Cheapest Migration Agents in Australia (2026)

Before looking for the cheapest option, it helps to understand what the market charges. Here are typical fee ranges by visa type:

• - [Visitor Visa](/visa/visitor-visa) (Subclass 600): -,500
• - [Student Visa](/visa/student-visa) (Subclass 500): ,000-,000
• - [Working Holiday](/visa/working-holiday-visa) Visa (417/462): -,500
• - Graduate Visa (Subclass 485): ,500-,500
• - [Skilled Independent](/visa/skilled-independent-visa) (189): ,000-,000
• - Skilled Nominated (190): ,000-,000
• - Skilled Regional (491): ,000-,000
• - [Partner Visa](/visa/partner-visa) (820/801): ,500-,000
• - [Employer Sponsored](/visa/employer-sponsored-visa) (482/186): ,000-,000
• - [Parent Visa](/visa/parent-visa) (143): ,500-,000
• - Protection Visa (866): ,000-,000+

These are agent professional fees only. Government visa application charges, medical exams, police checks, and translations are additional costs.

Use our cost estimator tool to get a personalised estimate for your situation.

Visa complexity is the single biggest factor. A straightforward student visa takes a few hours of work; a contested protection visa can take hundreds of hours.

Agent experience matters too. An agent with 15 years of experience and a high success rate typically charges more than a newly registered agent. You are paying for their track record.

Location plays a role. CBD offices in Sydney and Melbourne have higher overheads, which can translate to higher fees. Agents in suburban areas or those working remotely may charge less.

Scope of service varies significantly. Some agents offer a full-service package (initial assessment, application preparation, lodgement, and follow-up with the Department). Others charge per consultation or for specific stages. Always ask what is included in the quoted fee.

Case complications — previous visa refusals, health issues, character concerns, or incomplete documentation — all add complexity and cost.

Here are practical strategies for finding affordable migration assistance without compromising on quality:

1. Get Multiple Quotes Contact at least 3 agents and compare their fees and inclusions. Our directory makes it easy to find and enquire with multiple agents at once.

2. Look Beyond the CBD Agents in suburban or regional areas often charge 20-30% less than CBD-based agents for equivalent work. With video consultations now standard, location matters less than expertise.

3. Consider Newer Agents Recently registered agents may charge lower fees as they build their client base. They still hold the same Graduate Diploma qualification and MARA registration. Check their background — many newer agents previously worked at established firms.

4. Ask About Payment Plans Many agents offer instalment plans, breaking the total fee into 2-4 payments. This does not reduce the cost but makes it more manageable.

5. Seek Agents Who Specialise in Your Visa Type A specialist works more efficiently on familiar visa types, which can translate to lower fees. An agent who does 50 partner visas a year can prepare yours faster than someone who does 2.

6. Check Community Organisations Some community legal centres and migrant resource centres offer free or low-cost immigration advice. These services are typically limited to people in financial hardship or specific community groups.

The real cost of a migration agent is not their fee — it is the outcome they help you achieve. Consider what a refused visa costs:

• - Lost government fees — ,640 for a skilled visa, ,850 for a partner visa (non-refundable)
• - Lost time — months or years of processing, then starting over
• - Potential visa ban — some refusals carry a 3-year exclusion period
• - Lost income — if you cannot work in Australia during delays
• - Emotional cost — stress and uncertainty for you and your family

An agent who charges ,000 but gets your application right the first time is far cheaper than an agent who charges ,000 but submits an incomplete application that gets refused.

Be cautious of agents who quote significantly below market rates. Unusually low fees may indicate: - Limited experience or a new practice trying to build volume - A stripped-down service (lodgement only, no follow-up) - Hidden additional charges added later - An unregistered operator (verify their MARA registration)

If professional agent fees are beyond your budget, you have options:

Apply yourself — For straightforward visas (visitor, working holiday, simple student visas), the Department of Home Affairs website provides application guides. This is viable if your case has no complications.

Community legal centres — Organisations like the Refugee Advice and Casework Service (RACS), Immigration Advice and Rights Centre (IARC), and state-based legal aid services offer free immigration advice to eligible people.

Education agents — If you are applying for a student visa, many education agents provide visa lodgement assistance as part of their service (funded by the education institution, not you).

Initial consultation only — If you cannot afford full representation, consider paying for a single consultation (-). A good agent can review your situation, identify risks, and advise you on whether you can safely proceed on your own.

Legal aid — In some states, legal aid may cover immigration matters for people in financial hardship, particularly for protection visa claims.

When comparing quotes from different agents, make sure you are comparing like for like:

1. What is included? Does the fee cover the full application from assessment to grant, or just lodgement?
2. Are there additional charges? Ask about fees for responding to Requests for Further Information (RFIs), attending interviews, or handling complications
3. What about government fees? Agent quotes should not include government visa application charges — if they do, separate them out
4. Payment terms? Some agents want full payment upfront; others bill in stages
5. What if the visa is refused? Ask whether any portion of the fee is refundable

A clear, written fee agreement before you engage is essential. This is a MARA Code of Conduct requirement for registered agents.