Migration Agent Fees in Australia — 2026 Guide

Fee Ranges by Visa Category

Student visas: $800 to $2,500. Visitor visas: $500 to $1,500. Partner visas: $2,500 to $6,000. Skilled visas (189/190/491): $2,000 to $5,000. Employer sponsored (482/186): $2,500 to $6,000. Parent visas: $3,000 to $7,000. Business and investment visas: $5,000 to $15,000 or more. Citizenship: $500 to $2,000. AAT review and appeals: $3,000 to $10,000 or more. These are agent professional fees only — government application charges are entirely separate and often substantially higher.

What Drives Fees Up or Down

Simpler cases within each category cost less. Factors that increase fees include prior visa refusals, complex relationship evidence for partner visas, multiple family members on one application, health or character concerns, cases requiring AAT review, and situations where the agent needs to prepare detailed written submissions. The agent's fee should reflect the genuine complexity of your situation. If two agents quote very different amounts for the same case, ask each one what is driving their number.

Government Charges Are Separate

Do not confuse agent fees with government application charges. The government charge for a partner visa is approximately $8,850. Skilled visa charges range from $4,000 to $4,640. Business visas range from $6,000 to $9,000 or more. Parent visa contributory charges exceed $49,000 across both stages. Your agent's fee sits on top of these. When budgeting, add the agent fee plus the government charge plus any third-party costs like health examinations, police clearances, translations, English tests, and skills assessments.

Hidden Charges to Watch For

The most common sources of unexpected charges are skills assessment assistance billed separately from the main visa fee, additional family members added at extra cost, responding to requests for further information from the Department charged as additional work, AAT review representation quoted separately if the application is refused, document translation and certification fees, and administrative or file management fees. A good agent discloses all potential costs upfront in a written fee agreement. If you are not shown a written agreement before paying, that is a red flag.

Fixed Fee vs Hourly — What to Expect

Most agents charge fixed fees for standard visa applications. This is better for you because the cost is predictable. Some agents charge hourly for complex or unusual matters — typically $250 to $450 per hour. If hourly billing is proposed, ask for an estimate of total hours and a fee cap. Be cautious of hourly billing for standard applications where experienced agents should be able to quote fixed fees.

Payment Plans and Deposit Structures

Most agents offer payment plans. A common structure is 30 to 50 percent deposit to commence work, with the balance at lodgement. Some offer three-stage payments. Be cautious of agents requiring 100 percent upfront before any work begins. Conversely, understand that agents need a deposit to start — working for free is not reasonable. Payment terms should always be in the written fee agreement.

How to Compare Fees Meaningfully

When comparing quotes, ensure you are comparing scope, not just price. One agent quoting $3,500 all-inclusive is different from another quoting $2,000 for the visa application only with skills assessment as an additional $1,500. Ask each agent for a written breakdown of inclusions and exclusions. Through Migratio, up to 3 matched agents review the same case brief — so when you request quotes after matching, you are comparing on equal terms.

Can agents charge whatever they want?

Agents set their own fees, but OMARA requires fees to be fair and clearly communicated. If you believe fees are unfair, you can lodge a complaint with OMARA.

Should I pay the full fee upfront?

Most agents require a 30 to 50 percent deposit with the balance at lodgement. Be cautious of 100 percent upfront requirements.

What if I cannot afford an agent?

Community legal centres may offer free immigration advice. Legal aid is available for some protection visa claims. Agent review services cost less than full representation. Comparing 3 agents through Migratio may also reveal more affordable options.

Are there hidden fees I should ask about?

Ask about skills assessment assistance, additional family members, post-lodgement responses, AAT review, translations, and any administrative fees. A good agent discloses all fees upfront.

Is the cheapest agent the best value?

Not necessarily. A lower fee may reflect a narrower scope. Judge agents on the combination of experience, communication, included services, and price.