Why can't we give you personal advice?
Short version: it's illegal in every destination country we cover unless you're registered with the right authority. We're not — by design.
The legal framework
Personalised immigration advice is regulated activity in Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. Each country has a regulator that licences the people allowed to give it for a fee:
Australia — MARA
The Migration Act 1958(Cth), section 281, makes it an offence to give immigration assistance — including advice on a specific visa application or person's eligibility — without being registered with the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA). Penalties: up to 10 years imprisonment plus fines.
Canada — CICC
The Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, section 91, restricts paid immigration advice to lawyers (including Quebec notaries) and Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) licensed by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC). Penalties: up to 5 years imprisonment plus CAD 200,000 fine.
New Zealand — IAA
The Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007requires anyone giving immigration advice to be licensed by the Immigration Advisers Authority (IAA), unless exempt (NZ lawyers, NZ MPs in some contexts).
What we can and can't answer
The line between information (legal) and advice (regulated) is the difference between describing how the system works and recommending a specific course of action for one person.
We CAN answer
- How does the AU points test work?
- What's the current CRS cut-off range?
- What documents are typically needed for a 190 application?
- How long does NZ SMC processing take?
- What's the difference between Express Entry FSW and CEC?
We CAN'T answer
- Should you apply for 189 or 190?
- Are you eligible for Express Entry?
- What are your chances of being invited?
- Which state should you target for nomination?
- Is your qualification enough for skills assessment?
Even if your profile is loaded into the system and the engine shows a points score or eligibility verdict, that's a calculation, not advice. The interpretation — what to do about it — is where regulation kicks in.
What you can do
Use Self Migrate to understand the systems, calculate your scores, compare countries, build your document checklist, and identify where you stand. When you're ready to make a decision or submit an application, talk to a registered agent or lawyer in your destination country.
Most registered agents will give you a free or low-cost initial consultation to assess your case. The investment is worth it for a decision that affects your family for years.
We're not a registered migration agent or licensed consultant. This page is itself general information, not legal advice. If you have questions about the regulatory framework itself, consult a lawyer in the relevant jurisdiction.