Has anyone tried AMVS Legal or Carmine Mercorella as agent

RheaMARN1171933 · September 2022

@era222 said:
AMVS was one of the agencies that I super considered nung nagsscreen ako ng possible agents. Eligible ako sa Migration+ nila and really wanted to push it kasi it felt secure. May money-back guarantee pa. Pero after comparing their fees na abot halos 1M (kaloka) and getting info dito sa forum from Ms. Rhea, 'di ko pinush and went with another agency.

Read carefully the terms and conditions of money-back. I didn't at first, kasi sa isip ko natanong ko naman si Carmine on video call. So ayun, read every text sa info sheet/report na binigay.

Ang contribution ko lang here is nung AMVS gusto kong i-go, alam ko I was deciding out of fear kasi 'di ko alam paano ba process, English exam, etc. Pero after DIY sa PTE, alam ko na now na manageable naman.

As for job security na parang main attraction ng package nila, nag-base na lang ako sa expi ko sa staffing agency na baka limited lang yung pool of opportunities or something. May nakita rin akong comment ni Ms Rhea na pagdating sa jobhunt, the work still falls on you (non-verbatim pero something like that).

So siguro food for thought lang if gipit kayo like me LOL and madali maanxious, and pinagiisipan the agency you'll go for.

I could see a lot of reference to my name here…I hope I’m contributing some guidance somehow in my own little way.

Just a tip in choosing an agent…there are a lot out there who will see you as just a number ($$$) choose someone where you’ll feel you’ll be seen as an individual.

It’s not a walk in the park this process. Even us agents require effort to keep up with the constant changes. So if budget allows by all means get an agent but choose wisely and not out of fear as mentioned on the post.

This forum is a good source of support especially for those on DIY but make sure to verify all the information you gather and don’t make this as the main source of information. Research on official websites is the best tool when on DIY 😉

maguero · September 2022

A migration agent and an employment agent are 2 very different things. If a migration agent claims to be able to guarantee a job in exchange for a higher fee, I think you really have to ask questions to clarify that. In my opinion, it would be hard to promise people with varying occupations and skill levels a job when they get here unless the agent is the the one who will be employing them because the agent has no control over what job openings will be available when they finally arrive here, nor does the agent have any control over how each person will present themselves during a job interview.

So I think first things first, if you're looking for a migration agent then find a migration agent who is good at that specific job. When you get here, you can look for an employment agent if you feel you need one. Don't mix up all your requirements.

era222 · September 2022

@maguero said:
A migration agent and an employment agent are 2 very different things. If a migration agent claims to be able to guarantee a job in exchange for a higher fee, I think you really have to ask questions to clarify that. In my opinion, it would be hard to promise people with varying occupations and skill levels a job when they get here unless the agent is the the one who will be employing them because the agent has no control over what job openings will be available when they finally arrive here, nor does the agent have any control over how each person will present themselves during a job interview.

So I think first things first, if you're looking for a migration agent then find a migration agent who is good at that specific job. When you get here, you can look for an employment agent if you feel you need one. Don't mix up all your requirements.

For general info na rin here: Based on my last chat with the agent, the migration agency itself is actually tied to a recruitment agency. Not sure if "tied" is the accurate word here, but kumbaga they're still separate agencies, just packaged into one "migration bundle" — so it's not the migration agent helping you find jobs and prep for Australian interviews, but a recruitment/employment agent. It can be confusing kasi you're talking to the migration agent and they're telling you "we'll help you find jobs" but you don't know who "we" is. They're also tied to IELTS/PTE educators, which is why you get the English test preparation as part of the bundle.

But I'd have to agree with this, separate the migration agent from the employment agent and also housing agent (which is also one thing they offer).

RheaMARN1171933 · September 2022

@era222 said:

@maguero said:
A migration agent and an employment agent are 2 very different things. If a migration agent claims to be able to guarantee a job in exchange for a higher fee, I think you really have to ask questions to clarify that. In my opinion, it would be hard to promise people with varying occupations and skill levels a job when they get here unless the agent is the the one who will be employing them because the agent has no control over what job openings will be available when they finally arrive here, nor does the agent have any control over how each person will present themselves during a job interview.

So I think first things first, if you're looking for a migration agent then find a migration agent who is good at that specific job. When you get here, you can look for an employment agent if you feel you need one. Don't mix up all your requirements.

For general info na rin here: Based on my last chat with the agent, the migration agency itself is actually tied to a recruitment agency. Not sure if "tied" is the accurate word here, but kumbaga they're still separate agencies, just packaged into one "migration bundle" — so it's not the migration agent helping you find jobs and prep for Australian interviews, but a recruitment/employment agent. It can be confusing kasi you're talking to the migration agent and they're telling you "we'll help you find jobs" but you don't know who "we" is. They're also tied to IELTS/PTE educators, which is why you get the English test preparation as part of the bundle.

But I'd have to agree with this, separate the migration agent from the employment agent and also housing agent (which is also one thing they offer).

The question is budget, how much willing are you to pay for a recruitment agency? I’m sure a lot of people here in the forum who have moved already can vouch that they eventually got hired without even having to pay a recruiter. As a matter of fact likely it will be the other way around. Recruiter’s get a commission for each successful candidate they endorse to the employer.

I guess there are some who are willing to pay such service so there is no right or wrong way, it’s more of what suits you kind of thing.

JuanAUS · September 2022

@lee_san said:

@ktzphrn said:
Hello @lee_san hm din po ung fees nila?

1st installment - 500aud
2nd installment lodging of skills assessment - 7000 aud
3rd installment submission of eoi - 750aud
4th installment lodge visa with department of home affairs - 4240aud

Note: I paid up until 3rd installment. But since pandemic magexpire na yung skills assessment ko this month Sep 2022. I need to go back from zero and he's asking me to pay 7865aud again.

Hi @lee_san , I actually also availed MNAL's service, and same situation as you, I have to pay again also for my expiring EOI and english test. I'm actually starting to have doubts already. Seems like I made the wrong choice for an agent. Pero kelangan ko na tong ituloy since nasimulan ko na at gumastos na ko. For the money back guarante, i think it's not totally the case. You will only get your money back if your visa application is refused, meaning, na-invite ka to apply a visa. Pero, kung hindi ka na-invite to lodge a visa(w/c is what's happening to most applicants), hindi na ata ibabalik yun mga binayad na pera sa MNAL. So mejo misleading yung money back guarantee nila na yun.

