategic stepping stone. The visa outcome depends on meeting points requirements through factors like age, English ability, qualifications, and work experience. A student visa (Subclass 500) also lets you work part-time during studies, which helps build Australian work experience that counts toward visa applications later. Consider studying in regional Australia, as some state sponsorship programs prioritize graduates from regional providers or those who commit to working regionally after graduation. This can significantly improve your PR prospects since regional visas (like 491) sometimes require lower points thresholds. Before enrolling, research which occupations are actually on the skilled list, as this changes regularly. Check the ANZSCO classification to ensure your chosen course aligns with in-demand roles. You should also verify your qualifications will be assessed and recognized by the relevant professional body (such as Engineers Australia or the nursing board). I'd recommend consulting a MARA-registered migration agent before enrolling to confirm your specific study pathway will support your PR goals effectively.

If your points don't meet the current cutoff for skilled independent migration (189 visa), you have several alternative pathways to consider, each with different requirements and outcomes. The most common option is to pursue a state-sponsored visa like the 190 or 491. These visas allow states and territories to nominate skilled workers whose points fall below the SkillSelect cutoff. State sponsorship adds 5 points (190) or 10 points (491), which may push you over the line. However, you'll need to meet your chosen state's specific occupation list and residency requirements. The 490 visa is another option for regional areas, designed for people with lower points. Another approach is to improve your own points before the next invitation round. You can gain extra points through English language test improvements (IELTS, PTE, TOEFL), additional qualifications, or work experience. If you're under 45, gaining another year of skilled work experience adds 5 points. Some people also retrain in occupations with lower competition or higher demand. If your occupation is in short supply, employer-sponsored visas like the 186 (permanent) or 482 (temporary) might suit you better. These don't rely on points at all, just employer nomination. You'll need an Australian employer willing to sponsor you and meet health and character requirements. Consider your long-term goals too. If you need permanent residency quickly, state sponsorship is viable. If you're willing to wait, improving points through work experience or study might unlock the 189 independent route. You could also explore family sponsorship if eligible. For your specific occupation, points profile, and circumstances, consult a MARA-registered migration agent who can assess your best pathway and timeline.

Yes, you can trust a migration agent—but only if they are registered with MARA (Migration Agents Registration Authority). This is the critical factor that protects you. MARA-registered agents are bound by a strict code of conduct, professional standards, and immigration law. They must maintain professional indemnity insurance, undergo regular training, and can be investigated if they breach their obligations. If something goes wrong, you have recourse through MARA's complaints process. Unregistered agents operate outside this system entirely, leaving you vulnerable to poor advice, overcharging, or even fraud. You can verify an agent's registration by searching the MARA website or asking them directly for their registration number. Legitimate agents will always provide this openly. They should also clearly explain their fees upfront and give you a written agreement before starting work. What migration agents can and cannot do matters too. They can prepare applications, gather documents, communicate with the Department of Home Affairs on your behalf, and represent you in visa matters. However, they cannot guarantee visa approval or make promises about outcomes—immigration law is complex, and decisions depend on your individual circumstances and how Home Affairs assesses your application. Choose an agent who takes time to understand your situation, explains the process clearly, and answers your questions honestly. Red flags include promises of guaranteed visas, pressure to pay large sums upfront, or reluctance to provide credentials. For peace of mind and to protect your migration prospects, always use a MARA-registered migration agent. They have the training, accountability, and legal authority to guide you properly through the visa process.

I appreciate your question, but test preparation falls outside my area of expertise. I specialise specifically in Australian migration visas, student visas, education pathways, and the roles of MARA-registered migration agents and PIER-registered education consultants. Test prep services—whether for IELTS, PTE, GMAT, GRE, or other qualifications—are offered by numerous private providers, language centres, and online platforms, but recommending specific Perth-based test prep providers isn't within my knowledge scope. However, if you're preparing for an English language test like IELTS or PTE because you're planning to apply for an Australian student visa or skilled migration visa, I'd be happy to explain how those test scores fit into visa requirements. For instance, English language proficiency is essential for student visas (Subclass 500) and most skilled migration pathways, and your test results need to meet Home Affairs standards. For finding test prep courses in Perth, I'd suggest searching directly with the testing organisations themselves—IELTS, Pearson (PTE), or the British Council—as they maintain lists of registered test centres and preparation providers. Local universities and colleges in Perth often offer English language preparation programs too, which can be helpful if you're considering study pathways into Australia. If your test prep inquiry is connected to an Australian visa application or study plans, I'm here to help clarify how those qualifications support your visa case. For targeted advice on test preparation providers in Perth, consulting local education providers or your preferred test organisation's website would be most useful.

Some can, some cannot — it depends on whether the consultant or their firm also holds MARA registration. **What an education consultant can do:** - Help you choose a course and institution - Assist with the application to the institution - Explain what GTE means and help you understand the requirements - Advise on OSHC (health insurance) **What they cannot do unless they hold MARA registration:** - Provide immigration advice or assistance for a fee - Prepare or lodge your student visa application - Give formal advice about your visa eligibility Some education consultancy firms employ MARA-registered migration agents who handle the visa side. On CompareMyAgents, profiles indicate whether a firm also offers MARA-registered migration advice. [Compare education consultants →](/education-consultants)

It depends on the pathway, but here is a realistic timeline for the most common skilled migration routes: **Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent)** - Skills assessment: 2–6 months - EOI in SkillSelect: ongoing (no wait — you submit and wait for invitation rounds) - Invitation to Apply: varies — could be months or over a year depending on your points score and occupation - Visa processing after application: 6–18 months - **Total realistic timeline: 1.5 to 3+ years from starting your skills assessment** **Subclass 190 (State Nominated)** - Similar to 189, but state nomination adds 3–6 months for state processing - State nomination gives you 5 extra points, potentially accelerating invitation **Employer-sponsored (482 → 186)** - Must work for your sponsor for 2–3 years before being eligible for the permanent 186 - Then add processing time for the 186 application **Key message:** Skilled migration to Australia is a multi-year process. Starting early and maximising your points score matters significantly. Speak to a MARA-registered migration agent to get a realistic assessment of your specific timeline. [Compare MARA-registered migration agents →](/migration-agents)