Avoid The Migration Minefield - Safely Migrate To Australia From The Philippines

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AVOID THE MIGRATION
MINEFIELD
Safely Migrate to Australia from the Philippines
What are the pitfalls and challenges which affect so many Filipino
visa applicants and their Australian sponsors?
Swindled out of your money and having nothing to show for it is
but one of them!
Navigating and trying to understand the constant and never
ending government changes is another explosive experience!
How can you migrate safely and successfully to Australia and
understand the entire visa application process properly?
This easy-to-read overview of the first four chapters of my soon
to be released book on the migration visa process comes from
my 15 years experience as a Registered Migration Agent with
helping Filipinos migrate permanently to Australia.
JOSE RESPALL JP (Qual.) MMA

Registered Migration Agent No.: 9901644
Author's Note:-
"Applying to migrate to Australia from the Philippines is a moving

minefield and Filipinos and their Australian sponsors who attempt to
navigate their way through without the expertise of a Registered
Migration Agent run a high risk of unfortunately not making it through. I
have drawn from my personal and professional experiences, which
began the year I was born (!), to demonstrate the right and valid way to
make a visa application that deals with your particular personal
circumstances and professional background.
The following are the first 4 chapters of my soon to be published book.
Take the time to read and understand the importance of getting
the right advice before' you swim through the changing currents
of laws, regulations, visa application charges and policies' and
then contact me to arrange for your safe journey from the
Philippines to Australia where a wonderful new life awaits every
Filipino applicant and their Australian sponsor."
Jose Respall JP (Qual.) MMA

Registered Migration Agent No. 9901644
I dedicate this book to my father, mother, brothers and sister who

migrated with me in 1969.
I dedicate this book to all the Filipino visa applicants who have already
used our services since 1999 and were granted a visa.
To the TEAM in the Philippine office that assisted them in making
their dreams come true you are the true modern day heroes of the
Philippines; may you all continue the remarkable service offered to
your fellow Kababayan (countrymen and women).
I dedicate this book to YOU if youre seriously considering permanently
migrating to Australia from the Philippines. I hope and pray that you
read these first four chapters of my soon to be published book and
decide to lodge a valid and genuine visa application with us.
Luis Respall
Ramon Respall
Concepcion Respall
Maria Louisa Respall
Jose Respall
Manuel Respall
Luis Respall, Jr.
Table of Contents:
CHAPTER 1:
PALPAK! (DISASTER!)
CHAPTER 2:
Emotional Visa Roller Coaster Ride!
CHAPTER 3:
YOU WANT ME TO AVOID MYSELF? WHY?
CHAPTER 4:
A VALID AND GENUINE VISA

APPLICATION...PAANO YUN?
(HOW IS THAT DONE?)
Closing Statements: A Few Remarkable Client Testimonials
Chapter 1
PALPAK (DISASTER!).
PALPAK (DISASTER!).
Like many of the 184,000 Filipinos living in Australia today I emigrated
with my family - my parents Luis and Concepcion Respall, my three
brothers Ramon, Luis Jr. and Manuel, and my sister Marilou. It was in
1969 and although I was only six years of age I can still vividly
remember life in the Philippines and our journey to the new world.
My first experience with immigration issues was, strangely enough,
when Mum gave birth to me. Maybe this is why I became so
passionate about migration between the Philippines and Australia later
in my life and it became my career and passion.
I was born in San Fernando, Pampanga, on the 30th of April in 1963.
My first cousin, Joann del Pan Cordon, was born a few days before me
on the 26th of April. Usually it is the women in the Philippines who fuss
about registering birth certificates for any newborn members of the
family but on this occasion, as destiny would have it, the responsibility
was delegated to my father.
Now, please concentrate on those dates of birth because you will soon
see that they become a real-life example of why it is so important for
you not to attempt things on your own or to seek advice from
unregistered individuals or organizations when you decide to make an
application to migrate to Australia from the Philippines.
Just picture my father so excited and proud to register my birth
certificate with the local Pampanga Provincial Civil Registry. The
problem was that he was also asked to register Joanns birth certificate
at the same time. What happened next gave me a perfect opportunity
to use my own personal experience to explain the real issues faced
when lodging your visa application to Australia from the Philippines.
Pap, as we would affectionately call him, was a wonderful and

supportive man to everyone but unfortunately on that day he got it all
so wrong. It became our family palpak - palpak means disaster. As
the years went on we would talk and joke about this incident a lot. Pap
would recount the experience, Mum would join in and I would provide
the sound effects and background characters and embellish the
scenarios so that it ended up like a comedy script.
Heres what happened that fateful day. Pap, lacking sleep, marched
into the registry and registered my date of birth on my cousin Joann's
date of birth form and my cousins date of birth on my form. Then, to
top it all off, he allowed our family name Respall to be spelt with only
one L making it appear Respal.
Now, you might be wondering, whats the big deal? How could this lead
to confusion and chaos later in life? Well, there is a strict warning given
by the Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) in
Australia which clearly states, Do not provide false and or misleading
information or documents to DIBP. It is now embellished under
Schedule 4 Public Interest Criteria in clause 4020. Doing so could be
detrimental to your particular Australian visa application and may
include a minimum of a 3 years exclusion period on the part of the
applicant. Ouch!
If you've already dealt, or ever need to deal, with the Compliance
Section of DIBP you will understand what I have just mentioned. DIBP
expects a valid and genuine application to migrate to Australia from
the Philippines and just the slightest variation - like an L missing from
your last name or an incorrect date of birth - could end with you being
delayed or even prevented from moving to Australia.
Let me focus your attention now on some other aspects of a visa
application to Australia. The Department will ask you for various types
of documentation and evidence such as, but not necessarily limited to,
baptismal certificates, school records, etc. In my case, having lived the
first six years of my life in the Philippines, these were exactly the types
of information they requested from my family in order for us to
emigrate.
Im sure you can already see the coming dilemma. My parents went
and lodged visa applications to move to Australia. The paper work, eg.
Birth Certificate, was sent to a case officer who looked at my file and
immediately noticed that I was born on the 26th of April 1963 and my
family name was Respal (l) - based on my official birth certificate from
the National Statistics Office (NSO) - and yet in all of my other records
e.g. Baptismal, School Records, which had been completed correctly,
the date showed the 30th of April 1963 as my date of birth and my
family name was spelt Respall (ll).
When DIBP discovers these so called discrepancies it triggers alarm
bells (I can just imagine bright red lights flashing and sirens blaring
inside the case officers mind). From their point of view even these
minor issues imply that maybe there are other more serious matters
at play in the application. Thats the way they are trained to assess visa
applications, and rightly so.
The next few months after lodgment of our visa application were spent
paying additional costs for an Attorney in the Philippines to draft and
execute sworn affidavits for Court Orders, the Department of
Immigration of Australia, the National Statistics Office and the
Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) in the Philippines to correct my
birth certificate and my passport. This period was further compounded
by the stress of making a valid and genuine application to migrate to
Australia.
Heres another policy of DIBP that I really need to let you know about.
If one member of the family unit fails the application then the whole
application is refused - even though the other members of the family
comply with that particular visa application. It is stated clearly in
Schedule 4 Public Interest Criteria policy in the visas we will cover in
this book as we go along.
Im sure you can visualise the emotional state of affairs my parents
were faced with in 1969. Due to an innocent mistake they had no idea
whether their application would be accepted. A paperwork error had
the ability to kill their dreams for their future! This happens so
frequently and for so many other reasons in the Philippines that you
need to be very aware of this.
In late June of 1969 my parents received a letter from the Australian
Embassy, Manila, that said We are pleased to inform you that your
application for entry to Australia has been provisionally approved.
Would you kindly call at the Embassy regarding further requirements?
Boy, you should have seen us all jumping for joy on the day we
received that letter.
That joyous day is as fresh in my memory as if it just happened
yesterday. I can remember my sister Marilou taking the envelope and
cutting off the stamp portion, soaking it in water and adding it to her
stamp collection. We were so competitive with our stamp collections
and it was a craze in those days to have one. We continued collecting
stamps well into the Seventies when we already migrated to Australia.
Sometime in July we had the photos taken for our passports.
I remember it so well because we all had a haircut on the same day,
thanks to Mum, and my other two brothers and I took turns sharing the
same white shirt and black bow tie at a makeshift studio when we were
on holiday at that time, somewhere in Naga City, Bicol. Then, a month

