Migration Agent vs DIY - A Detailed Cost Comparison

One of the most common questions I hear is whether the cost of a migration agent is worth it. Having gone through the process myself, here is my honest assessment.

What you are comparing

There are three options for applying for an Australian skilled visa:

1. DIY - Do everything yourself using ImmiAccount and official DHA guidance. Cost: $0 (beyond mandatory fees).
2. Migration agent - A MARA-registered professional handles your application. Cost: $3,000-$8,000.
3. Guided self-service - Tools like MigrateYou that walk you through the process. Cost: $199.

When DIY works

DIY is fine if you have:

• A straightforward occupation clearly on the Skilled Occupation List
• High English proficiency (you can navigate government forms confidently)
• A clean visa history with no refusals or complications
• Time to research and double-check every requirement

When you need an agent

Hire a MARA-registered agent if you have:

• Previous visa refusals or cancellations
• Health conditions that may trigger a waiver requirement
• Complex family situations (e.g. custody arrangements, dependent parents)
• A need for AAT appeals or ministerial intervention

The hidden cost of mistakes

The real risk of DIY is not the application itself - it is making errors that delay or derail your visa. Common mistakes include incorrect points claims, insufficient evidence, and missing documents. A refused application means you lose the $4,640 visa fee and months of time.

Where MigrateYou fits

We built MigrateYou for the majority of applicants who fall in the middle - your case is not complex enough to justify $5,000+ in agent fees, but you want more guidance than going completely alone. Compare your options in detail.