Wouldn't it be great to hear from an expert exactly what is most likely to go wrong during your emigration and to learn some simple tips on how to avoid them? Well recently I got the opportunity to talk to someone who knows the immigration process inside out - Cathrine Burnett of Migration Matters.

Cathrine's a Migration Agent with nearly 10 years experience in the industry and has helped hundreds of families emigrate to Australia and has seen people make the same mistakes again and again. She shared with me the 7 most common pitfalls Brits make when going through the visa application process and 10 top tips for ensuring a stress free migration.

Pitfall #1. Not using valid forms.

The Department of Immigration and Citizenship require that to make a valid application the most up to date version of each form is used and if it's not your application can be sent back as invalid. Forms can change several times a year so check the version date on the bottom right hand corner against the information on the DIAC website

Pitfall #2. Incorrect Certification of Documents

DIAC and the assessing authorities are very particular about this and have different guidelines on who they will accept certified documents from. In most cases it's important to have the certified copies of the documents signed & dated correctly and not just ink-stamped. Read the guidelines and make sure that you're following them to the letter. Incorrect certification may been you are asked to provide documents again correctly certified. Wasting time, effort money and causing stress.

Pitfall #3. Not being able to back up & verifying your claims

DIAC will look closely and may verify your claims. Let your employer and previous employers know they may get a call from DIAC. Also be prepared to prove remuneration through P60s payslips etc If you can't prove your claims DIAC may refuse your visa application.

Pitfall #4. Not enough detail on Employer References DIAC don't want to know you're a good person or a great team member. They want to know you have been in skilled employment and that your duties correlate with your nominated occupation. Look at the relevant ASCO descriptions applicable to you, if needs be show them to your employer. Insufficient information on employer references can lead to refusal as DIAC may not be satisfied you have been in skilled employment.

Pitfall #5. Omitting information

Be honest, declare everything, otherwise it could come back and haunt you. i.e. If you have ever been convicted of an offense, whether it is spent or not it MUST be declared. It is considered a criminal offense to provide false or misleading information to the Australian government.

Pitfall#6. Not Submitting the required documentation

Not submitting the required documents at the time of application could cause delays or an invalid application. If you're asked for it, supply it. Get organized and collect all you need to get before it's needed.

Pitfall #7. Not Responding to DIAC within the timeframes provided Action all requests in a timely manner, if you don't respond within the timeframes provided DIAC can refuse the application.

In the next article Cathrine shares her top 10 tips for guaranteeing a stress free emigration.

So, take a deep breath and relax - enjoy the process it's an exciting time! Avoid these common pitfalls and you'll be well on your way to a simple, stress free emigration to Oz.