JuanAUS · September 2022

@JuanAUS said:

@lee_san said:

@ktzphrn said:
Hello @lee_san hm din po ung fees nila?

1st installment - 500aud
2nd installment lodging of skills assessment - 7000 aud
3rd installment submission of eoi - 750aud
4th installment lodge visa with department of home affairs - 4240aud

Note: I paid up until 3rd installment. But since pandemic magexpire na yung skills assessment ko this month Sep 2022. I need to go back from zero and he's asking me to pay 7865aud again.

Hi @lee_san , I actually also availed MNAL's service, and same situation as you, I have to pay again also for my expiring EOI and english test. I'm actually starting to have doubts already. Seems like I made the wrong choice for an agent. Pero kelangan ko na tong ituloy since nasimulan ko na at gumastos na ko. For the money back guarante, i think it's not totally the case. You will only get your money back if your visa application is refused, meaning, na-invite ka to apply a visa. Pero, kung hindi ka na-invite to lodge a visa(w/c is what's happening to most applicants), hindi na ata ibabalik yun mga binayad na pera sa MNAL. So mejo misleading yung money back guarantee nila na yun.

Looking back now and reflecting from the start (after having a good understanding of the visa process), I would say that they are not that transparent especially sa mga new applicants. They made it sound that getting a PR is so easy, kaya sa package nila, ang nakalagay na kukuning visa sayo is Permanent Residency Visa (kaya madaming nae-enganyo), pero, once you already pay, they will apply both 190 and 491 sa EOI, but this time, they would explain na mas realistic and may chance ka sa 491(temporary visa) over the 190 (permanent visa). Again, I find it again misleading and not transparent kasi ang binayaran mo ay sa PR na visa, but you'll actually most likely just end up with a temporary visa(if you're lucky to get invited, w/c is another case). Anyway, god bless to all applicants and future visa applicants. Make sure to do proper research. Good luck.

JuanAUS · October 2022

Hi guys, magtatanong lang. Pwede ko bang tanggaling ung migration agent ko and mag-continue pa rin sa visa application process ko? Nasa EOI stage pa rin ako. And feeling ko kasi, walang effort ung current migration agent ko. Parang taga file lang ng mga dokumento and wala man lang advantageous advise na binibigay as a migration agent.

Pwede ko pa rin ba makuha ung account ko sa Skillselect and remove the migration agent, tapos ako na ung magko continue ng application? Or pwede ring lumipat ako sa ibang migration agent?

Hi Ma'am @RheaMARN1171933 , pwede po ba yan?

Salamat guys sa mga info.

RheaMARN1171933 · October 2022

@JuanAUS said:
Hi guys, magtatanong lang. Pwede ko bang tanggaling ung migration agent ko and mag-continue pa rin sa visa application process ko? Nasa EOI stage pa rin ako. And feeling ko kasi, walang effort ung current migration agent ko. Parang taga file lang ng mga dokumento and wala man lang advantageous advise na binibigay as a migration agent.

Pwede ko pa rin ba makuha ung account ko sa Skillselect and remove the migration agent, tapos ako na ung magko continue ng application? Or pwede ring lumipat ako sa ibang migration agent?

Hi Ma'am @RheaMARN1171933 , pwede po ba yan?

Salamat guys sa mga info.

You can terminate the services in the same way as an agent could. Check the termination clause on your contract. The agent should be able to provide access to everything needed for your application. Good luck

JuanAUS · October 2022

@RheaMARN1171933 said:

@JuanAUS said:
Hi guys, magtatanong lang. Pwede ko bang tanggaling ung migration agent ko and mag-continue pa rin sa visa application process ko? Nasa EOI stage pa rin ako. And feeling ko kasi, walang effort ung current migration agent ko. Parang taga file lang ng mga dokumento and wala man lang advantageous advise na binibigay as a migration agent.

Pwede ko pa rin ba makuha ung account ko sa Skillselect and remove the migration agent, tapos ako na ung magko continue ng application? Or pwede ring lumipat ako sa ibang migration agent?

Hi Ma'am @RheaMARN1171933 , pwede po ba yan?

Salamat guys sa mga info.

You can terminate the services in the same way as an agent could. Check the termination clause on your contract. The agent should be able to provide access to everything needed for your application. Good luck

Salamat Ma'am @RheaMARN1171933 for the info and advise. Thanks.

JuanAUS · October 2022

Hi guys, magtatanong ulit ako regarding removing my agent. Wala kasing part sa contract na nakalagay tungkol sa termination clause. Wala ding explicitly nakalagay na specifics tungkol sa mangyayari kung i-teterminate ni client ung contract (kung makukuha ko ba ung mga accounts access ko, etc). Pano ba ko magproceed nito? May mga similar experiences ba kayo?

Hi Ma'am @RheaMARN1171933 , pano po ba mangyayari kung ganyan?

Salamat sa mga info guys. Mas madami pa kong natutunan sa forums na to kesa sa MNAL.

era222 · October 2022

@JuanAUS said:
Hi guys, magtatanong ulit ako regarding removing my agent. Wala kasing part sa contract na nakalagay tungkol sa termination clause. Wala ding explicitly nakalagay na specifics tungkol sa mangyayari kung i-teterminate ni client ung contract (kung makukuha ko ba ung mga accounts access ko, etc). Pano ba ko magproceed nito? May mga similar experiences ba kayo?

Hi Ma'am @RheaMARN1171933 , pano po ba mangyayari kung ganyan?

Salamat sa mga info guys. Mas madami pa kong natutunan sa forums na to kesa sa MNAL.

Upon checking the service agreement I received from them before, ang nakita ko lang na clause ay client needs to provide 14 days written notice. Also if you are intending to make payments before termination, just note they won't refund you (per the contract). Baka magkaiba yung specifics ng documents natin, so double-check na lang siguro.

I would say ask MNAL but given their style, I'd definitely seek more info kung paano ba yung ganyan and para mas may leverage ka. Hope it goes well; really sorry you experienced that.

