A big problem in the Philippines is bad advice. All the neighbours like to talk and they will give you advice even if they don’t know very much. They never say “I don’t know”. And sometimes they hear gossip and they will spread it around. And we know that here in Philippines we listen to the advice of our relatives especially our elders.

But so much of this advice is ignorant and it can cause your visa to be refused if you follow it. In Australia they only allow Registered Migration Agents to give advice because Australian visas are complicated. It’s so easy to get it wrong. Sometimes Down Under Visa even have clients from Australia who are attorneys because they know it’s too tough for them. If an attorney doesn’t know, then why would your sister or your auntie know better?

Remember that mostly it is your husband or your fiancé who is paying Down Under Visa for guidance and advice. So you should take that advice and not waste it. And remember that your husband is now your family so you need to listen to him and work together for your future in Australia.

And be careful about Filipino scammers and even those travel agents who say they can get you a visa. Did they study at college to learn about Australian migration law like a Registered Migration Agent does? Do they have to keep a library of Australian laws and policies? Or are they only guessing because they want to make money? So what if they are cheap. If they don’t know what they are doing then it’s not a bargain because they will only make headaches for you.

Mila Harvie is the wife and very active business partner of Jeff Harvie, Registered Migration Agent. Together with their son Jeremy Harvie and some dedicated staff they run Down Under Visa, that well-known and very busy Migration Agency in Manila, Philippines. She takes care of the needs of our Filipino clients, especially the Filipina ladies who find it much easier having another Filipina to talk to and to discuss their issues and problems.