( How we work )
The same sequence, every time
Every matter moves through the same stages. We understand your circumstances, check the law as it stands, advise in writing, prepare the application, and stay with it until the outcome. At each stage you know where your matter is and what comes next.
( Client lifecycle )
The engagement sequence, stage by stage
Eight stages, each ending in a documented output. You can see where your matter is at any time, and what comes next.
- Stage 1 of 8
Initial enquiry
We note your circumstances and any urgent dates, and check that we can act for you before the consultation.
- Stage 2 of 8
Consultation
A review of your position and the pathways that may be open to you, on the information we hold at the time.
- Stage 3 of 8
Engagement
We document and agree scope, responsibilities and fees, and verify identity before work begins.
- Stage 4 of 8
Eligibility assessment
A formal analysis against the current criteria: validity, threshold requirements, evidence and risk.
- Stage 5 of 8
Matter preparation
We assemble evidence against a matter-specific schedule and assess it for sufficiency and consistency.
- Stage 6 of 8
Application management
We review before lodgement, lodge, and manage departmental correspondence and deadlines.
- Stage 7 of 8
Decision
We explain the decision and its implications, including any conditions, review rights and deadlines.
- Stage 8 of 8
Conclusion
We confirm the outcome, return your documents, and tell you about any obligations that continue.
( Practice framework )
How we work on every matter
Migration outcomes are decided by the Department and the Tribunal under the law. What we control is the quality of the analysis, the currency of the law we apply, and how carefully a matter is prepared and managed.
Legislative currency
Advice based on the law in force
Migration law changes often, through amendments, legislative instruments and ministerial directions. Advice is only as reliable as the law it is based on.
We check the provisions, instruments and directions against the authoritative source when we advise, and we record what was checked.
Criteria that are assessed at a fixed point, such as the time of invitation, the time of application or the time of decision, are assessed against that point rather than against present circumstances.
In written advice, Departmental policy is kept distinct from what the law requires.
Structured assessment
Eligibility assessed in a set order
Assessment follows a set sequence rather than the order in which questions happen to be raised, so that the issues that decide a matter are found before cost is incurred.
Threshold questions, such as application validity, statutory bars, status and location, are resolved before any pathway is analysed.
Points claims, where relevant, are assessed item by item against documentary evidence rather than against a self-assessment.
Health, character and family issues are identified early, including those affecting family members who are not applying.
Quality assurance
Checkpoints a matter must pass before it proceeds
Each engagement passes through a series of checkpoints. A matter does not move past a checkpoint until the required step is complete and recorded.
Scope and fees are agreed in writing before substantive work begins.
Every application is reviewed before lodgement for validity, completeness of evidence and the law as it stands on the day.
Every material communication is recorded when it happens, so the matter record is complete.
Managing the matter
Deadlines, obligations and status, managed
Many problems in migration matters come from missed dates and omissions rather than the merits. We manage both.
Deadlines are recorded on the day they arise, with a review date set before each.
Matters are reviewed at regular intervals and you are updated at each review, including where nothing has changed.
Changes in your circumstances that must be reported to the Department are identified and dealt with as they occur.
The framework governs the quality of the work. It does not, and cannot, determine the decision.
( What you can expect )
What to expect when you engage us
Continuity, start to finish
Your matter stays with the person who assessed it: the advice, the application and every report that follows.
Everything important in writing
Advice, scope, responsibilities and fees are set out in writing before substantive work begins. If the scope changes, we agree the change in writing first.
Realistic timeframes
Processing times are set by the Department, not by us, and we say so. You get a progress report at regular intervals, even when the answer is “still waiting”.
Your decision at every step
Nothing is lodged, changed or withdrawn without your written instruction.
( What you will hear from us )
Four messages you will receive
Most concerns about migration advice are not about the law. They are about silence, surprise and uncertainty. Each of these messages exists to remove one of them.
The progress note
While your application is with the Department, a short note at regular intervals saying what has happened, or that nothing has changed and why that is normal at this stage.
So you are not left wondering
The pre-lodgement summary
Before anything is lodged, a plain summary of what is about to be submitted, for your written approval. Nothing goes in that you have not seen.
So nothing lodged is a surprise
The processing-time update
When the Department’s published times move, or most of the estimate has passed, a revised expectation and the options that come with it.
So delay is explained
The closure letter
When the matter ends, a letter saying so: what was done, what you hold, what to diarise, and that the engagement has concluded unless you ask us to continue.
So you know where you stand
( Points of decision )
The questions that decide a matter
We go through your circumstances, immigration history and objectives, then outline the pathways that may be open to you and what each requires. Advice at this stage is preliminary and rests on the information you give us.
Yes. Consultations are by video or telephone, scheduled in your time zone. We manage every matter to the same standard wherever you are.
We set out fees, disbursements and the scope of work in writing, and agree them before substantive work begins. If the scope changes, we agree the change in writing before the extra work starts.
Individuals and families, skilled professionals and Australian employers, in Australia and overseas.
No. Any person who helps with your immigration matter cannot guarantee you a visa. Decisions are made by the Department of Home Affairs under the law in force, on your circumstances and evidence. Shoreline Migration is engaged to assess, advise and manage the application within the agreed scope.
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