JuanAUS · October 2022

@era222 said:

@JuanAUS said:
Hi guys, magtatanong ulit ako regarding removing my agent. Wala kasing part sa contract na nakalagay tungkol sa termination clause. Wala ding explicitly nakalagay na specifics tungkol sa mangyayari kung i-teterminate ni client ung contract (kung makukuha ko ba ung mga accounts access ko, etc). Pano ba ko magproceed nito? May mga similar experiences ba kayo?

Hi Ma'am @RheaMARN1171933 , pano po ba mangyayari kung ganyan?

Salamat sa mga info guys. Mas madami pa kong natutunan sa forums na to kesa sa MNAL.

Upon checking the service agreement I received from them before, ang nakita ko lang na clause ay client needs to provide 14 days written notice. Also if you are intending to make payments before termination, just note they won't refund you (per the contract). Baka magkaiba yung specifics ng documents natin, so double-check na lang siguro.

I would say ask MNAL but given their style, I'd definitely seek more info kung paano ba yung ganyan and para mas may leverage ka. Hope it goes well; really sorry you experienced that.

Ok, thanks for this @era222 . Mejo frustrating na ung MNAL and si Carmine. Kapag nga nagtatanong ako ng specifics, either hindi direct ung pagsagot o hindi nasasagot at all, and mga crucial questions to tungkol sa visa application, given na kinuha siya na agent, that's the least they can do for clients. Mukhang ako pa nga ung mas may alam minsan kung ano dapat mas magandang gawin, at dun ako mas nafufrustrate kasi dapat sa kanya mangagaling ung mga suggestion na yun, at hindi sakin. Kaya nasasabi kong walang effort sa part nila, given na ang lalaki ng singil nila. Bawat galaw, maybayad, pero during orientation, walang ganyang sinasabi. Parang feeling ko papatagalin nila ung application mo para mas madaming masingil sayo. Sana hindi matulad ung ibang Pinoy sa naeexperience ko, at ang masasabi ko, wag na silang iconsider, ads pa lang nila and ung migration program kuno, panghook na ng tao. Dapat pang educate ng proseso at walang sugar coating. Pasenya na sa pag rant dito. Sana matuto ung ibang mga aplikante sa experience ko.

jbelmonte · October 2022

Hello! Chiming in here as an MNAL client. I hired them in September 2021 so hindi ako masyadong na-affect ng pandemic. Since there’s a lot of skepticism (which I also had in the first months) about MNAL, I want to share my experience so far para rin may iba namang perspective.

SC 190 Applicant
ANZSCO 232411 Graphic Designer

PTE Webinars
I think this is nice if you’re not confident with your English language proficiency because they provide a structure for you to follow so you can 1) improve your grammar, vocabulary, etc. and 2) improve your test-taking skills. Ok din yung mock tests nila because you get a realistic sense of how the PTE test would go tapos may 1-on-1 coaching session after each mock test para isa-isahin yung mga wrong answers and maturo kung ano yung tamang sagot at bakit.

In my experience though, this part took longer than it should have. The coach that was assigned to me was a bit discouraging rin. For example, he asked us in the first webinar kung ano yung goal namin na score so shempre sabi ko 90. His response to that was, “That’s your desire, not your goal. Your goal should be 70.” Sana may diagnostic test sila sa start para makita nila if ano yung level ng bawat client. Marami namang Pinoy na magaling mag-English eh. Pero ayun, dinaanan ko lahat pati yung mga basics na elementary and high school level webinars. My advice here is if you feel that your English language proficiency can already meet competent or superior scores, try to negotiate if pwedeng straight ka na to mock test and coaching. I don’t know if they will allow you, pero it’s worth asking. In my case kasi it took four months bago ako nakapagtest. I could’ve already made more progress in that amount of time.

Vetassess
Smooth naman yung part na to on the part of MNAL. Medyo complicated yung application ko kasi may mix ako of freelance, employment, and business income. Carmine himself was helpful and gave sound advice on how to go about things. There was another person involved na Indian yata na virtual assistant, medyo mabagal magreply at magulo siya kausap pero whenever di niya nagegets yung situation Carmine jumps in naman to give the final advice. At some point I asked Carmine if may chance na maging negative yung outcome and he was very straight to the point at sabi niya he didn’t see any reason for me to get a negative outcome based on my documents. True enough, I got a positive outcome naman.

Sana nga lang pina-collect na nila sa akin yung mga requirements habang nagrereview ako for the PTE para nung nakuha ko yung PTE score ko, rekta na agad sa pag-apply sa Vetassess. Could have saved me two months. Minalas nga lang din ako sa part na to kasi sobrang tagal bago naglabas ng result yung Vetassess. They had a huge backlog then so five months inabot bago ako nakatanggap ng result.

EOI+ROI
Sa part na ‘to ng process, biglang bumilis na sila kumilos. After ko nakuha yung positive skills assessment result, nasubmit na agad nila yung EOI. Pero they waited for my next payment bago masubmit yung ROI ko which was fair naman.

Pre-invite
I got my pre-invite last Thursday and nasubmit nila agad yung application for nomination the next day. I’m now waiting and hoping that I get the approval/nomination.

I started this process thinking na medyo malaking risk yung tine-take ko kasi baka wala silang pake masyado at pinagkakakitaan lang ang mga kliyente niya but so far I think they’ve proven to me naman na ok sila.

Here are some leftover thoughts that I have about them:

Medyo impersonal yung service. After I signed the contract and made the first payment, na-feel ko talaga na I’m just one of the many clients they’re handling. It takes them time to respond via email (siguro average of 2-3 days) pero sa Skype within the day naman sumasagot si Carmine as long as magmessage ka before end of business hours.
They’re very professional pero malas mo na lang talaga if something untoward happens and it’s out of their hands (e.g. five-month release ng Vetassess outcome). I think the entire process is really risky naman talaga since ang daming factors na kailangan i-consider.
Sometimes I felt like they were too chill sa service nila because they weren’t asking me a lot of questions or giving updates without me following up. But I’ve come to appreciate na as an agent yun din yung purpose nila, na gawin nila yung trabaho nila para di ko na masyado isipin yung process. As long as nabigay ko yung mga kailangan nilang requirements and information, sila na bahala kumbaga.
Medyo tricky nga yung 100% money back guarantee if di ka sanay magbasa ng contract. Pero I understand na nagpapasweldo siya ng mga tao at negosyo ito at the end of the day so they deserve to be compensated for the services that they perform prior to the actual lodging of the visa application. Yung mga Australian government agencies talaga ang may hawak ng kapalaran natin eh. 😅

I guess I’ll end this with a disclaimer na di pa ko tapos sa process so may parts pa ng service nila na di ko nae-experience, namely yung lodging ng visa application, accomodation assistance, post-arrival services, and job recruitment. Yung naging motivation ko para i-avail yung Migration Plus kahit mahal is because gusto ko talaga bawasan yung uncertainty lalo na yung time that I would spend learning how to do things, doing them, and possibly making mistakes that would send me back to square one.

