If you are planning to move overseas for higher studies, you should understand that choosing the right overseas education consultant can make your journey smoother, faster, and far less stressful. With their years of experience, professional consultants help students select the right course, university, and country, while also ensuring that documentation and visa processes are handled correctly.

However, the growing demand for study abroad opportunities has also led to an increase in unethical and unregistered overseas education consultants. Many students fall victim to false promises, poor guidance, or incomplete applications, which can result in visa refusals and financial loss. That is why it is mandatory to thoroughly enquire about a visa consultancy before finalising it.

In this blog, we highlight important factors to help you choose an authorised and trusted overseas education consultant, so you can make an informed and confident decision.

1. Check Professional Background and Specialisation

Two major factors must be considered while selecting an overseas education consultant:

1. Experience in the Market: An experienced consultancy understands changing immigration rules, embassy requirements, and university admission standards. Consultants with a long-standing presence are more likely to have handled diverse student profiles, study gaps, refusals, and complex cases.

2. Area of Expertise: Not every consultant is an expert in every country. For example:

  • Some consultants specialise in UK, Canada, and Australia student visas

  • Others focus more on European countries like Malta, Germany, or Russia

  • A few may be strong in Asian destinations such as Singapore or Mauritius

If you are planning to study in the UK, choosing a consultant who mainly handles Canadian visas may limit the quality of guidance you receive. Always ensure the consultant has proven expertise in your target country.

Alternatively, you can choose Abroad Gateway, which brings 15+ years of experience in overseas education and visa consultancy. The team specialises in study visas for 30+ countries, including the UK, Canada, USA, Australia, New Zealand, Europe, Singapore, and Mauritius.

2. Accreditation

Accreditation is one of the most important indicators of whether an overseas education consultant is genuine and authorised. An accredited consultant follows legal practices, works with recognised institutions, and adheres to ethical standards. Accreditation also reduces the risk of fraud, fake offers, or misleading guidance.

Never hesitate to ask direct questions. A genuine consultant will always be transparent about their credentials. To check the accreditation:

  • Ask the consultant to show the company registration documents

  • Check if they are registered with local authorities or police departments

  • Verify if they are authorised representatives of universities or colleges

  • Look for memberships with recognised industry bodies (where applicable)

  • Cross-check business details on government or official portals

3. Visit Multiple Education Consultants

One of the smartest ways to find the best overseas education consultant is to visit multiple consultants before finalising one. Prepare a simple questionnaire and ask the same questions to each consultant, such as:

  • Which universities and courses suit my profile?

  • What are the visa success chances?

  • What documents are required?

  • What is the total cost, including tuition and living expenses?

By comparing answers, you can easily judge who is knowledgeable and who is simply trying to sell a dream. Most importantly, ensure that the recommended course matches your educational background. A mismatch between your past education and chosen course is a common reason for visa refusal. A professional consultant will always suggest academically logical options, even if they seem less attractive at first.

4. Market Reputation of the Company

The market reputation of an overseas education consultant speaks volumes about their service quality and ethics. A consultancy with a strong reputation is likely to:

  • Provide honest guidance

  • Maintain transparency in fees

  • Offer post-visa support

  • Have a high success rate

A company that consistently delivers good results will naturally have satisfied students who are willing to share their experiences.

To check the reputation of an immigration company:

  • Speak directly to previous students or clients

  • Ask the consultant for success stories or references

  • Check how long they have been operating from the same office location

  • Observe their professionalism during counselling sessions

5. The Internet Can Help

The Internet is a powerful tool when it comes to shortlisting the best overseas education consultants. Avoid relying on just one review. A balanced mix of positive and neutral feedback often reflects authenticity.

Use these tips to search effectively:

  • Search using location-based keywords like “best overseas education consultant in Chandigarh” or “best study visa consultant in Chandigarh”

  • Read Google reviews carefully, not just ratings

  • Look for consistency in feedback across platforms

  • Check the company’s website for updated content, service clarity, and contact details

  • Follow their social media pages to see real student updates and visa approvals

6. Beware of False Claims

These days, many consultants make unrealistic promises to attract students. They cannot control embassy decisions. It is important to remember that no consultant can guarantee a visa approval. A genuine overseas education consultant can:

  • Evaluate your profile

  • Explain strengths and weaknesses

  • Estimate realistic visa chances

Red flags to watch out for:

  • “100% visa guarantee” claims

  • Assuring visa approval without checking documents

  • Very low fees compared to market standards

  • No written agreement or receipt

  • Pressure tactics to pay immediately

  • Asking for fake documents or misinformation

Looking for an Overseas Education Consultant in Chandigarh

If you are looking for a trusted overseas education consultant in Chandigarh, Abroad Gateway stands out as a reliable choice.

At Abroad Gateway, the focus is not just on getting a visa, but on building a long-term academic and career pathway for students. Book your free consultation today.