Australia Immigration Agency: Simon Mander Consulting
Simon Mander Consulting is a boutique Australia immigration agency based in Adelaide and Darwin, providing Registered Migration Agent services to clients across Australia and internationally. Unlike larger, volume-based operations, every matter is handled directly by Simon Mander — a Registered Migration Agent (MARN 0318058) with over 23 years of experience — from initial assessment through to application.
This page sets out how the agency works, what it covers, and how engagements are structured, so you know exactly what to expect before you reach out.
What an Australia immigration agency actually does
An immigration agency provides advice and represents clients in dealings with Australia’s Department of Home Affairs and, where relevant, the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART). This includes assessing eligibility for various visa types, preparing and lodging applications, advising on evidentiary requirements, and managing communication with the Department throughout the process.
Not every operation calling itself an “immigration agency” is properly licensed to do this. In Australia, only a Registered Migration Agent or a practising lawyer can lawfully charge a fee for immigration assistance. You can verify any agent’s registration directly through the Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA) register.
Who this agency works with
Simon Mander Consulting provides Australia immigration agency services across four main areas:
- Skilled migrants — points-based pathways including the 189, 190, and 491 visa subclasses.
- Sponsored employees and employers — including the 482 Temporary Skill Shortage visa and 186 Employer Nomination Scheme.
- Partners and families — onshore and offshore partner visa applications for married and de facto couples.
- Clients facing a refusal — including representation in appeals before the Administrative Review Tribunal.
The practice also has specific experience assisting clients connected to the Filipino migration community and American clients navigating the Australian system.
How engagement with the agency works
Simon Mander Consulting operates on a fixed-fee, written-assessment model rather than open-ended hourly billing. The process generally runs in stages:
- A paid consultation to understand your circumstances and the visa pathways potentially available to you.
- Where appropriate, a formal written assessment setting out your realistic options, the relevant requirements, and the costs involved before any application work begins.
- A services agreement covering the application stage itself, if you choose to proceed.
You’ll always know the scope and cost of what you’re paying for before committing to the next stage — there’s no open-ended billing and no substantive advice given for free.
Where the agency operates
Simon Mander Consulting has offices in Adelaide, South Australia and Darwin, Northern Territory. Most client engagements are conducted by phone or video consultation regardless of location, so clients across Australia — and internationally — are able to engage the agency without needing to attend either office in person.
Related guides
- Immigration Consultant Australia: Registered Migration Agent Services
- Further Assessment of Your Australian Visa Options
- Australian Partner Visa Guide
- Visa Refused in Australia: Your Options
Frequently asked questions
What does an immigration agency in Australia actually do?
An immigration agency assesses visa eligibility, prepares and lodges applications, advises on evidentiary requirements, and represents clients in dealings with the Department of Home Affairs and, where relevant, the Administrative Review Tribunal.
Is Simon Mander Consulting a registered immigration agency?
Yes. Simon Mander is a Registered Migration Agent (MARN 0318058), verifiable on the MARA register. Every matter is handled by Simon Mander directly rather than being passed to unregistered staff.
Does an immigration agency need to be MARA registered?
Yes. Under the Migration Act, only a Registered Migration Agent or a practising lawyer can lawfully charge a fee for giving immigration assistance in Australia. Using an unregistered operator is both a quality risk and, in many cases, unlawful on the operator’s part.
How much does it cost to use an immigration agency in Australia?
Costs depend on the complexity of your matter. Simon Mander Consulting uses a fixed-fee, written-assessment model — you’ll receive a clear scope and cost before any application work begins, rather than open-ended hourly billing.
Can I use this agency if I don’t live in Adelaide or Darwin?
Yes. Most engagements are conducted by phone or video consultation, so clients across Australia and internationally can engage the agency without attending either office in person.