I’m really hoping na tuloy-tuloy na to lalo na pagdating sa job recruitment since I’ve heard from a lot of people na mahirap kung maghahanap ka lang ng work pagdating mo na doon. Pero I think it’s safe to say at this point that they deliver naman. This is just my experience though so I hope maresolve yung negative experience ng ibang clients with them.

fil0mena · May 2023

@jbelmonte said:
Hello! Chiming in here as an MNAL client. I hired them in September 2021 so hindi ako masyadong na-affect ng pandemic. Since there’s a lot of skepticism (which I also had in the first months) about MNAL, I want to share my experience so far para rin may iba namang perspective.

SC 190 Applicant
ANZSCO 232411 Graphic Designer

PTE Webinars
I think this is nice if you’re not confident with your English language proficiency because they provide a structure for you to follow so you can 1) improve your grammar, vocabulary, etc. and 2) improve your test-taking skills. Ok din yung mock tests nila because you get a realistic sense of how the PTE test would go tapos may 1-on-1 coaching session after each mock test para isa-isahin yung mga wrong answers and maturo kung ano yung tamang sagot at bakit.

In my experience though, this part took longer than it should have. The coach that was assigned to me was a bit discouraging rin. For example, he asked us in the first webinar kung ano yung goal namin na score so shempre sabi ko 90. His response to that was, “That’s your desire, not your goal. Your goal should be 70.” Sana may diagnostic test sila sa start para makita nila if ano yung level ng bawat client. Marami namang Pinoy na magaling mag-English eh. Pero ayun, dinaanan ko lahat pati yung mga basics na elementary and high school level webinars. My advice here is if you feel that your English language proficiency can already meet competent or superior scores, try to negotiate if pwedeng straight ka na to mock test and coaching. I don’t know if they will allow you, pero it’s worth asking. In my case kasi it took four months bago ako nakapagtest. I could’ve already made more progress in that amount of time.

Vetassess
Smooth naman yung part na to on the part of MNAL. Medyo complicated yung application ko kasi may mix ako of freelance, employment, and business income. Carmine himself was helpful and gave sound advice on how to go about things. There was another person involved na Indian yata na virtual assistant, medyo mabagal magreply at magulo siya kausap pero whenever di niya nagegets yung situation Carmine jumps in naman to give the final advice. At some point I asked Carmine if may chance na maging negative yung outcome and he was very straight to the point at sabi niya he didn’t see any reason for me to get a negative outcome based on my documents. True enough, I got a positive outcome naman.

Sana nga lang pina-collect na nila sa akin yung mga requirements habang nagrereview ako for the PTE para nung nakuha ko yung PTE score ko, rekta na agad sa pag-apply sa Vetassess. Could have saved me two months. Minalas nga lang din ako sa part na to kasi sobrang tagal bago naglabas ng result yung Vetassess. They had a huge backlog then so five months inabot bago ako nakatanggap ng result.

EOI+ROI
Sa part na ‘to ng process, biglang bumilis na sila kumilos. After ko nakuha yung positive skills assessment result, nasubmit na agad nila yung EOI. Pero they waited for my next payment bago masubmit yung ROI ko which was fair naman.

Pre-invite
I got my pre-invite last Thursday and nasubmit nila agad yung application for nomination the next day. I’m now waiting and hoping that I get the approval/nomination.

I started this process thinking na medyo malaking risk yung tine-take ko kasi baka wala silang pake masyado at pinagkakakitaan lang ang mga kliyente niya but so far I think they’ve proven to me naman na ok sila.

Here are some leftover thoughts that I have about them:

Medyo impersonal yung service. After I signed the contract and made the first payment, na-feel ko talaga na I’m just one of the many clients they’re handling. It takes them time to respond via email (siguro average of 2-3 days) pero sa Skype within the day naman sumasagot si Carmine as long as magmessage ka before end of business hours.

They’re very professional pero malas mo na lang talaga if something untoward happens and it’s out of their hands (e.g. five-month release ng Vetassess outcome). I think the entire process is really risky naman talaga since ang daming factors na kailangan i-consider.

Sometimes I felt like they were too chill sa service nila because they weren’t asking me a lot of questions or giving updates without me following up. But I’ve come to appreciate na as an agent yun din yung purpose nila, na gawin nila yung trabaho nila para di ko na masyado isipin yung process. As long as nabigay ko yung mga kailangan nilang requirements and information, sila na bahala kumbaga.

Medyo tricky nga yung 100% money back guarantee if di ka sanay magbasa ng contract. Pero I understand na nagpapasweldo siya ng mga tao at negosyo ito at the end of the day so they deserve to be compensated for the services that they perform prior to the actual lodging of the visa application. Yung mga Australian government agencies talaga ang may hawak ng kapalaran natin eh. 😅

I guess I’ll end this with a disclaimer na di pa ko tapos sa process so may parts pa ng service nila na di ko nae-experience, namely yung lodging ng visa application, accomodation assistance, post-arrival services, and job recruitment. Yung naging motivation ko para i-avail yung Migration Plus kahit mahal is because gusto ko talaga bawasan yung uncertainty lalo na yung time that I would spend learning how to do things, doing them, and possibly making mistakes that would send me back to square one.

I’m really hoping na tuloy-tuloy na to lalo na pagdating sa job recruitment since I’ve heard from a lot of people na mahirap kung maghahanap ka lang ng work pagdating mo na doon. Pero I think it’s safe to say at this point that they deliver naman. This is just my experience though so I hope maresolve yung negative experience ng ibang clients with them.

