What to Expect at Your First Migration Agent Consultation

Before the Consultation: What to Prepare

Coming prepared to your first consultation saves time and gets you more specific, actionable advice. Bring or have ready: your passport(s) — current and any expired passports; your Australian visa history (current and previous Australian visas); any existing skills assessment, qualification, or professional registration documents; employment history (employer, role, dates, type of contract); educational qualifications (certificates, transcripts, graduation dates); English test results if you have them (IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, OET); proof of relationship (if relevant — partner visa, parent visa, or family-sponsored visa); any previous visa refusals, appeals, or adverse decisions in Australia or any other country (be upfront — the agent needs this to give you accurate advice); clear statement of your goal — what outcome do you want? Permanent residence? Work rights for a specific timeframe? Sponsoring a family member? The more clearly you can articulate what you want to achieve, the more efficiently the consultation will run.

What the Consultation Covers

A professional first consultation typically covers: Your situation assessment — the agent reviews your circumstances: nationality, education, occupation, work history, visa history, and personal situation. Your visa options — based on your circumstances, the agent identifies which visa pathways are available to you, including ones you may not have considered. For skills-based applicants this includes a points calculation; for employer-sponsored applicants it includes a labour market testing assessment; for family visa applicants it includes relationship evidence requirements. A realistic assessment of your chances — a good agent will give you an honest assessment of your visa prospects, including any risks or vulnerabilities in your application. If your points score is low, they'll say so. If your occupation is congested in SkillSelect, they'll tell you that too. Fee structure — the agent should explain their fees for the services you need and provide a written quote or client agreement. Timeline — a realistic estimate of how long your visa application will take, including current Department processing times. What they need from you to proceed — specific documents, skills assessments, English tests, or other prerequisites.

How Migration Agent Fees Work

Migration agent fees are not regulated by OMARA — agents set their own prices. This means fees vary widely across the industry. Typical fee ranges for common applications: Skilled migration (189, 190, 491 EOI + application): $2,500–$5,000+ depending on complexity. Employer-sponsored (482 nomination + visa): $3,000–$8,000 depending on complexity of the nomination. Partner visas (820/801 or 309/100): $3,000–$6,000 for a full-service lodgement. Student visa: $800–$2,000. Parent visas (143, 173): $3,000–$8,000+ due to the length and complexity. Complex matters (ART appeals, character waivers, ministerial interventions): $5,000–$15,000+. Many agents offer a paid initial consultation ($150–$400) that comes with a written assessment of your options — this fee is usually credited against the full service fee if you engage them. A written client agreement outlining all services and fees must be provided before work commences — this is an OMARA requirement, not optional.

Questions Worth Asking Your Agent

A good first consultation is a two-way assessment — you are evaluating the agent as much as they are evaluating your case. Ask: How many applications of this type have you lodged in the last 12 months? (Relevant experience matters for complex visa types.) Do you handle my application personally, or will it be delegated to a junior staff member? Will you tell me directly if you think my application has a low chance of success? What happens if my visa is refused — what are my options, and what will it cost? Can you give me a realistic assessment of Department processing times for my visa type right now? What are my responsibilities during the application process — what will you need from me, and when? What is your fee structure, and when are fees due? Do you have experience with my nationality and the specific issues that commonly arise for applicants from my country?

Red Flags During a Consultation

Not all consultations will be with honest, competent agents. Walk away or seek a second opinion if the agent: Guarantees visa approval or a specific grant date. (No agent can guarantee this — the Department makes the decision.) Quotes a suspiciously low fee without explanation, then escalates it during the engagement. Cannot explain specifically which visa subclass they recommend and why. Asks you to sign a client agreement during the consultation without giving you time to read it. Pressures you to pay a large deposit immediately. Cannot answer questions about current processing times or recent policy changes in your visa category. Does not listen to your situation before jumping to conclusions. Has no verifiable business address or contact details beyond a mobile number. A registered, competent migration agent welcomes your questions. They are confident in their expertise and transparent about process and fees. If an agent seems evasive or dismissive, find another one — there are over 5,000 registered migration agents in Australia.

How long does a typical first consultation take?

A thorough first consultation for a substantive visa matter typically takes 45–90 minutes. Shorter consultations (20–30 minutes) are fine for straightforward matters or initial screening. If an agent rushes through a complex situation in 15 minutes, that is a red flag.

Should I consult multiple agents before choosing one?

Yes — particularly for high-stakes applications like parent visas, employer-sponsored visas, or complex skills migration. Different agents may have different strategies, fee structures, and levels of relevant experience. Getting two or three consultations before committing is reasonable and advisable.

What if the agent gives me bad advice?

If a registered migration agent gives you incorrect advice that results in a refused or incorrect visa application, you can file a complaint with OMARA. OMARA can investigate and discipline the agent. If you suffered financial loss, you may have a claim against their professional indemnity insurance. Document everything — keep copies of all written advice, client agreements, and correspondence.

Can I consult an agent online or by video call?

Yes. Most migration agents conduct consultations via video call (Zoom, Teams, Google Meet) as well as in-person. Online consultations are just as valid — many of the best agents in Australia consult entirely remotely and work with clients across states and countries.