later, our passports were issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs.
However, fast forward to November 1969, and life wasn't so exciting
and fun. Luis, Manuel and I all lined up one by one and we were
injected with our vaccination shots and issued our International
Certificates of Vaccination Card from the World Health Organization.
Ouch! We still have the needle marks on our arms to prove it. Most
immigrants from those days have this tattoo etched on their arms as
well and for me it was a sense of pride when we were growing up in
Australia. I recall showing it off to my schoolmates and friends and
relatives in Manila. It was a rite of passage and we knew it wouldnt be
long before we were walking up the stairway to a plane bound for
Australia.
Despite my fathers less-than-perfect start to the whole migration
matter there was something he did do very correctly for us. On 6th
September 1969, a couple of months before we left for Australia,
I remember feeling a little uneasy like there was something missing.
I realised my father was missing. He wasnt around anymore. It felt
very strange. What I now know is that he flew ahead to Australia so he
could pave the way for our arrival and ensure it was a smooth transition
when we arrived. This strategy will be discussed later in this book so
that you and your family can be as organized and as prepared as
possible before you arrive in Australia.
So it was that on the 19th of December 1969 I boarded a jet along with
my mother and brothers Luis and Manuel. Destination: Sydney.
I remember the despidida (farewell) party and the actual departure
day itself. Seeing my Dad for the first time in months is also etched into
my memory. What I cant recall, however, is the flight itself because as
I suspected and Mum verified, I was fast asleep the whole way.
Obviously the emotion of the day was too much for me!
You might be wondering what happened to my eldest brother Ramon

and sister Marilou? They had to remain back in the Philippines for more
than three months and eventually on the 1st of April 1970 we became a
complete family again. Reunited, we started our new lives in Australia.
This is another aspect of migration which hasnt changed in 55 years.
Sometimes, due to certain circumstances, families have had to move to
Australia in more than one trip.
There you have it. I can speak to you about migration from the
Philippines to Australia from firsthand experience. Since I became a
Registered Migration Agent over 15 years ago I have helped many
hundreds of Filipinos experience the same joy that the Respall family
did in 1969-70. And, because I want to help you and make sure that
your migration experience is a swift and positive one, I have stopped
long enough to put my expertise on paper supported by systems and
methodologies of my operation in the Philippines and Australia.
I will commit this to you now as you come to the end of the first
chapter. I have been very diligent with an editor and publisher to
ensure that this book is set out in such a way that it is an easy read.
Migration is a complex topic but you will find that it isnt all that difficult
to understand the tips and information I have gathered from my
experiences as an immigrant and migration agent, from the many
clients I have provided my services to, plus the thousands of stories
and anecdotal evidence from my friends, family and the Filipino
community in Australia. I want to ensure you avoid the emotional and
financial pain of all the pitfalls that so many other Filipinos have fallen
into in the past.
I am a Registered Migration Agent and I have to operate by a strict
Code of Conduct. Sadly there are unscrupulous individuals and
organisations in and outside of the Philippines that prey on people like
you when you make a visa application to Australia. For this reason I will
share my knowledge with you so you can identify an opportunist or

unregistered "impostor" and stay clear or better still report them to the
authorities.
Here
is
the
direct
link
to
do
that:
https://www.immi.gov.au/contacts/forms/ssl/dob-in/index.htm
Here is the most amazing thing that wasnt around in 1969 when we
migrated and that is I will make myself available to you via Skype,
Viber, Tango, email, Faceook and LinkedIn, etc. to discuss your
application, whether you are using my services or attempting your own
application.
This I have committed myself to so that you and your family can also
enjoy the fruits of your labor here in Australia and share it with our
Kababayan (countrymen and women) back in the Philippines.
Like most materials published in this day and age the information in
this book will become outdated eventually. To ensure you are always
kept well informed I have incorporated this book' Avoid the Migration
Minefield: Safely Migrate To Australia From The Philippines into my
website. This allows me to update and correct it when the changes
occur and you can confidently retrieve the section of the book you need
assistance with for your particular Australian visa application.
With todays technology I have been able to create an audio version of
Avoid the Migration Minefield: Safely Migrate To Australia From The
Philippines. You can have this book read back to you - its easier than
turning the pages! Simply click ON on the Listen Mode on that
particular web page and you can listen to the book in the convenience
of your own home or office as you are doing your work or cooking for
your family. Right, Mum?
Lastly, I would like to point out that you should use this book as an
educational guide only to assist you in making that final decision on
whether to attempt your application on your own, or to engage the
services of an experienced and professional Registered Migration
Agent... like, ahem, myself. As an RMA I must maintain a sound

knowledge of the Act and Regulations and adhere to the Code of
Conduct. This takes time and effort and a dedication to this profession.
I trust you will get a lot out of this book. Be with you soon in Chapter
Two...
It would be remiss of me not to acknowledge and thank the permission
given to include further information in writing this book by the Office of
the Migration Agents Registration Authority (OMARA) and the
Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) to incorporate
the Code of Conduct and Consumer Guide of OMARA and the
following Schedules of the Migration Act 1958 as amended in the
Migration Regulations 1994 of DIBP namely:- Item 1215 Prospective
Marriage (Temporary) (Class TO),. Item 1214C Partner (Temporary)
(Class UK), Item 1220A Partner (Provisional) (Class UF), Item
1124B Partner (Residence) (Class BS), Item 1129 Partner (Migrant)
(Class BC), Item 1108 Child (Migrant) (Class AH), Item 1211 Extended
Eligibility (Temporary) (Class TK),. Item 1236 Visitor (Class FA),
SCHEDULE 4 PUBLIC INTEREST CRITERIA AND RELATED
PROVISIONS, SCHEDULE 5 SPECIAL RETURN CRITERIA,
SCHEDULE 6D: General points test for General Skilled Migration
visas mentioned in sub regulation 2.26AC(1) and SCHEDULE 8
VISA CONDITIONS.
I
would
also
like
to
thank
IDP
Education
and
www.IELTSessentials.com regarding how to review for the
International English Testing System (IELTS), the Australian and New
Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZCO) and the
Australian Education International regarding the Country Education
Profile (CEP) of the Philippines.
Chapter 2
Emotional Visa Roller
Coaster Ride.
Emotional Visa Roller Coaster Ride.

If you have not lodged a visa application before then the title of this
chapter may seem a bit melodramatic. What emotional roller coaster
ride? After 15 years of successfully bringing Filipinos to Australia on
Fianc, De facto, Spouse, SkillSelect, Child, Visitors or Parent visas I
can easily tell you that for most if not all applicants it has been very
emotional.
Theres the desire to start life in a new land mixed with the daunting
task of providing a pile of documentation to please the authorities.
There's also the waiting and the not knowing if you will be successful or
not. Youve already seen that the smallest and most innocent of errors
caused my family a lot of stress when we applied to come to Australia
back in 1969 ... and the laws are even more complex and tighter today.
I place a huge amount of emphasis on emotional control with my
clients. Every step of my visa application procedure - supported by
how-to videos and simplified paperwork eg. Pre-Checklists - has been
designed to take the anxiety and stress out of the situation.
I believe as a professional Registered Migration Agent that I need to
protect the Filipino applicant and Australian sponsor, especially when
you decide to make the application by yourself. Please, please, please
forgive me if I appear to be as blunt as a sledgehammer with this but
always remember during the visa application processwhether it is a
tourist visa or a more complicated typeyour worst enemy is
yourself. Yes, you, and the members of your immediately family.
Surely you would have to agree with me that your knowledge and
understanding of the Australian visa application process, and the legal
requirements set down by the Migration Act of 1958 as Amended in
1994 to secure an Australian visa grant, is limited, at best.
Allow me to take this further with an analogy of what I have witnessed