Hello any updates on your journey? I’m planning to sign a contract with MNAL and my gut tells me they’re competent and knowledgeable enough but it’s good to hear any feedback and/or experiences. 😄

JuanAUS · May 2023

@fil0mena , and payo ko jan, sa ibang ahente ka na lang kasi sobrang overpriced jan sa mnal. Hindi sulit bayad mo. Mapapasubo ka lang. May mas murang mga ahente for the same service. Mapapakamot ka na n lng sa ulo if macompare mo presyo jan vs sa iba.

prncss · June 2023

@jbelmonte said:
Hello! Chiming in here as an MNAL client. I hired them in September 2021 so hindi ako masyadong na-affect ng pandemic. Since there’s a lot of skepticism (which I also had in the first months) about MNAL, I want to share my experience so far para rin may iba namang perspective.

SC 190 Applicant
ANZSCO 232411 Graphic Designer

PTE Webinars
I think this is nice if you’re not confident with your English language proficiency because they provide a structure for you to follow so you can 1) improve your grammar, vocabulary, etc. and 2) improve your test-taking skills. Ok din yung mock tests nila because you get a realistic sense of how the PTE test would go tapos may 1-on-1 coaching session after each mock test para isa-isahin yung mga wrong answers and maturo kung ano yung tamang sagot at bakit.

In my experience though, this part took longer than it should have. The coach that was assigned to me was a bit discouraging rin. For example, he asked us in the first webinar kung ano yung goal namin na score so shempre sabi ko 90. His response to that was, “That’s your desire, not your goal. Your goal should be 70.” Sana may diagnostic test sila sa start para makita nila if ano yung level ng bawat client. Marami namang Pinoy na magaling mag-English eh. Pero ayun, dinaanan ko lahat pati yung mga basics na elementary and high school level webinars. My advice here is if you feel that your English language proficiency can already meet competent or superior scores, try to negotiate if pwedeng straight ka na to mock test and coaching. I don’t know if they will allow you, pero it’s worth asking. In my case kasi it took four months bago ako nakapagtest. I could’ve already made more progress in that amount of time.

Vetassess
Smooth naman yung part na to on the part of MNAL. Medyo complicated yung application ko kasi may mix ako of freelance, employment, and business income. Carmine himself was helpful and gave sound advice on how to go about things. There was another person involved na Indian yata na virtual assistant, medyo mabagal magreply at magulo siya kausap pero whenever di niya nagegets yung situation Carmine jumps in naman to give the final advice. At some point I asked Carmine if may chance na maging negative yung outcome and he was very straight to the point at sabi niya he didn’t see any reason for me to get a negative outcome based on my documents. True enough, I got a positive outcome naman.

Sana nga lang pina-collect na nila sa akin yung mga requirements habang nagrereview ako for the PTE para nung nakuha ko yung PTE score ko, rekta na agad sa pag-apply sa Vetassess. Could have saved me two months. Minalas nga lang din ako sa part na to kasi sobrang tagal bago naglabas ng result yung Vetassess. They had a huge backlog then so five months inabot bago ako nakatanggap ng result.

EOI+ROI
Sa part na ‘to ng process, biglang bumilis na sila kumilos. After ko nakuha yung positive skills assessment result, nasubmit na agad nila yung EOI. Pero they waited for my next payment bago masubmit yung ROI ko which was fair naman.

Pre-invite
I got my pre-invite last Thursday and nasubmit nila agad yung application for nomination the next day. I’m now waiting and hoping that I get the approval/nomination.

I started this process thinking na medyo malaking risk yung tine-take ko kasi baka wala silang pake masyado at pinagkakakitaan lang ang mga kliyente niya but so far I think they’ve proven to me naman na ok sila.

Here are some leftover thoughts that I have about them:

Medyo impersonal yung service. After I signed the contract and made the first payment, na-feel ko talaga na I’m just one of the many clients they’re handling. It takes them time to respond via email (siguro average of 2-3 days) pero sa Skype within the day naman sumasagot si Carmine as long as magmessage ka before end of business hours.

They’re very professional pero malas mo na lang talaga if something untoward happens and it’s out of their hands (e.g. five-month release ng Vetassess outcome). I think the entire process is really risky naman talaga since ang daming factors na kailangan i-consider.

Sometimes I felt like they were too chill sa service nila because they weren’t asking me a lot of questions or giving updates without me following up. But I’ve come to appreciate na as an agent yun din yung purpose nila, na gawin nila yung trabaho nila para di ko na masyado isipin yung process. As long as nabigay ko yung mga kailangan nilang requirements and information, sila na bahala kumbaga.

Medyo tricky nga yung 100% money back guarantee if di ka sanay magbasa ng contract. Pero I understand na nagpapasweldo siya ng mga tao at negosyo ito at the end of the day so they deserve to be compensated for the services that they perform prior to the actual lodging of the visa application. Yung mga Australian government agencies talaga ang may hawak ng kapalaran natin eh. 😅

I guess I’ll end this with a disclaimer na di pa ko tapos sa process so may parts pa ng service nila na di ko nae-experience, namely yung lodging ng visa application, accomodation assistance, post-arrival services, and job recruitment. Yung naging motivation ko para i-avail yung Migration Plus kahit mahal is because gusto ko talaga bawasan yung uncertainty lalo na yung time that I would spend learning how to do things, doing them, and possibly making mistakes that would send me back to square one.

I’m really hoping na tuloy-tuloy na to lalo na pagdating sa job recruitment since I’ve heard from a lot of people na mahirap kung maghahanap ka lang ng work pagdating mo na doon. Pero I think it’s safe to say at this point that they deliver naman. This is just my experience though so I hope maresolve yung negative experience ng ibang clients with them.

Update with your MNAL journey pls. Signed a contract with them year 2021 but currently on hold due to personal problem. Planning to push through my Aus journey, but thinking if I should stick with them. Thanks

jbelmonte · July 2023

@fil0mena @prncss Sorry, just seeing your posts now.

