What is a Migration Agent?

 

A migration agent is anyone who uses knowledge of migration procedures to offer advice or assistance to a person wishing to obtain a visa to enter or remain in Australia.

 

The definition of ‘immigration assistance’ also includes giving assistance to people who are nominating or sponsoring prospective visa applicants.

 

An ‘agent’ includes lawyers and people who work for voluntary organisations and provide their advice free of charge. However, migration agents generally charge for their services.

 

Migration agents operating in Australia are required by law to be registered with the Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA). Some migration agents operating outside Australia are also registered with the MARA

Agent Fees

 

In the interest of consumer protection and to encourage competition, the following information shows the range of fees charged by the majority of registered migration agents.  

 

All registered migration agents provide the Migration Agents Registration Authority with information on an annual basis on the average fees they charge for the services they provide.  The following information represents the range of fees charged by 70% of registered migration agents during the period from July 2007 to June 2008.  These fees include GST.

 

 

Agent Fee Data – July 2007 to June 2008 (The fees quoted are in Australian Dollars and include GST)
		Range
Permanent Residency Services	Employer Sponsored Migration	$2,400 – $5,000
	General Skilled Migration	$1,500 – $3,850
	Business Skills Entry	$3,300 – $10,000
	Partner Migration	$1,500 – $3,500
	Child Migration	$1,200 – $3,500
	Parent Migration	$1,500 – $3,500
	Other Family Migration	$1,500 – $3,500
	Special Migration	$1,500 – $4,000
	Humanitarian Offshore	$1,000 – $3,000
	Onshore Protection	$1,000 – $3,300
Temporary Residency Services	Students	$500 – $2,000
	Temporary Business	$1,500 – $4,000
	Temporary Non-business	$500 – $2,550
Review	Review Application	$1,200 – $4,000

 

Factors influencing fees

Fees charged for work performed can vary as a result of a number of factors. 

 

Influences on lower fees may include:

·                     the inexperience of the registered migration agent concerned; the desire to enter a particular market

·                     the desire to assist in unusual circumstances

·                     the ease of that particular application

·                     the applicant having already partly completed the assignment

·                     the current marketplace fee levels.

 

Influences on higher fees may include:

·                     the use of a senior registered migration agent with many years’ experience

·                     the specific difficulties or complexities of a particular case

·                     the costs associated with running a larger business or practice

·                     the desire of the applicant for high personal levels of service

 

You should check with your migration agent whether there are additional charges that are not included in the quoted fees, for example; photocopying, phone calls and couriers.