time and time again. Im going to use a common scenario of a
SkillSelect visa application as my first example. The best (most sought
after) Filipino engineers, accountants, IT professionals and so on are
often not based or working in the Philippines but are working overseas
in the Middle East, Southeast Asian countries or Australia as contract
workers. Imagine these heroes of our Philippine society sacrificing
themselves, their skills and talents to take care of their loved ones.
They have to tear themselves away from their families and travel to
distant countries for years in search of better paying jobs and careers.
As they travel around they hear stories of fantastic opportunities to
work in Australia and how other Filipinos have successfully migrated
Down Under on a permanent basis - even if they themselves are in
Australia on a temporary work visa. These workers start to compile
information and build a personal strategy on how they would tackle an
application'. Little do they know that whatever information or
documents they have picked up along the way are more than likely
outdated and the process that was explained to them does not
necessarily apply to their particular profession.
I will go into greater detail regarding assessing yourself accurately
under SkillSelect in the chapters that follow. In fact, as I was writing
and editing this book a raft of changes occurred on the 1st of July and
September 2013 and I can assure you more will come. It affected so
many visa classes and subclasses including SkillSelect.
One example ... on many occasions I have been shown visa
applications filled out by Filipino engineers claiming they are ready to
lodge a valid general skilled migration application to DIBP in
Australia. It only takes me a minute or two to see the (multiple) errors.
I gently raise my head and with a smile and a soft voice I say, Sorry
Po (Sir) but you shouldnt be lodging this application form to DIBP as it
is three years old and the forms are so outdated that DIBP will simply
return the application to you - if you are lucky.
Furthermore, what everyone needs to understand and why it has taken

me so long to complete writing this book is that the department is
moving away from paper based visa lodgments and transitioning to
e-lodgment visa applications systems in many visa categories.
As with General Skilled Migration (GSM) program we lodged our first
e-lodgment from the Philippines to Australia on the 1st of September
2007. We then lodged our first e-SkillSelect Visa under the current
GSM program on the 1st of July 2012. I ensure that we are up to speed
with all changes that affect the visa applications we do from the
Philippines to Australia.
Predictably I am met with expressions of disappointment and
frustration. Then come the objections about them having spent so
much time and effort in filling out the documentation, or the fact that
their colleagues say everything looks correct so what is the problem? I
have to tell you that these scenarios - as we process hundreds of them
every year - are heart breaking to me and my support team in Makati
City, Philippines.
Going into a bit more detail ... what these engineers dont understand is
that they must also complete a Competency Demonstration Report
(CDR) properly. This is part of the qualification assessing process
before they are allowed to lodge a valid application under the current
SkillSelect program to DIBP. Why is the CDR so important for the
Engineering profession? Because their governing bodies and
profession as a whole are not signatories of the Washington Accord which recognises undergraduate professional engineering courses of
study delivered in the Philippines as having equal status with other
countries - or the Sydney Accord which recognises the Engineering
Technologist programs of studies delivered in the Philippines as being
of equal standard.
Im the first to acknowledge that engineers and other professionals are

incredibly smart and talented people. However, it takes much more
than a degree in engineering or medicine or whatever to understand
the intricacies of migration law. I point out to these engineers and other
professionals that there is a strict rule which says as an example, A
submitted CDR which is incomplete when submitted or which does not
meet the stated requirements of that particular Engineering or
Engineering Technologist profession will not be assessed by Engineers
Australia.
As you are no doubt starting to realise when it comes to applicants
under the GSM scheme there are many (too many) Filipinos attempting
to organise and lodge their own application. Maybe they think they can
save some money? They wont. Theyll end up probably spending more
and suffering a lot of anxiety and sorrow. These individuals fail to
understand that there are strict guidelines and proper procedures
regarding what needs to be submitted and when. Get it wrong and you
wont be starting that dream job in Australia.
This is why we have organised major e-SkillSelect Visa Information
Seminars throughout the year so that my fellow Filipino kababayan
(Filipino countrymen or women) can attend a Free, yes you read it
correctly, a Free Information Seminar and understand why they need to
be assessed in greater detail so that we can get it right the first time
and the Filipino applicant can then concentrate on nailing that dream
job in Australia with our further assistance.
Allow me now to provide you with another common example of the
emotional visa roller coaster ride. This time it has to do with Fianc,
Spouse and De Facto visa applications. Heres an incredible real life
scenario which left me gob-smacked. This particular Filipino applicant
had to leave the Philippines and travel to Europe to find a better paying
job to support her three children who were left back in the Philippines.
(This of course is a common and heartbreaking situation for many

families in the Philippines, unfortunately)
The young woman had given birth to her first child at age 19. Because
she was so young and was not married to her partner her parents had
decided to register the child as their own - to save her from shame
(hiya) and embarrassment. Her child was now technically her brother!
I want you to pause here for a moment so if you are facing this similar
situation I want you to understand the seriousness of what the parents
have just done. They have committed a felony and it carries some
serious consequences that you need to understand thoroughly and
deal with appropriately. So please get in contact with me and get it
resolved properly.
Remember the difficulties my parents went through just because my
date of birth was wrong and my last name was misspelt? Can you
imagine where this story is going? DIBP has a strong warning on all of
their forms saying "Dont provide false and/or misleading information or
documents" with a visa application. Saying that your son is your brother
... NO way Jose!
Like my own personal experience it was started by well meaning family
members trying to help. I want you to stop everything and read this
story carefully. You will learn a lot from it, my Kababayan (fellow
countrymen and women) in Australia and the Philippines.
Now, this is where the plot thickens, as they say in the thriller mystery
novels. The woman had two more children to this man and they never
married, so she thought. Eventually the relationship broke down and
they went their separate ways. She met another Filipino man who was
much younger than her. From what I had been told he was quite mean
towards her children. He was unemployed and just before she returned
to Europe for work; he forced her to marry him'. She flew out to
Europe, and while she was away from the Philippines, he walked out
on her and disappeared into the sunset. (My dear readers remember
that mental illness is everywhere and when you add that to highly
emotional situations men and women do the most unusual things to
even the people they love the most).
Lets re-cap. The woman had three children - one of whom is legally
now her brother (!) - to a man in a supposed de facto relationship and
he left her...she married a second man who also left her...she is in
Europe and her children are on the other side of the world. Sounds
complicated already. This was when things took a turn for the better.
Into her life stepped a lovely Australian man who was on holidays in
Europe. He fell madly in love with her. She wasnt ready to get involved
in another relationship especially so soon after what had earlier
happened. However, her Aussie suitor couldnt leave her alone and
ended up moving in with her.
Apparently he was a very patient and persistent person and despite
hearing how messed up her life was he told her he loved her and
intended to marry her. He was madly in love. Obviously, he was not in
the frame of mind to start thinking about the twists and turns and
complexities of their future visa application.
Being such an optimist he decided to do it all himself. This is when the
nightmare began. This is where so many Australian sponsors come
unstuck. They think that the legal system in the Philippines is just like
back home and everything will be fine. Shell be right, Mate! Not so,
Pare Ko! (My friend or Mate).
I personally love the Philippines. Im a dual citizen of Australia and the
Philippines and I spend a lot of time over there each year. But, when it
comes to the many levels of government and non-government
organisations I am the first to admit that you are entering a crocodile

pit. Nothing is black and white or right and wrong. There is graft and
corruption everywhere and this is the trap that the naive Australian
lover was stepping into. Maybe just like you are in right now?
The couple flew from Europe to the Philippines for her to introduce the
new man in her life to her family and friends. Before long the tsismis
(gossip) had got around that the mother of three was going to marry
and start a new life Down Under. She went to the DIBP website to get
information and realised that the only way to successfully lodge a
Spouse visa application was to organise an annulment of her marriage
in the Philippines.
What her research also uncovered was that the process to file for an
annulment was neither clear nor certain. In fact it was a complicated
and lengthy process with very confusing and restrictive procedures that
even Filipino legal practitioners find difficult to explain and organise for
their clients.
Enter a glimmer of hope. Family members told her that for a fee they
could arrange for a legal annulment of her marriage'. They would
secure the annulment through a Philippines Court and have her
Marriage Certificate noted of the annulment at the National Statistics
Office (NSO). Wow! This was indeed the best news she and her
Australian partner had heard.
They assumed (wrongly) that this action could be used as evidence in
support of their valid and genuine application with DIBP at the
Australian Embassy in Manila. The Australian sponsor eagerly paid out
large sums of money to the group of con men and women (family
members) and left the process in their capable hands.
He must have been feeling good because he took his Filipina

