MigrateYou vs migration agent.
Traditional migration agents charge $3,000-$8,000 for a skilled visa application. MigrateYou costs $199. But price is not the only factor - here is an honest look at when each option makes sense.
Migration agent
$3,000 - $8,000
- + Legal representation
- + Handles complex cases
- + Can lodge on your behalf
- + AAT appeal support
- - High cost
- - Quality varies widely
- - You still provide all the info
- - Slow communication
MigrateYou
$199
- + 90% cheaper
- + AI-guided application builder
- + Real-time points calculation
- + ImmiAccount lodgement guide
- + Documents and statements generated
- + Optional agent review ($299)
- - You lodge the application yourself
- - Not suited for complex cases
When to choose a migration agent.
A migration agent is the right choice if:
- - You have had a visa refused or cancelled
- - You need a health or character waiver
- - Your case involves the Administrative Appeals Tribunal
- - You have an unusual employment or education history that is hard to document
- - You want someone to lodge the application and handle all Department communication
When MigrateYou is enough.
MigrateYou works well for most standard skilled migration applications:
- - You are applying for a 189, 190, or 491 visa
- - Your occupation is clearly on the Skilled Occupation List
- - You have no previous visa refusals or complications
- - You are comfortable lodging through ImmiAccount with a step-by-step guide
- - You want to save $3,000-$8,000
Cost comparison.
- Visa application charge (189)
- $4,640
- Skills assessment
- $500 - $1,200
- English test (IELTS/PTE)
- ~$400
- Health examination
- ~$400
- Police clearance
- $50 - $100
- Subtotal (government + mandatory)
- ~$6,000 - $6,700
- Migration agent fee
- $3,000 - $8,000
- MigrateYou
- $199
- Total with agent
- $9,000 - $14,700
- Total with MigrateYou
- ~$6,200 - $6,900
Costs are approximate and may vary. Visa application charges are set by the Department of Home Affairs and are the same regardless of which approach you choose.
Frequently asked questions.
Is MigrateYou a replacement for a migration agent?
For straightforward skilled migration applications (189, 190, 491), MigrateYou handles the same core work - guiding your application, calculating points, generating documents, and producing an ImmiAccount lodgement guide. For complex cases involving visa refusals, health waivers, or tribunal appeals, a migration agent is the better choice.
What does a migration agent do that MigrateYou does not?
A migration agent can represent you legally before the Department of Home Affairs and the Administrative Appeals Tribunal. They can also handle complex cases that fall outside standard eligibility criteria. MigrateYou focuses on guided application building for standard visa pathways.
How much does a migration agent cost in Australia?
Migration agent fees typically range from $3,000 to $8,000 for a skilled visa application, depending on the complexity and the agent's experience. Some agents charge hourly ($200-$500/hour) while others charge a flat project fee. This is on top of the visa application charge paid to the government.
Can I use MigrateYou and then get an agent to review my application?
Yes. MigrateYou offers an optional Agent Review add-on for $299 where a MARA-registered migration agent reviews your completed application for compliance before you lodge. This gives you professional oversight at a fraction of the full-service cost.
Find out if MigrateYou is right for you.
Get a free assessment and see your estimated points score, visa pathway, and next steps.