Information for migration agents

Migration and Skills Recruitment Queensland offers services that can assist you and your client to prepare applications that will meet the Queensland Government requirements and ensure that applications are processed efficiently and in the shortest possible timeframes.

These services include:

• pre-application services to assist your clients source business and market information
• access to specialist immigration advice
• information sessions on Queensland Government practices and requirements.

Business proposals

The Queensland Government has the expectation that business proposals prepared by migration agents or a consultant need to demonstrate that the applicant:

• understands the information contained in the business proposal
• retains ownership of the information contained in the business proposal
• has done sufficient analysis themselves to be satisfied that it is a viable business opportunity.

The application process

When a State sponsorship application is received it will be registered and assigned a unique identifier which should be quoted when making any enquiries.

The application will then be assessed to determine if it meets the Queensland Government criteria for the particular visa subclass. If there are any concerns at this stage you will be contacted by telephone or letter for further clarification. 

If a business proposal was also required to be submitted, it will be assessed by the business assessment officer. Should further information be required you will be notified in writing.

A letter advising of the outcome of the application will be sent directly to you. It is also Queensland Government practice to forward a copy of this letter directly to your client.

Timeframes for the processing of applications will vary depending on the visa for which you have applied. Timeframes are based on applications that are complete (no further information is required).

To ensure that your clients' application is processed in the most efficient and timely manner it is important that you understand the Queensland Government process and what information is required. The following are the most common causes for delays in processing applications.

Incomplete Documents

A checklist is available to be used as a tool when gathering all the documents required to be submitted with an application for State Sponsorship.  If documents are missing you will be asked to supply these to Migration and Skills Recruitment Queensland and this can cause delays in processing.

The State Sponsorship Application and Declaration forms do change over time so it is important that you download these from the web site each time an application is made to ensure the latest version is used.

Inadequate Business Proposals

Applications that include business proposals that have insufficient information for the business proposal assessor to determine the long-term viability of a business will either be refused or an email sent requesting further information.  This can cause lengthy time delays on processing of applications.

To reduce the chances of this occurring it is recommended that you make contact with Migration and Skills Recruitment Queensland to discuss Queensland Government requirements and to seek assistance in sourcing appropriate business information. An optional business proposal template is also available.

Post arrival services

Migration and Skills Recruitment Queensland encourages migration agents to make their clients aware of the range of services available through the local Regional Development centre to assist new migrants with settling into the Queensland community.

Varying levels of post arrival care will be made available to migrants based upon the level of business development required. Local regional development officers will be available to provide targeted business and community information to new arrivals to assist with successful settlement into the Queensland community.

For more information contact Migration and Skills Recruitment Queensland's Business Support Coordinator.

Information for Chinese migrants

Migration and Skills Recruitment Queensland also provides prospective migrants from the Greater China region with pre-application and post arrival services. An officer with Chinese language abilities is available to discuss issues with migrants.

In addition, varying levels of assistance will be made available to assist migrants from the Greater China region depending on their requirements.

Some of the services available include:

• pre-application services for market research purposes
• assistance with intending market visits
• coordination of after care services for migrants
• business information services to business migrants
• referrals to ethnic business groups

Overseas agents: register with the MARA

Although not compulsory, migration agents operating outside Australia can also register with the Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA).

Following consultation with the Migration Institute of Australia, the Queensland Government will fast-track applications that are submitted and certified by agents registered with the Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA) in the following visa subclasses:

• Investor (Provisional) visa subclass 165
• Retirement Investor (Temporary) visa subclass 405 
• Business Owner (Residence) visa subclass 892*

MARA registered agents, bound by the authority's code of conduct, are able to sign a declaration that their clients meet the Department of Immigration and Citizenship's requirements.

This declaration is accepted under the proviso that the Queensland Government will not be held responsible in the event that the application is rejected by the Australian Government.

Applications for these visa subclasses submitted and certified by a MARA registered agent will be processed within one week.

Applications submitted by migration agents not registered with the MARA, or prepared independently by the applicant, will continue to be processed in accordance with existing estimated processing times.

For further assistance please contact Migration and Skills Recruitment Queensland. 

*conditions apply