sweetheart to Australia for a holiday so that she could meet his
relatives and friends. He was so happy to have her by his side.
He had endured a difficult marriage which ended in divorce and he
knew this time everything was going to work out fine. Being madly in
love with her he decided to propose to her. He suggested that,
because the application for annulment was being taken care of and
was a good bet, they should get married whilst they were in Australia.
What an emotional visa roller coaster ride so far! Growing in false
confidence the lovebirds were now making decisions that would further
complicate their lives and cause more grief, frustration, stress and the
loss of a small fortune. They were so blissfully in love that they
couldnt see the train wreck hurtling towards them!
The newlyweds flew back to the Philippines where their annulment was
conveniently produced. Court documents were handed over with
official looking seals including a marriage certificate from the NSO with
their Court Annulment written on the Marriage Certificate. It had cost a
lot of money but it seemed they had invested wisely.
What was next? They lodged a visa application to DIBP at the Manila
post. Everything seemed to be going fine hey, there was no need for
a Registered Migration Agent, right?.
Then the stuff hit the fan, as they say.
DIBP easily identified that the annulment was fraudulent. They also
questioned her about her first marriage. What first marriage? I hear
you ask. Apparently, unbeknownst to her, the man from the first de
facto relationship, the father of her three children, had lodged a
fraudulent marriage application with the NSO. He had forged her
signature which appeared on DIBPs internal searches. It appeared

then that her second marriage was illegal.
The list of questions and accusations from DIBP towards the couple
went on and on. This episode almost ruined their lives and their
relationship. They ended up withdrawing the application. It was riddled
with such false and misleading information that an exclusion period
penalty was surely on the cards. Double, no make that a triple OUCH!
What a mess! What a catastrophe! And, it was totally unnecessary.
All of this could have been handled professionally and easily had they
had the foresight to go to a qualified RMA. Well, this is when I entered
the picture. They contacted me and we sat down together to review
their position. I explained the visa processing system and provided a
surefire application pathway that would overcome their unfortunate
circumstances.
I must mention at this stage that the woman wasnt prepared to reveal
to me the whole story of what had happened. She released the
information in stages instead of being upfront and explaining the whole
saga honestly. She only made it harder for herself. How sad.
I can probably write a book, no, an entire encyclopedia about the
number and variety of scams that have been perpetrated against
unwitting yet willing Filipino victims over the years. My parents spoke
about them when I was very young and I found it hard to believe them and yet they were true, regrettably.
Once I was told about the problems that happened with my own
application in 1969, I realised that something had to be done about
these recurring invalid and not genuine applications. I wanted to
contribute an end to these traumatic and agonizing experiences for
Filipino applicants. Hence, I decided to write this book for you.
What you need to understand now before you read any further is that
you must be absolutely honest about your circumstances and explain
every aspect of your professional and personal situation in your
application, whether you are applying for a SkillSelect, Fianc, Spouse,
De Facto, Tourist, Child or Parent visa application and whether you do
it yourself or ask for assistance from a Registered Migration Agent.
I urge you to be upfront and completely honest. Its the ONLY way
when making an application in migrating to Australia.
Back to our luckless couple. Well, because I process hundreds of
Fianc, Spouse and De facto Visa applications, and because I am
familiar with migration law in Australia and the Philippines, I was able to
successfully bring them to Australia where they lived happily ever after!
Phew! That was really emotional even for me to recount that
tragic real life scenario it was such a frustrating application even for
me.
Oh, by the way remember those e-lodgment applications that the
department is constantly rolling out? Well just as a quick heads up, we
were again the first migration agency in the Philippines to lodge an
e-Partner visa to Australia on the 11th of December 2013 and the first
migration agency in the Philippines to lodge a e-Visitor visa to Australia
on the 1st of August 2014.
This is a great way to transition into my next chapter in which I explain
how to avoid individuals and organisations that are out there with one
purpose in mind: to cause you grief, confusion and aggravation and put
you on the wrong side of DIBP. They want your money and they will
say anything and promise you the world. But, if they are not a
Registered Migration Agent my advice is very simple: walk away.
Chapter 3
YOU WANT ME TO AVOID MYSELF?
WHY?
YOU WANT ME TO AVOID MYSELF? WHY?

I have to start with this very important matter because it is a major
reason why so many Filipinos allow themselves to become victimised,
ripped off and ultimately fail in their bid to start a new life in Australia.
You might not want to know this but it is an uncomfortable truth.
If youre keen ... impatient ... anxious ... desperate even... about
moving from the Philippines to Australia there are hundreds no lets
make that thousands of unscrupulous individuals and organisations in
the Philippines, in Australia and in other countries which will promise
you the world (heaven) and deliver nothing (hell). They masquerade as
professional operators but all they want is your money and when you
discover that you have been tricked and go searching for them ... they
will have disappeared laughing all the way to the bank with your
money as they say.
Dont think Im being melodramatic about this. All too often I am called
in to fix up people's mistakes and try to rescue them from a terrible
situation. Every week I see the damage caused to my fellow Filipinos
by these ... am I allowed to say it? ... scum.
Do you remember my earlier statement? You are your own worst

enemy. Im here to make sure you dont make the wrong decisions, as
you read on. I will present information to you to help you start the visa
application process the correct way.
Firstly, lets set some ground rules for making a valid and genuine visa
application to Australia from the Philippines. If you do not intend to use
a Registered Migration Agent from Australia, and you want to prepare
the visa application yourself, then you are well on your way to
becoming another victim of these very clever and persuasive
individuals and organisations.
Doing it alone will expose you. You wont have anyone to turn to for
sound advice or for guidance. You wont have anyone who can
accurately assess your professional background or personal
circumstances before lodging the application and you will be on your
own if the visa application is refused. If that were to occur, you would
be without anyone to instruct you on other avenues available to you for example, applying for a merits review on your particular case if it
were to be refused.
It costs a lot of money to prepare a visa application to Australia. If you
rely on your understanding of the procedures and the requirements,
then I guarantee it wont be long before youre stressing out and
tossing and turning at night, wondering if youve lodged the application
properly. I have been told this thousands of times by applicants in the
Philippines and in Australia who didnt think there was any need for a
Registered Migration Agent. Did you know that if you fail to lodge a
valid and genuine visa application, you are not entitled to any refund
from DIBP along with your other sizeable investment in time and
money paying for other matters such as Skills Assessments, Medicals
and Police Check(s)?
If your application is refused then here is another piece of information
that you should consider. If you lodge a visa application and you are
one of the fortunate applicants that are allowed to lodge a further
merits review in Australia then remember this, it costs more money, it
often takes a really long time before the Migration Review Tribunal
(MRT) can get to your review application and even if you secure a
favorable decision the tribunal now only refunds you half of their fees
and it is sent back to DIBP who can still refuse it again if they see the
need to for any further changes that may had occurred during the
passage of time whilst you were waiting for the MRT to make a
decision.
I have learnt that it is always in my best interests to get the right

information and advice from individuals or organisations that have an
excellent track record in the area that I want to know more about. If
their profession requires some form of registration or accreditation then
all the better. This way, I know I will always minimise and manage the
risks involved in the activity I am about to embark on. I do this with
everything in life. I know I am not a builder so when I need work done
on my house I choose a fully licensed and insured tradesperson. I am
not a mechanic so I give that responsibility to an accredited and
certified automotive technician. I doubt that you have spent the past 15
years studying migration law and reading government regulations.
Therefore, please, do not consider yourself qualified to process an
application on your own.
There are thousands, no, make that tens of thousands, of con men and
women out there pretending to be a Registered Migration Agent from
Australia. How can you tell the good guys from the bad guys? The best
way of finding out is to actually check on the registry of Registered
Migration Agents from the Office of the Migration Agents Registration
Authority
(OMARA)
at
the
following
website
page:www.mara.gov.au/agent/ARSearch.aspx?FolderID=394.
(Remember to visit my website on www.respall.com to ensure that this
website page for the OMARA is updated).
Once I have established that the individual I am dealing with is actually
a Registered Migration Agent from Australia the registry will also
provide information such as the year the agent was registered. As an
example, my number (RMA No.) is 9901644. This means that I was
registered as a migration agent by OMARA in 1999. Thats how long I
have been providing my specialised migration services to the Filipino
community in Australia and the Philippines.
The registry may include a photo of the Registered Migration Agent. If it

does then make sure the photo likeness of that person on the registry
is the same person in front of you when you meet. It is amazing how
many Filipinos have been caught out by corrupt impostors who have
provided an RMA license number of another registered migration agent
and yet, when I ask the client if the person looked like the agents
photo on the registry, the answer is, you guessed it, no. Check for a
license number then check the photo.
Below is an ID Card issued by OMARA that Registered Migration
agents usually carry with them as proof of identity:
https://www.mara.gov.au/search-the-register-of-migrationagents/registered-migration-agent-details/?id=b065b1cf-a652-e3119402-005056ab0eca
Lets push on and investigate the Registered Migration Agent further to

