Stage 1 of 6
First conversation
The first 15 minutes are free and general, by phone or at our Craigieburn office. If a longer consultation would help, its fee is quoted in writing before it starts. Sometimes the honest answer is that a visa is not the right move yet, or that a different visa fits better.
You receive
- Sukh's name and MARN
- A free first 15 minutes, then any consultation fee in writing before it starts
- A plain explanation of your options and their risks
We need from you
- A short outline of your situation and your current visa
- Key dates, such as visa end dates
- Any refusal letters you have received
Honest note: we cannot tell you that you will be granted a visa. Nobody can.
Stage 2 of 6
Written agreement
If you want us to act for you, we give you the OMARA Consumer Guide and a written service agreement before any work starts. It is signed by you and by Sukh.
You receive
- The work we will do, and who will do it
- The fee: fixed, or an hourly rate with a realistic estimate. No GST is charged
- Likely costs paid to others, and the refund policy
- Written notice of any conflict of interest or commission, naming who receives it and the amount; you sign a statement that you received it
We need from you
- Time to read it, with family if you wish
- Your questions, before you sign
- Your signature, only when you are comfortable
Honest note: no money for the work is taken before the agreement is signed. If anyone asks for a deposit to "secure" a visa before an agreement, walk away.
Stage 3 of 6
Documents
A checklist made for your case: identity, relationship or work evidence, qualifications, English results, translations, and health and character checks.
You receive
- A written checklist, and an explanation of why each item matters
- An itemised invoice before you are charged, and a receipt after you pay
- Advance payments held in a separate client account
We need from you
- Original documents for identity checks (we verify your identity, and any sponsor's)
- Accredited translations of documents not in English
- Honest answers, including about past refusals or health matters
Honest note: this is often the longest stage. Gaps found now save trouble later.
Stage 4 of 6
Lodgement
You read and approve the full application before we lodge it online through ImmiAccount. We tell you what happens next, including any health checks or requests for information.
You receive
- Written notice when anything is lodged, and a copy of it (Code section 39)
- The Department's acknowledgment
- Notes of our advice and your instructions, kept on your file
We need from you
- Your approval of the final application
- Quick replies if the Department asks for more
- Updates if anything changes, such as a new address, job or relationship status
Honest note: lodging starts the Department's process. It does not decide it.
Stage 5 of 6
Decision
The Department of Home Affairs makes the decision, in the order set by the Minister's processing directions. We explain the outcome in plain words.
You receive
- A plain explanation of the grant and its conditions, or of the refusal
- If refused: whether review at the Administrative Review Tribunal is possible, the deadline and the cost
- A statement of the services we provided
We need from you
- Your decision on next steps, in time for any deadline
- Confirmation of how you would like your file returned or kept
Honest note: if the answer is no, we will say so plainly and talk through what is realistic next.
Stage 6 of 6
Settling in
Your visa conditions still matter after arrival. We point you to the guides and services that help families settle, including work rights, schools, renting and tax.
You receive
- A summary of your visa conditions and key dates
- Links to our Living in Australia guides
- Your original documents returned within 14 days of a written request (Code section 54), and your file kept securely for 7 years
We need from you
- Nothing more, unless you would like help with the next visa
- Feedback, if you are willing to share it
Honest note: settling takes time. Keep your visa conditions and end dates where you can see them.