Developments since my last update
1. 28/10/2022 Submitted Application for Nomination
2. 11/11/2022 Nomination Approved
3. 29/11/2022 Lodged Visa Application
4. 23/05/2023 CO Contact (Medicals, NBI Clearance)
5. 10/06/2023 S56 Submitted
6. 13/06/2023 Further Assessment
7. 18/06/2023 Request for further medical information (Sputum)

1-3 was very smooth and dependent on AUS immigration talaga.

4-7 is where MNAL came in handy. May part sa forms na di ko nadeclare because I didn't know that detail about my medical history (I only learned from my mom after I received the request for further info). Being able to consult with a certified Australian immigration lawyer about the next step for a sensitive part of the process (who actually lives and works there) is valuable to me. Mas kampante ako sa information and support na nakukuha ko.

If not for this issue, I would've probably gotten my grant already in June or this month based on data from ImmiTracker. In the meantime, I've had more meetings rin with their recruitment specialist and settlement specialist where we've been talking about my preferences for jobs and accommodations.

marketingspecialist · October 2023

MNAL client here (still on process)

January 2022 - eligibility assessment, met with Carmine over Skype, paid the initial fee of 2000 AUD
February 2022 - started my PTE review classes
April-Dec 2022 - hiatus since I was finishing my master's degree
January 2023 - taken my PTE (got 82/90)
March-April 2023 - paid for the 2nd installment of more than 7000 AUD, consolidated my docs for Skills Assessment
May 2023 - submitted Skills Assessment application to VETASSESS
October 24, 2023 - today I emailed Carmine to follow up and he told me that VETASSESS process are taking more than six months

marketingspecialist · October 2023

@JuanAUS said:

@JuanAUS said:

@lee_san said:

@ktzphrn said:
Hello @lee_san hm din po ung fees nila?

1st installment - 500aud
2nd installment lodging of skills assessment - 7000 aud
3rd installment submission of eoi - 750aud
4th installment lodge visa with department of home affairs - 4240aud

Note: I paid up until 3rd installment. But since pandemic magexpire na yung skills assessment ko this month Sep 2022. I need to go back from zero and he's asking me to pay 7865aud again.

Hi @lee_san , I actually also availed MNAL's service, and same situation as you, I have to pay again also for my expiring EOI and english test. I'm actually starting to have doubts already. Seems like I made the wrong choice for an agent. Pero kelangan ko na tong ituloy since nasimulan ko na at gumastos na ko. For the money back guarante, i think it's not totally the case. You will only get your money back if your visa application is refused, meaning, na-invite ka to apply a visa. Pero, kung hindi ka na-invite to lodge a visa(w/c is what's happening to most applicants), hindi na ata ibabalik yun mga binayad na pera sa MNAL. So mejo misleading yung money back guarantee nila na yun.

Looking back now and reflecting from the start (after having a good understanding of the visa process), I would say that they are not that transparent especially sa mga new applicants. They made it sound that getting a PR is so easy, kaya sa package nila, ang nakalagay na kukuning visa sayo is Permanent Residency Visa (kaya madaming nae-enganyo), pero, once you already pay, they will apply both 190 and 491 sa EOI, but this time, they would explain na mas realistic and may chance ka sa 491(temporary visa) over the 190 (permanent visa). Again, I find it again misleading and not transparent kasi ang binayaran mo ay sa PR na visa, but you'll actually most likely just end up with a temporary visa(if you're lucky to get invited, w/c is another case). Anyway, god bless to all applicants and future visa applicants. Make sure to do proper research. Good luck.

Hello @JuanAUS , how was your application process with MNAL now?

gwlngrc · January 11

@jbelmonte said:
@fil0mena @prncss Sorry, just seeing your posts now.

Developments since my last update
1. 28/10/2022 Submitted Application for Nomination
2. 11/11/2022 Nomination Approved
3. 29/11/2022 Lodged Visa Application
4. 23/05/2023 CO Contact (Medicals, NBI Clearance)
5. 10/06/2023 S56 Submitted
6. 13/06/2023 Further Assessment
7. 18/06/2023 Request for further medical information (Sputum)

1-3 was very smooth and dependent on AUS immigration talaga.

4-7 is where MNAL came in handy. May part sa forms na di ko nadeclare because I didn't know that detail about my medical history (I only learned from my mom after I received the request for further info). Being able to consult with a certified Australian immigration lawyer about the next step for a sensitive part of the process (who actually lives and works there) is valuable to me. Mas kampante ako sa information and support na nakukuha ko.

If not for this issue, I would've probably gotten my grant already in June or this month based on data from ImmiTracker. In the meantime, I've had more meetings rin with their recruitment specialist and settlement specialist where we've been talking about my preferences for jobs and accommodations.

Hi! I will be applying for SC190 as a Graphic designer as well. How's your application journey so far? DIY application ako. Which state did you apply for and ilang points? Bihira pa ako makahanap nang graphic designer/s applying for sc190. glad to have found this thread

marketingspecialist · January 17

@jbelmonte said:
@fil0mena @prncss Sorry, just seeing your posts now.

Developments since my last update
1. 28/10/2022 Submitted Application for Nomination
2. 11/11/2022 Nomination Approved
3. 29/11/2022 Lodged Visa Application
4. 23/05/2023 CO Contact (Medicals, NBI Clearance)
5. 10/06/2023 S56 Submitted
6. 13/06/2023 Further Assessment
7. 18/06/2023 Request for further medical information (Sputum)

1-3 was very smooth and dependent on AUS immigration talaga.

4-7 is where MNAL came in handy. May part sa forms na di ko nadeclare because I didn't know that detail about my medical history (I only learned from my mom after I received the request for further info). Being able to consult with a certified Australian immigration lawyer about the next step for a sensitive part of the process (who actually lives and works there) is valuable to me. Mas kampante ako sa information and support na nakukuha ko.

If not for this issue, I would've probably gotten my grant already in June or this month based on data from ImmiTracker. In the meantime, I've had more meetings rin with their recruitment specialist and settlement specialist where we've been talking about my preferences for jobs and accommodations.