ensure they are suitably experienced for your intended type of
application. Those of us who are legitimate professionals have to abide
by the Code of Conduct. There are eleven (11) parts to the Code and I
will draw your attention to some of the more relevant sections in the
course of writing this book for you.
I am quoting sections from the Code of Conduct for Registered
Migration Agents which is current as of 1st July 2012. This is the most
recent version; however, remember to visit my website at
www.respall.com to ensure that the quoted sections of the Code in this

book are updated.
I know government guidelines can be dry and boring but stay with me
and focus on the underlined statements below. This information will
help you choose a proper RMA. Here are sections from Part 1 of the
Code which I feel is important to share with you:
INTRODUCTION
1.1 This Code of Conduct (the Code) is intended to regulate the
conduct of registered migration agents.
1.2 The Migration Agents Registration Authority (the Authority) is
responsible for administering the Code.
1.3 A person who wants to operate as a registered migration agent
must register with the Authority.
1.4 The Code applies to an individual who is listed in the Register of
Migration Agents kept by the Authority under section 287 of the
Migration Act 1958 (the Migration Act).
1.5 To ensure compliance with the Code, the Authority may impose an
administrative sanction if a breach of the Code is found to have
occurred. (By the registered migration agent).
1.6 An administrative sanction may range from a caution through to
suspension of registration or the ultimate sanction of cancellation of
registration.
Wow! Now here is a blunt instrument being used by a government
authority in Australia to ensure that Registered Migration Agents are
behaving themselves and providing a high standard of service to the
general community including in the Philippines. So if they are not listed
on the Registry on the same OMARA website then they are not
Registered Migration Agents.
Lets drill down a little more in Part 1 and see what else the Code is
trying to achieve in protecting the Filipino applicant and the Australian
sponsor...
1.10 The aims of the Code are:
(a) to establish a proper standard for the conduct of a registered
migration agent;
(b) to set out the minimum attributes and abilities that a person
must demonstrate to perform as a registered migration agent
under the Code, including:
(i)
being a fit and proper person to give immigration

assistance;
(ia)
being a person of integrity and good character;
(ii)
knowing the provisions of the Migration Act and

Migration Regulations, and other legislation
relating to migration procedure, in sufficient
depth to offer sound and comprehensive advice
to a client, including advice on completing and
lodging application forms;
There it is! Bingo! Let me just quote it to you again so it is firmly

secured in your thought process. When you decide to use the services
of a Registered Migration Agent - which is the smart option as opposed
to trying to do everything yourself that agent must comply with
(ii)
knowing the provisions of the Migration

Act and Migration Regulations, and other
legislation
relating
to
migration
procedure, in sufficient depth to offer
sound and comprehensive advice to a
client, including advice on completing and
lodging application forms.
You see, on my part, unless you are a Filipino national and want to
lodge an application in any one of the five (5) visa Class categories that
I specialise in then I do not accept the application at all. If your
application is outside my area of expertise, I refer your case on to other
specialised Registered Migration Agents with different levels of
experience. This is clearly illustrated in Part 4 of the Code of Conduct...
RELATIONS BETWEEN REGISTERED MIGRATION AGENTS
4.1 Before accepting immigration work, a registered migration agent
must consider whether he or she is qualified to give the advice sought
by the client. If the agent is unsure, he or she must seek the
appropriate advice or assistance, or refer the matter to another
registered migration agent.
4.2 A referral may be made, for example, if a registered migration
agent is asked for advice on matters for which he or she does not
regularly provide immigration assistance.
The Code of Conduct has more to say about what Registered Migration
Agents from Australia are allowed and not allowed to do. You can
obtain a free copy of the Code of Conduct from the OMARA website:
www.mara.gov.au/Site-Layout/Code-of-Conduct/default.aspx
(Remember to visit my website on www.respall.com to ensure that this
website page for the OMARA is updated).
Now, I am sitting here writing this book and am thinking about all the
people I have met over the years who messed up. Some of them
eventually made it to Australia, years later, but others are stuck in the
Philippines. What more can I do or say that will convince you to use a
Registered Migration Agent from Australia? Lets take another look at
the Code of Conduct that governs the activities of Registered Migration
Agents from Australia to provide the answers...
(iii) completing continuing professional development as required by the
Migration Agents Regulations 1998;
(iv) being able to perform diligently and honestly;
(v) being able and willing to deal fairly with clients;
(vi) having enough knowledge of business procedure to
conduct business as a registered migration agent,
including record keeping and file management;
(vii) properly managing and maintaining client records;
(c) to set out the duties of a registered migration agent to a
client, an employee of the agent, and the Commonwealth and
its agencies;
(d) to set out requirements for relations between registered
migration agents;
(e) to establish procedures for setting and charging fees by
registered migration agents;
(f) to establish a standard for a prudent system of office
administration;
(g) to require a registered migration agent to be accountable to
the client;
(h) to help resolve disputes between a registered migration
agent and a client.
Here again the Code is ensuring that Registered Migration Agents are
actively improving their knowledge of the visa application process for
Australia. It is up to the RMA to ensure that any application they accept
is being managed and professionally administered on behalf of their
client and thats you.
The Code then proceeds to Part 2 which further clarifies and enforces
the need for the migration agent to always protect the best interest of
the applicant, thats you.
STANDARDS OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT
2.1 A registered migration agent must always:
(a) act in accordance with the law (including, for an agent operating as
an agent in a country other than Australia, e.g. the Philippines, the law
of that country) and the legitimate interests of his or her client; and
(b) deal with his or her client competently, diligently and fairly.
However, a registered migration agent operating as an agent in a

country other than Australia will not be taken to have failed to comply
with the Code if the law of that country prevents the agent from
operating in compliance with the Code.
Etc. and:
2.3 A registered migration agents professionalism must be reflected in
a sound working knowledge of the Migration Act and Migration
Regulations, and other legislation relating to migration procedure, and
a capacity to provide accurate and timely advice.
2.3A A registered migration agents professionalism must be reflected
in the making of adequate arrangements to avoid financial loss to a
client, including the holding of professional indemnity insurance
mentioned in the regulation 6B for the period of the migration agent's
registration.
2.4 A registered migration agent must have due regard to a clients

dependence on the agents knowledge and experience.
2.5 A registered migration agent must:
(a) take appropriate steps to maintain and improve his or her
knowledge of the current versions of:
(i) the Migration Act 1958; and
(ii) the Migration Regulations 1994; and
(iii) other legislation relating to migration procedure; and
(iv) portfolio policies and procedures; and
(b) either:
(i) maintain a professional library that includes those materials; or
(ii) if the agents employer, or the business in which he or she works,
maintains a professional library that includes those materials - take
responsibility for ensuring that he or she has access to the library.
Can you see now how much control is placed over me to ensure that
you, the Filipino applicant, are protected? You realise that if I breach
the Code I could have my license taken from me and face a fine or jail
term for more serious offences. Thats the protection you have when
you choose a Registered Migration Agent in Australia.
How much protection is there if you lodge a visa application on your
own? Ummm, none. Is there a Code of Conduct protecting your
efforts? Well, no. What kind of security do you have if you ask an
unlicensed, unregistered person to look after your affairs? None at all.
Zero. Zilch. Nada.
Using a Registered Migration Agent from Australia is arguably the best
insurance policy against lodging an invalid and non-genuine visa
application to Australia from the Philippines. There is simply no other
mechanism in the market place anywhere in the world where a branch

of an Australian Federal Government department is devoted to
ensuring that your best interests are protected.
Any other alternative is frankly far too risky in my view.
I could have gone on and on about how to avoid this particular website
or Facebook page or that You Tube account or particular individual or
organisation. But, the fact of the matter is that if you do go ahead on
your own or via an entity not registered with OMARA then ... you are
not protected. Youre on your own. Good luck. You will need it.
Chapter 4
A VALID AND GENUINE
VISA APPLICATION...PAANO YUN?
(HOW IS THAT DONE?)
A VALID AND GENUINE VISA APPLICATION...

