Australian Visa & Migration Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about Shada Migration Services, registered migration agents, consultations, fees, visa pathways, citizenship, refusals, cancellations and review matters.
Australian migration matters can be complex and time-sensitive. The information on this page is general only and does not replace migration advice based on your personal circumstances.
Book a ConsultationAbout Shada Migration Services
What services does Shada Migration Services provide?
Shada Migration Services provides migration-related assistance for Australian visa, citizenship and complex migration matters. This may include migration advice, visa pathway assessment, document review, application preparation, Department correspondence, citizenship matters, visa refusal, visa cancellation, tribunal review and ministerial intervention matters where appropriate.
Do you provide legal services?
No. Shada Migration Services provides migration-related services only. We do not provide general legal services such as family law, commercial law, property law, conveyancing, wills or court representation. If a matter requires legal services outside migration assistance, you may need to seek advice from an Australian legal practitioner.
Do you assist clients outside Australia?
Yes. Depending on the matter, Shada Migration Services may assist clients in Australia and overseas through phone, email and online consultations.
Working With a Registered Migration Agent
What is a registered migration agent?
A registered migration agent is a person registered with the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (OMARA) to provide immigration assistance in Australia. Registered migration agents must comply with professional standards and the Code of Conduct.
Are you registered with OMARA?
You can verify the registration of a migration agent through the official OMARA Register of Migration Agents. The register can be searched by agent name, business name or MARN.
Can you guarantee that my visa will be granted?
No. No registered migration agent can guarantee a visa outcome. A migration agent can assess your circumstances, explain your options, prepare the matter carefully and provide migration assistance, but the final decision is made by the Department of Home Affairs or the relevant decision-maker.
Consultations, Fees and Process
What happens in an initial consultation?
During an initial consultation, we may review your migration history, current visa position, goals, documents and possible visa pathways. The purpose is to understand your circumstances and identify whether further migration assistance may be appropriate.
Is there a consultation fee?
An initial consultation may attract a consultation fee. If you decide to engage Shada Migration Services for further work, the scope of work, professional fees and any relevant charges will be explained before services commence.
How are professional fees different from government charges?
Professional fees are the fees charged by Shada Migration Services for migration assistance. Government charges are separate fees charged by the Department of Home Affairs, the Administrative Review Tribunal or other authorities. These charges can change and should be checked before lodgement.
What documents should I prepare before a consultation?
Useful documents may include your passport, current visa grant notice, previous refusal or cancellation letters, Department correspondence, qualifications, employment evidence, English test results, relationship documents or any documents relevant to your matter.
Visa Pathways and Eligibility
Which visa pathway may suit my circumstances?
The suitable visa pathway depends on factors such as your age, skills, occupation, employment history, English ability, family circumstances, sponsorship options, current visa status and long-term goals. Shada Migration Services can assess your circumstances and explain possible pathways.
What if I am not eligible for a visa right now?
If you are not currently eligible, we may explain why, identify possible future pathways, discuss risks and suggest practical steps that may improve your position if available.
How long does a visa application take?
Visa processing times vary depending on the visa type, the quality of supporting documents, Department workload, background checks and other factors. Processing times are controlled by the Department of Home Affairs, not by Shada Migration Services.
Can family members be included in a visa application?
Some Australian visa applications allow eligible family members to be included. The rules depend on the visa subclass, the family relationship, evidence requirements and the applicant’s circumstances.
Related Visa Pathways
Citizenship and Permanent Residency
Can Shada Migration Services assist with Australian citizenship matters?
Yes. Shada Migration Services may assist with Australian citizenship eligibility, application preparation, disclosure issues and matters where previous migration history may affect citizenship assessment.
Can a temporary visa lead to permanent residency?
Some temporary visas may provide a pathway to permanent residency if the relevant requirements are met. This depends on the visa type, employment history, sponsorship, regional requirements, occupation, skills and other criteria.
Visa Refusal, Cancellation and Review
What should I do if my visa is refused or cancelled?
Read the decision letter carefully and seek advice quickly. Visa refusal and cancellation matters may involve strict deadlines, review rights and serious migration consequences. Do not ignore the letter or delay getting advice.
Can Shada Migration Services assist with Administrative Review Tribunal matters?
Shada Migration Services may assist with migration review matters before the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART), depending on the decision type, review rights, deadline and circumstances of the case.
Are there strict deadlines to apply for review?
Yes. Migration review deadlines can be strict. The deadline is usually stated in the decision letter. Missing a deadline may mean you lose the opportunity to apply for review.
Related Complex Migration Matters
Privacy, Records and Communication
How will you handle my personal information and documents?
Migration matters often involve sensitive personal documents. Shada Migration Services handles client information carefully and uses personal information for migration-related purposes, communication, document review and service delivery. Confidential information is not disclosed without authority unless required by law.
Will I receive updates about my matter?
Where Shada Migration Services is engaged to assist with a matter, we will communicate with you about key steps, document requirements, Department correspondence and important updates relevant to the scope of work.
Reviewed by Principal Migration Consultant
This page has been reviewed by Mohammad Reza Azimi, Principal Migration Consultant at Shada Migration Services. Mohammad has assisted clients with Australian migration matters since 2009 and holds a Graduate Certificate in Migration Law from the Australian National University (ANU).
Need Migration Advice?
If you are unsure about your visa options, citizenship eligibility, review rights or a complex migration matter, Shada Migration Services can review your circumstances and help you consider your next steps.