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Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some of the frequently asked questions about our migration services. If you have a question and it’s not answered here, please contact us and we’ll be happy to answer your questions.


What makes Northam Lawyers different from other immigration lawyers?

While all immigration lawyers and migration agents in Australia must be licensed and follow a strict code of conduct and legal requirements, as a migration lawyer, Mark Northam provides the additional experience and education as a lawyer as he is admitted as a Solicitor and Barrister of the Supreme Court of New South Wales, and is admitted to the High Court of Australia. We combine our knowledge and experience of migration law and regulations with custom online technology to provide first class migration legal services online at very competitive prices. By using technology to simplify and streamline the process of applying for a visa, with all applications reviewed by an experienced migration lawyer, we keep our overhead low while offering prompt, transparent service.

And throughout the process, your migration lawyer and case manager are available for any and all questions.


I’ve heard that visa applications involve a lot of forms – is that true?

While visa applications can often involve many detailed government forms, our technology simplifies the process for you. You only fill out a single questionnaire, and we’ll do the rest. When your application package is complete, we’ll send it to you for your approval – forms completed!


How long will it take to process my visa application?

Australian visa applications are processed by the Department of Immigration and Border Protection. Visa applications can generally take anywhere from a few days to many months depending on the type of visa and the quality, accuracy and completeness of the visa application package. As part of your consultation, once we determine together the best visa for you, we can provide complete information on estimated processing times and all visa requirements.


How does your Client Portal work?

Our client portal is a special feature for clients where you can logon any time 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and get immediate information about your visa application case, upload and download documents, and much more. Features include:

  • updates on the current status of your case
  • download your application checklist
  • viewing what documents you need to provide, and those you’ve already provided
  • downloading completed application forms to review
  • upload copies of your passport, educational qualifications, and other documents necessary for your visa application
  • ask questions at any time – we are alerted immediately to your question

All clients receive access to our Client Portal as part of our client benefits package.


How does the client consultation process work?

The process of choosing the best Australian visa for you and your family is not a simple one. With over 100 visas to choose from, the Australian visa system can be complex and unforgiving – a visa refusal or invalid visa application can create major problems for people including requiring them to leave Australia and in some cases a travel ban to Australia for 3 or 10 years. Because of the importance of choosing the best visa, we offer a complete visa assessment service as part of our Consultation service – see our consulting page for complete information. We offer consultations via Skype, phone and at our office in Sydney.


How do I get started?

Just contact us – that’s all. Migrating to a new country is a big step – we’ll work together with you to determine the best visa options for you, and guide you through the entire process to give you the confidence and assurance you and your family need and deserve.