PAANO YUN? (HOW IS THAT DONE?)
You would have worked out by now that the reason I took a break from
my migration business to create this book was to ensure that people
like yourself who want a better life in Australia actually get to make it
here. Without being emotionally and financially ripped off and crippled.
Ive already warned that going solo on the visa application or taking a
gamble with an opportunist promising you the world is not the right way
to go. However, if after having said that you still decide to do it all on
your own then I want to minimise your risk and the damage that may
be done.
It would be a pity if after having read this book with all its advice, case
studies and real-life examples you become a willing victim because
someone told you that the only way to secure a visa grant is to lie and
cheat the system.
That is just not true!
In fact, I put it to you that the ONLY way to make a valid and genuine
visa application to migrate to Australia is to be ABSOLUTELY
HONEST about your professional or personal background and
circumstance to the Department of Immigration and Border Protection
(DIBP).
If you are ready to make an application to travel or migrate to Australia
I would like you to go to the mirror right now and have a long look at
yourself and say, If I make this application to migrate to Australia on
my own, do I need to lie and cheat the system in order to secure a visa
grant? If the answer is yes then DONT DO IT!
However, if after having performed that exercise you decide that you
want to live in Australia and you want to apply honestly and correctly...
I suggest that you get in contact with a Registered Migration Agent

from Australia who specialises in the application you will need. Book an
appointment and discuss your current professional or personal
situation with them. Be ABSOLUTELY HONEST and explain every last
detail you can think of.
This is why I have organised major e-SkillSelect Visa Information
Seminars in the Philippines and the e-Partner Conference Calls
360 Days of the Year program. Just click on to this page and choose
which of the two your involved with or log on to www.respall.com and
look up the others.
A smart idea before you attend the meeting is to write down a list of
matters/issues you are concerned with and want to discuss so that you
wont forget anything in the meeting.
It is fascinating what you will learn and understand during that initial
consultation. The migration agent must advice you of your prospects of
migrating to Australia. Not only you are being absolutely honest with
them, the agent must be absolutely honest with you as well. This is
enshrined in the Code of Conduct in Part 2 which states:
2.6 To the extent that a registered migration agent must take account
of objective criteria to make an application under the Migration Act or
Migration Regulations, he or she must be frank and candid about the
prospects of success when assessing a clients request for assistance
in preparing a case or making an application under the Migration Act or
Migration Regulations.
This is so amazing. The simple act of setting an appointment with a
Registered Migration Agent from Australia, sitting down and honestly
discussing your professional or personal circumstance forces the
agent to be frank and candid about the prospects of success when
assessing a clients request for assistance in preparing a case or

making an application under the Migration Act or Migration
Regulations.
Can this be stated as well if you were trying to assess yourself
objectively? (This is impossible by the way.)
Can this be said as objectively if you were trying to assess your
professional and personal circumstance with an unregistered individual
(masquerading as a registered agent)?
Can this even be stated as objectively if you were trying to assess your
professional and personal circumstance by using an unregistered
organisation?
The answer to these three questions is NO! NO! and NO! NEVER!
The best way - I say the ONLY way - to ensure that you have lodged a
valid and genuine visa application to migrate to Australia from the
Philippines is to have your professional and personal status carefully
and objectively assessed by a Registered Migration Agent from
Australia.
Youve seen me use the phrase valid and genuine many times and
there is a good reason for that. The Code of Conduct was created in
such a way that applications to the Australian Federal Government via
DIBP by Registered Migration Agents must be valid and genuine in
nature.
I want to keep drawing your attention to this Code of Conduct. It is
your best friend in any application you may wish to lodge to migrate to
Australia. Here are just a few more clauses within the Code which force
a Registered Migration Agent to lodge a valid and genuine application

on your behalf...
2.7 A registered migration agent who is asked by a client to give his or
her opinion about the probability of a successful outcome for the
clients application:
(a) must give the advice, in writing, within a reasonable time; and
(b) may also give the advice orally to the extent that the oral advice
is the same as the written advice; and
(c) must not hold out unsubstantiated or unjustified prospects of
success when advising clients (orally or in writing) on
applications under the Migration Act or Migration Regulations.

(a) within a reasonable time after agreeing to represent a client,
confirm the clients instructions in writing to the client; and
(b) act in accordance with the clients instructions; and
(c) keep the client fully informed in writing of the progress of
each case or application that the agent undertakes for the
client; and
(d) within a reasonable time after the case or application is
decided, tell the client in writing of the outcome of the clients
case or application.
Can this be stated as well if you were trying to assess yourself

objectively? (Again, this is impossible, by the way.) Its an area that I
need you, the Filipino applicant and the Australian Sponsor, to

understand properly and fully accept. Doing so will help us secure your
visa grant in the shortest possible time...
2.9 A registered migration agent must not make statements in support
of an application under the Migration Act or Migration Regulations, or
encourage the making of statements, which he or she knows or
believes to be misleading or inaccurate.
If you press on and read the following clauses in Part 2 you will see
how the Code wraps the entire application around the fact that the
Registered Migration Agent must always act in the best interests of the
applicant and continue to ensure that the application is valid and
genuine - even if the applicant insists on including information or
documents that appears to be vexatious or grossly unfounded. In other
words, it has no hope of success.
2.17 If an application under the Migration Act or the Migration

Regulations is vexatious or grossly unfounded (for example, an
application that has no hope of success) a registered migration agent:
(a) must not encourage the client to lodge the application; and
(b) must advise the client in writing that, in the agents opinion, the
application is vexatious or grossly unfounded; and
(c) if the client still wishes to lodge the application - must obtain written
acknowledgment from the client of the advice given under
paragraph(b).
Note: Under section 306AC of the Act, the Minister may refer a
registered migration agent to the Authority for disciplinary action if the
agent has a high visa refusal rate in relation to a visa of a particular
class.
As you have read directly above, the Federal Minister of Immigration is

providing a warning to Registered Migration Agents not to engage in or
lodge applications that are not valid and genuine in nature. He has the
power to report agents to OMARA for disciplinary action.
Can you see where Im coming from? I want to help you but I am only
interested in preparing a valid and genuine application. Im not going to
risk my license being taken off me. I can help you get the
documentation swiftly through the various government processes but
you need to respect my role and be honest and transparent. Tell me
everything - even the bad bits. Id much rather know before we start
filling in the paperwork than halfway through the process when DIBP
starts saying Whats this?!
A Registered Migration Agent will keep you focused on the application
process and disciplined in supplying all of the background information
as quickly as possible. I guarantee an opportunist unregistered third
party wont be so diligent or ethical. And, if by now you are still
convinced you can do this yourself, tell me ... Do you really understand
the consequences of presenting false or misleading information?
2.18 A registered migration agent must act in a timely manner if the
client has provided all the necessary information and documentation in
time for statutory deadlines. For example, in most circumstances an
application under the Migration Act or Migration Regulations must be
submitted before a persons visa ceases to be in effect.
Many applicants from the Philippines miss the boat so to speak
because they believe that they have plenty of time to lodge their
application. This occurs mostly with the SkillSelect categories. Ive
heard of people missing out on job opportunities because they cant get
to Australia in time for their employer. At the same time, did you know
you can lodge an application too soon? I see this a lot with the de
facto visa category when the applicants havent yet met the 12 month
co-habitation period that the Australia Government requires if that is
their only avenue open to them.
2.19 Subject to a clients instructions, a registered migration agent has
a duty to provide sufficient relevant information to the Department or a
review authority to allow a full assessment of all the facts against the
relevant criteria. For example, a registered migration agent must avoid
the submission of applications under the Migration Act or Migration
Regulations in a form that does not fully reflect the circumstances of
the individual and prejudices the prospect of approval.
Each visa category is unique. They are all processed by the same
Government department in Australia but they all have their own
idiosyncrasies. I have spent every day of my professional life since
1999 making sure I found every known legal way of securing a valid
and genuine application. In the final version of this book I explain the
different categories and point out what the Australian visa requirements
are for Filipino applicants.
(a) find out the correct amount of any visa application charge and all
other fees or charges required to be paid for a clients visa application
under the Migration Act or the Migration Regulations; and
(b) give the client written advice of the amount of each fee and charge;
and
(c) if the agent is to pay an amount for the client - give the client written
advice of the date by which the amount must be given to the agent so
that the interests of the client are not prejudiced; and
(d) give the client a written notice of each amount paid by the agent for
the client.
Yes, I know Im asking you to read a lot of government fine print but
there is method in my madness! Im proving to you that the Code is a
checklist which you follow to ensure that your visa application is
lodged validly.
The extract above mentions fees. Here is another area you should be
aware of. DIBP usually review their fees at least three times per year
and therefore they may increase their VAC charges during the course
of application process. Just knowing this could be the difference
between lodging a valid or invalid visa application.
2.21 A registered migration agent must not submit an application under
the Migration Act or Migration Regulations without the specified
accompanying documentation. For example, in a marriage case,
threshold documentation would include a marriage certificate and
evidence that the sponsor is an Australian citizen, an Australian
permanent resident or an eligible New Zealand citizen, without which
assessment of the case could not proceed (unless the agent has a
reasonable excuse or the client has requested the agent to act despite
incomplete documentation).
Threshold documentation. Do you have any idea what that is? On
many occasions I have been approached by frantic Filipino applicants
both here in Australia and in the Philippines (where I operate an office
with a TEAM of focused and discipline documentation specialists) and
by knowing which documents were required for their particular visas I
was able to submit a valid and genuine applications in time before their
other visa had ran out or before they had turned a particular age.
2.23 A registered migration agent must take all reasonable steps to
maintain the reputation and integrity of the migration advice profession.
When I read this I smile and think How holistic is this particular clause
in ensuring a Registered Migration Agent from Australia must behave
and provide the best possible service to their clients. Let me repeat,
the Code of Conduct is your best insurance cover in lodging an
application. An application which is valid and genuine will be approved
and granted in the fastest possible time.
I would like to personally encourage you now to stop and consider the
consequences of lodging an invalid and non-genuine application to
migrate to Australia. Consider the many impacts on you, your partner
and your children. Consider the impact on your financial position.
Consider for a moment the affect it will have on your general well being
and the stability in your life.
I put it to you as well that wouldnt it be refreshing to find out after
consulting a Registered Migration Agent from Australia that all of the
concerns you currently have can easily be resolved - by legal and
common sense remedies.
No more sleepless nights!
Engaging a Registered Migration Agent from Australia can and often
does open a lot more doors and opportunities for you than attempting it
by yourself or using unregistered third parties. You will understand the
procedure better and you can rely on a registered professional who
clearly understands what might be a complicated and confusing visa
application.
I therefore extend to you a personal invitation to call, write, email, text,
Skype, Yahoo Messenger, Facebook and Tango or set an appointment
with me so we can professionally go through your application and
discuss and sort out the best possible way you can lodge a valid and
genuine visa application to Australia from the Philippine and AVOID
THE MIGRATION MINEFIELD: Safely Migrate to Australia from the
Philippines.
Note: I have to admit, I am struggling to finalize the other chapters. I