Hello @jbe>; @marketingspecialist said:

MNAL client here (still on process)

January 2022 - eligibility assessment, met with Carmine over Skype, paid the initial fee of 2000 AUD
February 2022 - started my PTE review classes
April-Dec 2022 - hiatus since I was finishing my master's degree
January 2023 - taken my PTE (got 82/90)
March-April 2023 - paid for the 2nd installment of more than 7000 AUD, consolidated my docs for Skills Assessment
May 2023 - submitted Skills Assessment application to VETASSESS
October 24, 2023 - today I emailed Carmine to follow up and he told me that VETASSESS process are taking more than six months

Updating this timeline:

November 4, 2023 - I got a positive skills assessment from VETASSESS
November 6, 2023 - I paid 4,350 AUD to proceed with the next step
November 11, 2023 - EOI+ROI submitted

It's now January 17, 2024 and I am still waiting for the pre-invite since Marketing Specialist occupation is not a priority. Carmine emailed me last November 30, 2023 to manage my expectations that "The Australian federal government has released their allocations for the 2023/24 financial year for skilled migration visas. Unfortunately, the allocated numbers are considerably lower than what was initially anticipated. This situation presents certain implications for your application, particularly in relation to obtaining state nomination approval."

Hoping na makakuha na ng pre-invite soon para makapag proceed na sa State Nomination

jbelmonte · January 17

@gwlngrc said:

@jbelmonte said:
@fil0mena @prncss Sorry, just seeing your posts now.

Developments since my last update
1. 28/10/2022 Submitted Application for Nomination
2. 11/11/2022 Nomination Approved
3. 29/11/2022 Lodged Visa Application
4. 23/05/2023 CO Contact (Medicals, NBI Clearance)
5. 10/06/2023 S56 Submitted
6. 13/06/2023 Further Assessment
7. 18/06/2023 Request for further medical information (Sputum)

1-3 was very smooth and dependent on AUS immigration talaga.

4-7 is where MNAL came in handy. May part sa forms na di ko nadeclare because I didn't know that detail about my medical history (I only learned from my mom after I received the request for further info). Being able to consult with a certified Australian immigration lawyer about the next step for a sensitive part of the process (who actually lives and works there) is valuable to me. Mas kampante ako sa information and support na nakukuha ko.

If not for this issue, I would've probably gotten my grant already in June or this month based on data from ImmiTracker. In the meantime, I've had more meetings rin with their recruitment specialist and settlement specialist where we've been talking about my preferences for jobs and accommodations.

Hi! I will be applying for SC190 as a Graphic designer as well. How's your application journey so far? DIY application ako. Which state did you apply for and ilang points? Bihira pa ako makahanap nang graphic designer/s applying for sc190. glad to have found this thread

Hi @gwlngrc, here's an update to my timeline:

18/06/2023 Request for further medical information (Sputum)
09/08/2023 Initial Sputum Test Result: Negative (Passed)
29/09/2023 Sputum Culture and Repeat X-Ray Result: Negative (Passed)
04/10/2023 Health Assessment: Submission by Panel Clinic Completed
09/10/2023 Health Assessment: "Health Clearance Provided"
11/10/2023 2nd S56 Request (Health Undertaking) - Submitted on the same day

We haven't heard from DHA since then. As of today it has been 414 days since Carmine lodged my application. I'm continuously monitoring it through my mirror account.

I applied for VIC with 65+5 points. Based on conversations with other graphic designer applicants, mukhang nadelay yung application ko kasi family of three kami tapos may dalawang S56 pa. Marami nang nag-lodge after me na nauna pa ma-grant.

XDireInsanityX · January 27

Chiming in,

January 2023 - started my application in MNAL
February 2023 - started PTE review
May 2023 - Took PTE exam
January 2024 - just finished requirements for Engineers Australia for assessment. Got delayed due to work. Carmine already submitted my skills assessment application.

Hoping for the best

jbelmonte · February 8

Update: Received the grant today

Proof that My New Australian Life is legit. Updated my signature below with my timeline.

ChienPoYao · February 9

@jbelmonte said:

@gwlngrc said:

@jbelmonte said:
@fil0mena @prncss Sorry, just seeing your posts now.

Developments since my last update
1. 28/10/2022 Submitted Application for Nomination
2. 11/11/2022 Nomination Approved
3. 29/11/2022 Lodged Visa Application
4. 23/05/2023 CO Contact (Medicals, NBI Clearance)
5. 10/06/2023 S56 Submitted
6. 13/06/2023 Further Assessment
7. 18/06/2023 Request for further medical information (Sputum)

1-3 was very smooth and dependent on AUS immigration talaga.

4-7 is where MNAL came in handy. May part sa forms na di ko nadeclare because I didn't know that detail about my medical history (I only learned from my mom after I received the request for further info). Being able to consult with a certified Australian immigration lawyer about the next step for a sensitive part of the process (who actually lives and works there) is valuable to me. Mas kampante ako sa information and support na nakukuha ko.

If not for this issue, I would've probably gotten my grant already in June or this month based on data from ImmiTracker. In the meantime, I've had more meetings rin with their recruitment specialist and settlement specialist where we've been talking about my preferences for jobs and accommodations.

Hi! I will be applying for SC190 as a Graphic designer as well. How's your application journey so far? DIY application ako. Which state did you apply for and ilang points? Bihira pa ako makahanap nang graphic designer/s applying for sc190. glad to have found this thread

Hi @gwlngrc, here's an update to my timeline:

18/06/2023 Request for further medical information (Sputum)

09/08/2023 Initial Sputum Test Result: Negative (Passed)

29/09/2023 Sputum Culture and Repeat X-Ray Result: Negative (Passed)

04/10/2023 Health Assessment: Submission by Panel Clinic Completed

09/10/2023 Health Assessment: "Health Clearance Provided"

11/10/2023 2nd S56 Request (Health Undertaking) - Submitted on the same day

We haven't heard from DHA since then. As of today it has been 414 days since Carmine lodged my application. I'm continuously monitoring it through my mirror account.

I applied for VIC with 65+5 points. Based on conversations with other graphic designer applicants, mukhang nadelay yung application ko kasi family of three kami tapos may dalawang S56 pa. Marami nang nag-lodge after me na nauna pa ma-grant.

@jbelmonte said:
Update: Received the grant today

Proof that My New Australian Life is legit. Updated my signature below with my timeline.

Congrats sir, bon voyage

XDireInsanityX · February 10

@jbelmonte said:
Update: Received the grant today

Proof that My New Australian Life is legit. Updated my signature below with my timeline.

