Choosing a student visa consultant in Melbourne? Australian Immigration Consultants offers MARA-registered guidance on course selection, Genuine Student statements, and Subclass 500 lodgement. Avoid unregistered advice — get expert help today.
Melbourne hosts one of Australia's largest international student populations, which also makes it one of the most competitive markets for student visa advice — not all of it reliable. With the Subclass 500 visa fee now at $2,500 and the Temporary Graduate visa (485) fee having doubled to $5,750 earlier in 2026, getting the wrong advice at any stage of your student visa journey is an increasingly expensive mistake.
This guide explains what a student visa consultant in Melbourne should actually do for you, how to tell a qualified one from an unregistered operator, and what your visa journey looks like from course offer through to post-study work rights.
A properly qualified consultant isn't just someone who fills in forms. In Melbourne, genuine student visa consulting covers:
The distinction that matters most: a migration consultant giving formal visa advice for a fee must be MARA-registered, while an education agent helping you choose a course generally is not authorised to give immigration advice at all — a common source of confusion (and bad advice) in Melbourne's student market.
Before engaging anyone, check for these warning signs:
A trustworthy consultant will walk you through realistic timelines, current fees, and the specific risks in your profile rather than making blanket promises.
Speak directly with registered migration professionals to evaluate your visa pathways.
| Support Type | Can Give Immigration Advice? | Handles GS Statement? | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| MARA-registered migration consultant | Yes | Yes | Full visa strategy, GS statements, refusals/appeals |
| Education agent | No | No | Course and provider selection only |
| DIY application | N/A | Self-prepared | Simple, low-risk profiles only |
Many students in Melbourne use an education agent for course selection and a separate MARA-registered consultant for the actual visa application — this combination is common and, in complex cases, advisable.
A good consultant plans your visa strategy with the end in mind. The Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485) — now $5,750 following its 2026 fee increase — remains the main post-study work pathway for eligible graduates, and eligibility depends heavily on the course and qualification level chosen at the very start. This is why course selection and visa strategy shouldn't be treated as separate decisions.
Australian Immigration Consultants is led by MARA-registered migration agent Fahad Shamim (MARN 2619225), offering Melbourne students genuine, registered visa advice — not course-agent guesswork. Services span Genuine Student statement drafting, financial evidence review, full Subclass 500 lodgement, and forward planning toward post-study pathways like the 485 visa, so your student visa decision supports your longer-term goals in Australia.
Book a review with Australian Immigration Consultants before you lodge — catching a weak spot now is far cheaper than responding to a refusal later. Call +61 424 295 050 or email contact@australianimmigrationconsultants.com.
What's the difference between a student visa consultant and an education agent?
An education agent helps you choose a course and provider; only a MARA-registered migration consultant is authorised to give formal immigration advice and prepare your visa application.
How do I verify a student visa consultant in Melbourne is legitimate?
Search their MARN at portal.mara.gov.au to confirm active registration and check for any disciplinary history.
Does my course choice affect my post-study work visa options?
Yes — eligibility for the Temporary Graduate visa (485) depends on your qualification level and course, so it's worth planning this before you enrol, not after.
Expert guidance tailored to your unique journey. Get a personalized roadmap from a Registered Migration Agent today.
