A professional consultant is someone who will guide you through the complex immigration process. They will first understand your requirements and goals whether it is about acquiring a work permit, study visa, or a green card of the desired country.
Then they act like a personal advisor by laying out all the options and legal framework through which you can achieve your target. So, if you are thinking about not getting involved in the messy and lengthy visa application process then start with hiring an immigration consultant for you.
Common Visa Types and their Application Processes
Although you will find separate names of visa types for different countries, the common ones are always the same and have specific requirements depending on the standard immigration policies of each location.
· Visitor/Travel Visa
This type of visa is for people who are planning to travel to another country or visit there for a shorter duration even for attending any event or for official work. The process involved filling out the application form, submitting travel documents, funds trip-related proof, etc. then facing a short interview procedure. You will get the visa of minimum validity for 6 months after approval.
· Study Visa Type
Immigrants who wish to get higher education abroad apply for a study visa. It requires you to first be admitted from one of their recognized universities and then submit all the proof regarding your identity and academic record. The validity is not standard for this visa as it entirely depends on your course duration.
· Work Permit
If you want to do work in a particular country then you must apply for a work permit. However, you have to apply for a job first as it is one of the mentioned prerequisites. Work visas have validity for a specific duration.
· Family/Spouse Visa
Your family members including your spouse can get this type of visa where they have to submit proof of their relationship and marriage or birth certificate. The validity will be given in between 2-5 years depending on the relation and purpose of the visit.
· Permanent Residency
Also named as a Green Card and allows you to live in the country like any of its citizens. The application procedure is the same but you have to prove a strong reason for why you should be getting a PR.
Skills and Requirements of an Immigration Consultant
An immigration consultant should completely understand how to guide and build a long-term rapport with their clients. You can judge their knowledge and services by observing these skills:
· Deep-level knowledge of Immigration laws
A professional consultant should be well-versed in basic laws and the rights of immigration policies of different countries. They will be guiding you throughout your journey so they must have relevant knowledge.
· Active Listening and Planning
Consultation is never solely about communication but about listening actively and planning accordingly. Also, they should be open to discussing any matter with you.
· Extraordinary Communication
Communication is one of the key skills in consultation and it is considered incomplete without good listening skills.
· Attention to details
Their attention to detail skills should be noticeable as they will help them in strategic planning and problem-solving.
· License and Authority
Holding an authorized license is of utmost importance as it shows their credibility.
· Adaptation and Relationship Building
A visa professional will always be able to adapt to a dynamic and unstable environment and focus more on relationship-building with the clients rather than earning.
How a professional immigration consultant will assist you in your visa application process?
An experienced immigration consultant will offer you end-to-end support in your visa application journey although their services mostly include consulting you as your advisor. Yet you can expect:
· Pre-application Preparation
The consultant will first review your application, eligibility, and the purpose of your visit. Using this, they can outline the strategic map starting from your filling out the application form.
· Discussing visa steps
Based on the observation and their knowledge, they will discuss a detailed picture of common visa steps and every possible scenario.
· Suggesting tips and tricks
They will also share some of their tips and tricks that can only be achieved with years of experience.
· Document collection and verification
After planning, it is now arranging documents and verifying them on your behalf.
· Interview Guidance
They will also be responsible for your interview preparation and guide you in what type of questions can be asked.
· Post-application support
Steps like medical examination, flight booking, and insurance application can be categorized under the post-application process.
Some Visa Denial Circumstances
Under these circumstances, your visa might face rejection;
- Error in Applicant’s Profile
- Insufficient funding’s
- Any kind of criminal charges
- Medical Issues
- Fail to prove ties to native country
- Unexpected Changes
- Prior visa rejection history
- Doesn’t match eligibility
Final Thoughts
Hiring an immigration consultant will help you take a lot of stress off your plate so that you can be more focused on enjoying your trip or planning your purpose of migrating to another country. They will not only handle all your legal procedures but also support you in understanding complex immigration laws and rights that might be useful for you as an immigrant.