Agent fees
Why fees vary
Under the Code of Conduct for registered migration agents, the amount your agent charges (fees) must be fair and reasonable. Your agent will set their fee based on your circumstances.
Agent fees vary and depend on:
- your visa application type
- the amount of time it will take to prepare your application. Some visa applications take longer to prepare than others
- the level of service you need
- if you need extra help or have complex circumstances. For example your agent might charge more if you have dependants on your application (such as children).
- the experience and qualifications of your agent. If your agent is a lawyer or has many years of experience, their fees might be higher. If your agent’s fees seem too high, discuss this with them before signing a contract.
To ensure you are charged fairly, it is recommended that you talk to three different agents about their services and fees, before you choose one and sign a written contract with them.
Initial consultation fees
Many agents will meet with you in person or by telephone to provide general information and answer your questions before you sign a written service agreement with them. This is an initial consultation. Some agents do this for free and others charge for this service. Those who charge must tell you in writing how much you have to pay before your meeting (in person or by telephone).
Agreement for Services and Fees
Before starting work, your agent must provide you with an Agreement for Services and Fees. If you accept any financial terms, it must be in writing. The agreement must include:
- a list of the services to be performed by the agent
- fees for the services (either charged per service or per hour)
- disbursements (money paid by the agent on your behalf, such as a visa application charge).
Do not pay your agent until you have read, understood and agreed to the Agreement for Services and Fees.
Payment in advance or on completion of services
Most agents will ask you to pay them before they start work on your application. This is called payment in advance. The agent must deposit all advance payments into a special account, so that it is protected, and give you a receipt. Some agents do not charge in advance and only charge when their services are complete.
Clients’ account
When your agent has completed a block of work, they will send you an invoice to show:
- the work that has been completed; and
- the costs associated with that work.
The invoice must match what your Agreement for Services and Fees says.
Once all work is completed, and within 28 days of your visa or other immigration matter being decided, your agent must provide you with a Statement of Services detailing all work performed and the associated costs.
Clients' account
If your agent charges you before services are completed, they must have a bank account called a ‘clients’ account’. This has to be separate from their business accounts or personal bank accounts.
When your agent takes money from you before providing services, they are holding on to it for you. They must deposit it in the clients’ account and they cannot use it unless they need to pay for something on your behalf, such as your visa application fee.
Your agent can only take money from the clients’ account to pay for their professional fees once they have completed a service or a large amount of work, and provided you with an invoice.
Changes to your fees
Your agent must give you written notice of any change to the amount they will charge for providing you with services. Your agent has to do this as soon as they become aware of the change (for example, extra work your agent did not know about when they agreed to work for you).
Your agent must not carry out work for you in a way that unnecessarily increases the cost of the work, for example by seeking advice from specialists when not needed.
Fee disputes