Visa consultation checklist: what to bring
A little preparation helps your migration agent give you clear, accurate advice in your first meeting. Use this checklist to gather the right information.
On this page
You do not need every document for a first consultation, but the more accurate your information, the better the advice. Bring copies, not originals, and do not send sensitive documents by email until you have engaged an agent.
For everyone
- Passport and any current or previous Australian visas
- Details of any visa refusals or cancellations, from any country
- Your education history: certificates and transcripts
- English test results, if you have them
- A short summary of your goal and your timeline
Extra items by goal
Study
- Your study plans, course preferences and budget
- Evidence of funds or sponsors
Skilled or employer-sponsored
- Your resume and employment reference letters with duties and dates
- Any skills assessment outcome
- Details of the employer, if you have a job offer
Partner, parent or family
- Relationship history and evidence of living together
- Details of your sponsor's status in Australia
Visitor
- Travel plans, funds and evidence of ties to your home country
Questions to ask your agent
- Which visa options fit my situation, and what are the risks?
- What will the government charges and your professional fees be?
- How long might it take, and what could slow it down?
- Will I receive a written agreement and the Consumer Guide?
After the consultation
If you decide to go ahead, you will receive a written agreement and fee estimate. Only then should you send full documents through the secure method your agent provides. Ready to book? Contact our Hobart team or start with our visa assessment form.
Questions people ask
Do I need all my documents for the first consultation?
No. Bring what you have. Accurate information about your history, especially any refusals, matters more than a complete set of documents.
Should I email my passport before the meeting?
It is better not to send sensitive documents until you have engaged an agent and received a secure way to share them.
What questions should I ask a migration agent?
Ask about your options and risks, total costs including professional fees, likely timelines, and whether you will receive a written agreement and the Consumer Guide.
Official sources
We check this page against the official information below and last reviewed it on 14 November 2026. Rules, fees and processing times change, so confirm the current position before you apply.