Congrats!! Please continue to update us regarding the migration plus side of the program!

gwlngrc · February 11

@jbelmonte said:

@gwlngrc said:

@jbelmonte said:
@fil0mena @prncss Sorry, just seeing your posts now.

Developments since my last update
1. 28/10/2022 Submitted Application for Nomination
2. 11/11/2022 Nomination Approved
3. 29/11/2022 Lodged Visa Application
4. 23/05/2023 CO Contact (Medicals, NBI Clearance)
5. 10/06/2023 S56 Submitted
6. 13/06/2023 Further Assessment
7. 18/06/2023 Request for further medical information (Sputum)

1-3 was very smooth and dependent on AUS immigration talaga.

4-7 is where MNAL came in handy. May part sa forms na di ko nadeclare because I didn't know that detail about my medical history (I only learned from my mom after I received the request for further info). Being able to consult with a certified Australian immigration lawyer about the next step for a sensitive part of the process (who actually lives and works there) is valuable to me. Mas kampante ako sa information and support na nakukuha ko.

If not for this issue, I would've probably gotten my grant already in June or this month based on data from ImmiTracker. In the meantime, I've had more meetings rin with their recruitment specialist and settlement specialist where we've been talking about my preferences for jobs and accommodations.

Hi! I will be applying for SC190 as a Graphic designer as well. How's your application journey so far? DIY application ako. Which state did you apply for and ilang points? Bihira pa ako makahanap nang graphic designer/s applying for sc190. glad to have found this thread

Hi @gwlngrc, here's an update to my timeline:

18/06/2023 Request for further medical information (Sputum)

09/08/2023 Initial Sputum Test Result: Negative (Passed)

29/09/2023 Sputum Culture and Repeat X-Ray Result: Negative (Passed)

04/10/2023 Health Assessment: Submission by Panel Clinic Completed

09/10/2023 Health Assessment: "Health Clearance Provided"

11/10/2023 2nd S56 Request (Health Undertaking) - Submitted on the same day

We haven't heard from DHA since then. As of today it has been 414 days since Carmine lodged my application. I'm continuously monitoring it through my mirror account.

I applied for VIC with 65+5 points. Based on conversations with other graphic designer applicants, mukhang nadelay yung application ko kasi family of three kami tapos may dalawang S56 pa. Marami nang nag-lodge after me na nauna pa ma-grant.

Uyyyy, congrats! Saw your timeline update and granted na. Good luck sa OZ! Sana makalusot din application koooo. Nakakakaba. hehehe magpPTE na ako, oks na rin ang VETASSESS. Target ko maka-lodge na ng EOI this Feb 17! Wooohoo

RuruPer · March 1

@jbelmonte said:
Update: Received the grant today

Proof that My New Australian Life is legit. Updated my signature below with my timeline.

Hi and congrats!! Your detailed contribution to this thread has been the most helpful and insightful for us specially because we are a bit around the same industry as yours na hindi namin madalas makita sa mga forums. Yung ganito talaga kadetalyadong review yung kailangan namin na push since we are considering MNAL as well! THANK YOU and God bless sa Australian journey mo!!!

jbelmonte · March 4

@XDireInsanityX said:

@jbelmonte said:
Update: Received the grant today

Proof that My New Australian Life is legit. Updated my signature below with my timeline.

Congrats!! Please continue to update us regarding the migration plus side of the program!

Will do! After we received the grant, they immediately scheduled calls with me to discuss our next steps. That was three weeks ago. Since then, they've sent us a lot of options for accommodations that are within our budget and preferences and we've also applied to those that we liked. Hopefully may makuha kami by the time I arrive on 27 March or first week of April. 🙏🏼

jbelmonte · March 4

@gwlngrc said:

@jbelmonte said:

@gwlngrc said:

@jbelmonte said:
@fil0mena @prncss Sorry, just seeing your posts now.

Developments since my last update
1. 28/10/2022 Submitted Application for Nomination
2. 11/11/2022 Nomination Approved
3. 29/11/2022 Lodged Visa Application
4. 23/05/2023 CO Contact (Medicals, NBI Clearance)
5. 10/06/2023 S56 Submitted
6. 13/06/2023 Further Assessment
7. 18/06/2023 Request for further medical information (Sputum)

1-3 was very smooth and dependent on AUS immigration talaga.

4-7 is where MNAL came in handy. May part sa forms na di ko nadeclare because I didn't know that detail about my medical history (I only learned from my mom after I received the request for further info). Being able to consult with a certified Australian immigration lawyer about the next step for a sensitive part of the process (who actually lives and works there) is valuable to me. Mas kampante ako sa information and support na nakukuha ko.

If not for this issue, I would've probably gotten my grant already in June or this month based on data from ImmiTracker. In the meantime, I've had more meetings rin with their recruitment specialist and settlement specialist where we've been talking about my preferences for jobs and accommodations.

Hi! I will be applying for SC190 as a Graphic designer as well. How's your application journey so far? DIY application ako. Which state did you apply for and ilang points? Bihira pa ako makahanap nang graphic designer/s applying for sc190. glad to have found this thread

Hi @gwlngrc, here's an update to my timeline:

18/06/2023 Request for further medical information (Sputum)

09/08/2023 Initial Sputum Test Result: Negative (Passed)

29/09/2023 Sputum Culture and Repeat X-Ray Result: Negative (Passed)

04/10/2023 Health Assessment: Submission by Panel Clinic Completed

09/10/2023 Health Assessment: "Health Clearance Provided"

11/10/2023 2nd S56 Request (Health Undertaking) - Submitted on the same day

We haven't heard from DHA since then. As of today it has been 414 days since Carmine lodged my application. I'm continuously monitoring it through my mirror account.

I applied for VIC with 65+5 points. Based on conversations with other graphic designer applicants, mukhang nadelay yung application ko kasi family of three kami tapos may dalawang S56 pa. Marami nang nag-lodge after me na nauna pa ma-grant.

Uyyyy, congrats! Saw your timeline update and granted na. Good luck sa OZ! Sana makalusot din application koooo. Nakakakaba. hehehe magpPTE na ako, oks na rin ang VETASSESS. Target ko maka-lodge na ng EOI this Feb 17! Wooohoo