structured the frame work for this book in January of 2012. Since that
time Ive had to re-write the other chapters several times. There were
so many changes occurring. I knew if I published a hard copy, the
material would well and truly be outdated by the time they were
distributed. I need to reconsider other methods of providing factual and
current information on these topics below that can somehow keep up
with all these fast and constant changes. In the meantime, however, I
have included links below regarding our main services that we provide
for you to read about further on www.respall.com. Thank you and
Mabuhay!
Closing Statements: A Few Remarkable Client Testimonials

I greatly appreciated the speed and efficiency with which the agency
has provided me my permanent residency in Australia. It has been an
effortless transition from being a dream to a reality. (Click to read more)
-Jasmin Manabat
They are very competent, and the consultants, they are very
professional. At the very first stage, they will tell you right away if a visa
for you would be possible, they would never give you false hopes and
that I think is one factor that makes them very successful, they are very
transparent to their clients. (Click to read more)
-Andrevel Velasco
Not only has your service been thoroughly professional, you and your
team have shown a great breadth of experience and genuine
friendliness which was much appreciated. And now I have already a
job here and enjoying the spirit of a new country. (Click to read more)
-Jojo A. Castillon & Family
It was a very smooth process, very cool imagine less than two months!
To be exact it was one month and twenty four days when I was finally
grantedNAX YOU GUYS ARE SO AMAZING! BRAVO!
(Click to read more)
- Lilibeth Gamban
I would like to take this chance to thank you and Mr. Jose Aniceto
Respall for opening our chances here in Adelaide, you have made a
dream to a reality.(Click to read more)
-The Nadres family
I was once refused to obtain a tourist visa and never thought that I
could still make it to Australia until my sister in Australia search through
the internet for outstanding migration firm and choose RESPALL
Migration Australia. She was never wrong of RMA. Now I already have
an Australian Visa at last! (Click to read more)
-Leenanie Rubin and Ma. Lorena Cubero
First, they start by being frank (they assess you and tell you
objectively your chances of immigration). Then they become helpful
(they provide necessary and timely support to help you go through the
intricacies of the application process and the rigors of waiting). Then
they become emphatic (they are as ecstatic as you are when your
visas get approval.) (Click to read more)
-Ronald, Monet, Gerard, Nathan & Usaac BUCUD
I still remember when the first time I step on your office and assess if I
and my family can migrate to Australia. I thought it was very hard but
through your office and excellent job of your staff my dream came true.
-Earah & Shakira Solis
It was late last year when I first thought of applying for an Australian
residence visa. I searched thru the internet forums to weigh the pros
and cons of getting the services of a migration agent, with the option of
working on the application all by myself. It turned out that for so many
positive reasons, it is still best to hire somebody who can assist and
represent me in my visa application. (Click to read more)
-Christian Ebio
When we first thought of migrating to Australia, our prayer was for God
to make the entire process an easy ride. And then He showed us the
way to the Makati office of the Australian Project Services of Mr. Jose
Aniceto Respall. One year after our first meeting with Ms. Triny Anque,
the ever reliable TRINY, we got what we aimed for, an Australian
Permanent Resident VISA for our family.(Click to read more)
- Joefran Macapanton
I wish to thank Australian Project Services for their excellent work in
acting for us with our application for Annas visa. As former Managing
Director and Quality Assurance Manager of my own manufacturing
company in Melbourne for over 30 years I am very much aware of the
need for correct documentation and experience in dealing with any
government agencies at all levels. (Click to read more)
- Jeffrey Elsum
Australian Project Services is the fastest way down under. In less than
a year from the time we engaged their services, we had our passports
stamped with Australian Visa. Our dream of migrating to Australia is
now within reach. To Mr. Respall, you are the best. (Click to read more)
-Gil & Lei Ramirez
My family and I were really fortunate to have Australian Project

Services as a migration agent. At first, I was really reluctant to proceed
with my application knowing how so many gimmicks there are behind
migration centers in the Philippines. (Click to read more)
-Arnold Piaa
I have witnessed how my relatives and friends tediously and time

consumingly processed their own visa applications. But with APS, you
are guaranteed peace of mind and security of your time, money and
effort. (Click to read more)
- Laureano Francisco Jr.
My wife and I were initially skeptical in applying for Australia visas
despite instruction from my sister-in-law who is an Australian citizen.
This was because we knew that doing so would mean spending a
considerably huge amount and the same would no longer be
refundable in the event that our application becomes unsuccessful. We
also knew of some people who were aspiring to live and work abroad
only to be victimized by illegal recruiters in the end. Nevertheless, we
tried to think things over and subsequently realized that this was one of
those opportunities that we must grab for our two children to have a
better and more secured future. We realized that this was something
worth spending for and a risk worth taking so we decided to go on with
the same. (Click to read more)
-Kim, Monique Sacaguing and Kids (Sam & Gab)
I love the Philippines but migrating to Australia opened up a whole

avenue of opportunities for me and my husband. For those who are
thinking of employing the services of APS, dont think twice, GO FOR
IT! It was one of the best decisions (and investment!) weve made as a
family. (Click to read more)
-Joseph and Reia Salazar
It was on 28 Oct 2004 when I first stepped into Mr. Respalls office,
Australia Project Services. Its still fresh in my memory how
accommodating Triny and the rest of the staff were. All the details that I
need to know then were clearly explained point by point. They have
helped me a lot especially during the time when I enrolled through a

Distance Learning Program until such time when they handed to me
the approved VISA. The patience of Mr. Respall, (Click to read more)
- Maria Fe Alcover
It's been several weeks since we've arrived in Perth Australia and we
still couldn't believe we made it here. It's beautiful here and we would
not have made it without APS help especially Kristine.
-MIKE & CHARMAINE FERNANDEZ
I remember, almost a year ago, my husband and I browsed through

the net in search for a registered agent that would help us try our luck
in Australia. We saw the name of Mr. Jose Respall as one of the
registered agents, instantly we felt like his name alone almost denotes
utmost professionalism. (Click to read more)
-Mr. Aldrin & Yzza Paelmaa
Talk about QUALITY SERVICE! I have never encountered a service
firm with as much dedication and as much kindness to its
clients. Getting an Australian VISA was a distant dream for me then.
APS turned my biggest dream into reality. (Click to read more)
-Jay-r Hizola
Jose is the man! He knows his stuff and handled my application in the
most efficient and professional manner. He kept good contact and
communication throughout the application process and helped me get
my permanent residency in less than 6 months time.
-Patsy
I made the right decision when I engaged Australian Project Services

(APS) for my migration application. With the ever straight-forward Mr.
Respall at the helm, the staff dealt with me professionally, giving me
updates of my application every step of the way. (Click to read more)
- Randell Bartolazo
Just yesterday Karlo celebrated his 1 month since arriving in Australia.

