Hitchcock & Associates logo

ABOUT US

WHO WE ARE

Since we started operating over 35 years ago, we have developed an excellent track record and a trusted reputation in providing expert advice and immigration services to a wide range of people and across multiple industries.

Immigration laws and processes are notoriously complex. With over 100 years of collective experience, our consultants are trained professionals who stay current with the constantly evolving immigration rules and procedures. They are specialists in all aspects of temporary and permanent immigration, from initial assessment and lodgement of applications to employer sponsorship and business sponsor monitoring obligations.

Hitchcock & Associates is committed to delivering bespoke, client centric visa solutions and to delivering the optimum result within the fastest possible time.

Why Choose Hitchcock & Associates

Unrivalled experience

Hitchcock & Associates has been serving well-known multinational corporations, medium sized businesses and individual clients for many years, establishing  a sound reputation and relationship with the right contacts and stakeholders to ensure we remain abreast of new developments and processes.

personalised service

At Hitchcock & Associates we offer an honest and trusted service. We provide reliable, efficient, and empathic solutions. Our highly skilled professionals are on hand to engage with clients, and to discuss issues in a discrete, solution-oriented and obligation-free consultation.

local offices

We are proud of our international footprint, having established offices in Australia and South Africa and a significant footprint in Vietnam.

omara

Our migration agents are registered with the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (OMARA) and are required to comply with the OMARA’s Code of Conduct.

The Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority is an office attached to the Department of Home Affairs (DHA). The function of the OMARA is to act as the industry regulator for Australian migration agent services and administer a comprehensive regulatory framework, including relevant provisions of the Migration Act 1958.

mia

Our agents are all members of the Migration Institute of Australia (MIA). The MIA is the peak organisation representing the Australian migration advice profession.

The MIA represents Australian Registered Migration Agents (RMAs) and other migration advice professionals The MIA is a member association of Professions Australia, a national organisation of professional associationsCecil Bass is a member of the NSW executive committee.

FAQ

Australian Migration Agents are required by law to be registered with the Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA) and to adhere to the MARA Code of Conduct.

Registered Migration Agents are qualified to provide you with the most accurate advice depending on your circumstances and will work with you on your visa application.

By using a Registered Migration Agent, you will increase your chances of a successful Australian visa application outcome.

Hitchcock and Associates has been offering Australian migration services and visa solutions for over 35 years, and we are proud of our track record for our clients worldwide and across numerous Australian visa subclasses.

Our expert team has extensive experience and knowledge of Australia’s complicated immigration laws and policies, which enable us to provide you with the best solutions for a positive visa outcome.

We have a global presence, with offices in Australia, South Africa and a significant footprint in Vietnam.

Our agents are registered with the Migration Agents Registration Authority and adhere to the MARA Code of Conduct.

We determine whether you are eligible for an Australian visa before scheduling a consultation with one of our Registered Migration Agents.

Contact us for a confidential and complimentary evaluation of your personal and/or professional circumstances. If we believe you have good prospects, we can schedule a formal consultation.

Click here to contact us.

Each visa application case has its own complexities and the processing times will differ depending on the visa subclass, the quality of the application submitted, and any additional information requested by the Department of Home Affairs. The Department does publish estimated processing times for each visa subclass, however, we cannot guarantee a definite timeline for each application as there are many variables.

Visa application fees are set out by the Department of Home Affairs and vary depending on the visa subclass.

As each visa application is unique, our professional fees are quoted on a case-by-case basis and all fees are disclosed during the consultation phases before you are signed up as a client.

We serve corporate clients, business skills clients, and individual clients with the following Australian permanent and temporary visas, among others:

• Resident Return Visa (subclass 155)
• Sponsored Parent Visa (subclass 870)
• Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 143)
• Contributory Aged Parent Visa (subclass 864)
• Parent Visa (Subclass 103)
• Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804)
• Partner Visa (subclass 309 and 100)
• Remaining Relative Visa (subclass 115 and 835)
• Child Visa (subclass 101 and 802)
• Global Talent Visa (subclass 858)
• Business Innovation Visa (subclass 188A and 888A)
• Investor Visa (subclass 188B and 888B)
• Significant Investor Visa (subclass 188C and 888C)
• Entrepreneur Visa (subclass 188E and 888E)
• Employer sponsored Regional Visa (Subclass 494)
• Temporary Activity Visa (subclass 408)
• Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189)
• Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190)
• Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485)
• Temporary Skilled shortage visa (subclass 482)
• Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186)

As part of the visa application process, medical examinations and police clearance checks may be required for visa applicants and family members who are part of the application.

Medical examinations must be conducted by panel physicians or clinics approved by the Australian Department of Home Affairs and in some instances, a health waiver can be applied for. 

Police clearance checks are required for applicants over the age of 16 years, for each country where the applicant has been a resident for more than 12 months.

The Australian Department of Home Affairs will request these checks during the visa processing.

Depending on your visa type, we can assist and advise whether these checks are required.

All visa applicants must be assessed against character requirements, which are in place to protect the Australian community.  To satisfy this requirement, the applicant must pass a character test to prove that they are of good character.

Applicants must disclose to the Department of Home Affairs of any criminal convictions they hold outside and inside Australia, as well as answer certain risk related questions. The Department of Home Affairs might request a Police Clearance Certificate from the applicant.

A visa application may be refused if this test is not passed.

One of the eligibility requirements for Skilled visas is for an applicant to pass a points test.

The points test is calculated against factors such as the applicant’s age, English proficiency, employment experience, qualifications, partner skills (if applicable), and other factors.

To pass the test, a minimum of 65 points must be met. The higher the points, the more likely the applicant will be invited to apply for a visa.

The Skilled Occupation List is a list of occupations that are currently acceptable for immigration to Australia under the permanent and temporary Skilled Migration Program.

Australian states and territories also have their own skilled occupation lists which target occupations based on the skills shortages of that state or territory.

Australia currently has four skills lists, with the PMSOL and MLTSSL listing the most in-demand occupations:

• Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List (PMSOL)
• Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)
• Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL)
• Regional Occupation List (ROL)