Australian Immigration Daily News

As many readers know, I regularly run CPD webinars conducted by Legal Training Australia.  My favourite topic? The Code of Conduct which may on the surface appear to be somewhat reductive, however, when broken down into segments it becomes quite an interesting a challenging subject to teach.  The main question that from the subject are

- what makes a Registered Migration Agent, a Competent Agent?

- where to seek for help and why

- how to deal with angry clients

- saving hopeless cases

This is just to name a few.

This Australia day 2020 marks 10 years since I entered the migration profession.  Quite a scary and exciting hallmark.  Am I a competent agent?  It depends on what the word competent means to you.  If we were to take an ordinary dictionary meaning, "competent" means  'having the necessary ability, knowledge, or skill to do something successfully" .  Some may interpret this as a know it all type of person.  

To me, a competent agent is someone whos is able to recognise their strengths and be aware of their shortcomings.  I do not believe that by being in a profession for X number of years, earns any agent the title of "know it all".  Sometimes it is okay to say "this is a really good question and to be honest, I have not come across this scenario".  

Of course, in our modern working environment, a solution to the problem is expected instantly.  We are wired to think that there is no such thing as "I do not know the answer".  However, the reality is that we all continue to learn and grow professionally.  I would be deeply worried if I made a decision to STOP learning.  I learn new things everyday, most of these come from practical experience gained as a result of dealing with different types of matters ranging from compliance issues to PIC4020 scenarios or writing submissions and almost every visa subclass out there (I don't do medical visas and I am proud to admit that!).  I specialise in Employer Sponsored Migration, Family Migration, and Skilled Migration.  

Where do I gain my knowledge? By continually doing what I love, assisting individuals with their immigraiton matters, mentoring registered agents and offering that much needed advice whenever required.  I also learn from my fellow peers.  I have met a number of agents in their first years in the profession who are able to see the "problem" from a fresh point of view.

My approach to immigration is simple and direct:

- I not overcomplicate visa application. If I think your application is of high quality, there is no need for anxiety to take over and cast a shadow of doubt

- I recognise problems and I do not brush them under the carpet.  If your client has a criminal record, it will not disappear, if there are eligibility issues, these need to be addressed

My advice, learn to say "I don't know and I need help".  Asking for help does not make you incompetent, it shows the ability to recognise problems and determination to fix these.

I was lucky enough to have excellent mentors during my career and I could not be more thankful for all that I have learnt from my mentors. 

Having some reassurance, resilience, and courage brings out confidence (not to be confused with arrogance).  

Being an RMA is a tough gig.  Sometimes we all need a bit of guidance to survive and strive in this profession.

I am writing this article because I know that there are agents out there who do not have the support which I was lucky to be surrounded by.  I want these agents to know that help is available.  Now, I am not claiming to be the Oracle of the migration profession, I cannot predict what will happen to your client's application.  I can however offer practical tips, listen to your concerns and work out the best strategies for you and your client.   

If you need advice, have a question or you just need a bit of reassurance, drop me an email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .  I can't solve all of the problems but I can and do offer practical strategies.