He has managed to settle in quickly and with ease. Having landed
himself in a comfortable job after 1 week of arrival, and now preparing
to celebrate his first Christmas in Sydney we have only to thank one
special person who made this possible. (Click to read more)
-Karlo and May Ann
Musta na pasensya na,di ko maisip how will I say my thank you to u
and to Mr.Jose Respall, to all the assistance that you did for me, and to
Mr.Jose Respall ,for the assistance and support to my wife preparing
all the paper works and considering our financial status was a big help
to us. (Click to read more)
- Arman
One thing I admire in Respall is honesty, which considered as their

virtue and their main reason for existence. All our supporting
documents were authentic and we are not encouraged to produce any
falsification of data, so we could migrate to Australia without worries
because our visa application is official and valid. (Click to read more)
-Steven & Tanya
We thank you so much Triny for such an outstanding effort for the
fiancee visa for Ailleene. You made it so easy and you were right with
everything you told us before we went ahead with it. We only waited for
4 months for the fiancee visa to be granted.We are very happy now
and thanks to you and the Respall team.(Click to read more)
-Danko & Ailleene
I am so grateful that I found RESPALL because the quality of work
and attention they displayed throughout the process was exceptionally
impressive. I feel extremely fortunate to have found RESPALL, and
confident that our visa application was in the right direction.
- Bobby Diza
Right from the start RESPALL impresses me with their efficient
professional manner. I would highly recommend RESPALLs services
to anyone, especially Ms. Jessa. (Click to read more)
-Mae A. Castillon
It was really my dream to go to Australia. Ive done my research

through internet and friends and I realized that it will not be an easy
process. For an overseas worker like me, it would really be a very
tough job - from the documents required to the filling up of forms.
Through referral from a good friend, I learned about Respall.
- Jinky Lou Gonzales Guinto
YOU CANT AFFORD THE RISK.

If after reading these four chapters you are still unconvinced as to why
you should use a Registered Migration Agent to prepare and submit
your visa application to Australia, allow me to present to you some very
compelling reasons and statistics which affect you financially.
Over the past decade the Australian government has continually
increased the Visa Application Charges (VAC).
I have detailed the current charges below. If you attempt to lodge a
visa application on your own and make just one error it may
be rejected, meaning that you have wasted those funds for no
gain. This may distract you from re-applying for a number of years
meaning that you have also missed out on other opportunities such as
not receiving a higher income in Australia or worst still the Pointing
System will no long allow you to apply at all or be alone longer from
your loved one.
A lose-lose situation.
We do not know when the Australian government will consider the next
VAC increase which is a good reason why you should not delay to
meet with a Registered Migration Agent and start the application
process as soon as possible.
The scenario below shows the (dramatic) visa application charges
increases from 2004 to 2014 and is based on a Fianc Visa
application from the Philippines to Australia with one child over 18
years of age and another child less than 18 years of age.
As you can see the visa application fee has increased by: 434%
Visa Application Charge in 2004

Prospective Marriage Fianc Visa
Class TO Subclass 300
Visa Application Charge (VAC)
Primary Applicant Aud $ 1,245.00
1 x Child over 18 years of age $ 0
1 x Child less than 18 years of age $ 0
Total VAC = $ 1,245.00
Fast forward 10 years:
Prospective Marriage Fianc Visa
Class TO Subclass 300
1 x Child over 18 years of age $ 1,545.00
1 x Child less than 18 years of age $ 770.00
Total VAC = $ 5,400.00
Here is another scenario of a General Skill Migration or SkillSelect
application from the Philippines to Australia with an additional one child
over 18 years of age and another child less than 18 years of age.
As you will see the increase in visa application fees from the
Philippines to Australia has increased by: 334%

Skilled - Independent
Class BN Subclass 136
1 x Child over 18 years of age $ 0
1 x Child less than 18 years of age $ 0
Total VAC = $ 1,845.00
Fast forward 10 years:
Skilled - Independent
Class SI Subclass 189
1 x Child over 18 years of age $ 1,760.00
1 x Child less than 18 years of age $ 880.00
Total VAC = $ 6,160.00
I suggest you consult a Registered Migration Agent and find out what
they have to say about your particular visa application at the very least.
In reality, these are large amounts of monies and you had better have
an insurance policy to protect this investment. An experience
Registered Migration Agent can provide this protection and advice you
properly in lodging a valid and genuine visa application to Australia.
Notes:
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Avoid The Migration Minefield - Safely Migrate To Australia From The Philippines

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Avoid The Migration Minefield - Safely Migrate To Australia From The Philippines

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AVOI

AVOID THE MIGRATION

JOSE RESPALL JP (Qual.) MMA

"Applying to migrate to Australia from the Philippines is a moving

Jose Respall JP (Qual.) MMA

I dedicate this book to my father, mother, brothers and sister who

Maria Louisa Respall

Luis Respall, Jr.

Emotional Visa Roller Coaster Ride!

YOU WANT ME TO AVOID MYSELF? WHY?

A VALID AND GENUINE VISA

Closing Statements: A Few Remarkable Client Testimonials

Pap, as we would affectionately call him, was a wonderful and

on holiday at that time, somewhere in Naga City, Bicol. Then, a month

You might be wondering what happened to my eldest brother Ramon

share my knowledge with you so you can identify an opportunist or

Agent... like, ahem, myself. As an RMA I must maintain a sound

Emotional Visa Roller Coaster Ride.

Allow me to take this further with an analogy of what I have witnessed

Furthermore, what everyone needs to understand and why it has taken

Im the first to acknowledge that engineers and other professionals are

(This of course is a common and heartbreaking situation for many

organisations I am the first to admit that you are entering a crocodile

He must have been feeling good because he took his Filipina

signature which appeared on DIBPs internal searches. It appeared

YOU WANT ME TO AVOID MYSELF? WHY?

Do you remember my earlier statement? You are your own worst

I have learnt that it is always in my best interests to get the right

The registry may include a photo of the Registered Migration Agent. If it

Lets push on and investigate the Registered Migration Agent further to

www.respall.com to ensure that the quoted sections of the Code in this

being a fit and proper person to give immigration

being a person of integrity and good character;

knowing the provisions of the Migration Act and

There it is! Bingo! Let me just quote it to you again so it is firmly

knowing the provisions of the Migration

However, a registered migration agent operating as an agent in a

2.4 A registered migration agent must have due regard to a clients

mechanism in the market place anywhere in the world where a branch

A VALID AND GENUINE VISA APPLICATION...

I suggest that you get in contact with a Registered Migration Agent

assessing a clients request for assistance in preparing a case or

a Registered Migration Agent to lodge a valid and genuine application

2.8 A registered migration agent must:

Can this be stated as well if you were trying to assess yourself

need you, the Filipino applicant and the Australian Sponsor, to

2.17 If an application under the Migration Act or the Migration

As you have read directly above, the Federal Minister of Immigration is

Note: I have to admit, I am struggling to finalize the other chapters. I

Closing Statements: A Few Remarkable Client Testimonials

My family and I were really fortunate to have Australian Project

I have witnessed how my relatives and friends tediously and time

I love the Philippines but migrating to Australia opened up a whole

helped me a lot especially during the time when I enrolled through a

I remember, almost a year ago, my husband and I browsed through

I made the right decision when I engaged Australian Project Services

Just yesterday Karlo celebrated his 1 month since arriving in Australia.

One thing I admire in Respall is honesty, which considered as their

It was really my dream to go to Australia. Ive done my research

YOU CANT AFFORD THE RISK.

Visa Application Charge in 2004

Visa Application Charge in 2004

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