By Talk to a Lawyer · Published 20 September 2026 · General preparation information
A useful migration enquiry identifies the person, their current circumstances and the actual application or decision. Keep the full correspondence, including dates and attachments, rather than relying on a summary. Different visa pathways and review processes require different work. Verify an individual adviser's registration or legal practising authority and ask whether they handle your specific type of matter.
Three distinctions to make first
Decision 01
Exploring a pathway or responding to a decision?
An initial eligibility discussion, application preparation and review of a refusal are separate engagements. Tell the office if a decision or response request has arrived. Ask which immediate questions about timing and current status need individual advice.
Decision 02
Who is included in the enquiry?
Identify the applicant, family members, employer or sponsor and explain their roles. Ask whom the adviser represents and how information will be shared. Do not assume advice to an employer or sponsor is also independent advice for the applicant.
Decision 03
How will evidence be checked?
Prepare a chronology of applications, travel and relevant changes. Mark uncertain details rather than guessing. Ask who checks forms, arranges translations and confirms accuracy with you before submission. Retain copies of the final documents and correspondence.
Prepare for a useful appointment
0 of 4 gathered · ticks reset when you leave this page.
A preparation aid, not confirmation that a legal requirement is complete.
Compare the work, not just the price
Verify the individual adviser's registration or legal practising authority before engaging, then compare a written scope for your actual visa or decision. An eligibility consultation, application and review require different work. Separate professional fees from government charges, assessments and translations. Ask how you approve information before submission and retain copies, and who is responsible for monitoring time-sensitive correspondence.
- Pathway assessment
- Ask which current option is being assessed, what facts remain unverified and what written explanation you receive before committing to application preparation.
- Application or response
- Confirm who gathers evidence, checks accuracy, lodges documents and responds to further requests, including what happens if circumstances or the proposed pathway change.
- Review or legal proceedings
- Check the available route, authority to represent you, specific stages included and whether a different practitioner or separate advice about current status is required.
Understand legal fees and written quotes →
Leave with an agreed next step
Confirm who will monitor correspondence and who is authorised to lodge or respond. Ask how changed circumstances should be reported. Keep professional fees separate from government and third-party charges when comparing the total cost of the proposed work.