I am a Registered Migration Agent. I sell DIY visa kits. And I am going to tell you honestly: not everyone needs a migration agent, and not everyone should use a DIY kit. The right choice depends on the complexity of your situation. Here is how to tell which applies to you.
When a DIY kit is the right choice
A DIY kit is designed for straightforward applications where the requirements are clear, your circumstances are standard, and the main risk is not understanding the process or missing documents. For these situations, a kit with proper checklists, templates, and step-by-step guidance is often all you need.
- First-time visitor visayou have a stable job, clear travel purpose, and sufficient savings
- Working Holiday visayou meet the age, country, and funds requirements, and you understand the specified work rules for extensions
- Student visayou have a clear study plan, a CoE, genuine funds, and can write a strong GS statement
- Partner visayour relationship is genuine and well-documented, your sponsor has no sponsorship history issues, and neither of you has health or character concerns
In these cases, the main value of a kit is ensuring you understand the requirements, gather the right evidence, and present it in a way that makes the case officer's job easier. A good kit saves you from the mistakes that cause refusals in otherwise straightforward applications.
When you genuinely need a migration agent
Some situations involve legal complexity that a kit cannot address. These are the cases where professional advice is not a luxury: it is a necessity.
- Your visa has expired and Schedule 3 applies: if you are applying for a partner visa onshore after your visa has expired, the Schedule 3 criteria (clauses 3001, 3003, 3004) create a legal minefield. The Federal Circuit Court confirmed in Waensila v Minister for Immigration and Border Protection [2016] FCAFC 32 that a genuine relationship alone is not a "compelling reason" for a Schedule 3 waiver. You need a strategy.
- You have a health conditionif you or a family member have a condition that may trigger the health requirement (PIC 4007), you need advice on whether a health waiver is available and how to structure the evidence. The waiver only applies to the "significant cost" or "prejudice to access" limbs, not to tuberculosis or public health risk limbs.
- You have a criminal historyeven minor or spent convictions must be declared for immigration purposes (Section 85ZZH of the Crimes Act 1914). Non-disclosure triggers PIC 4020 (3-year exclusion). A migration agent can assess whether your history triggers the character test under Section 501 and how to present mitigating evidence.
- You have had a visa refused or cancelledprevious refusals can trigger exclusion periods (PIC 4013, 4014) and affect future applications. The Department can also consider your immigration history under various criteria. You need someone who understands how to navigate these barriers.
- Your sponsor has previously sponsored a partnerthe sponsorship limitations under Regulation 1.20J (5-year bar, two-sponsorship lifetime limit) are complex. A waiver may be available for "compelling circumstances affecting the sponsor," but the threshold is high.
- You hold a 491 or 494 visaif you hold a Subclass 491 or 494, you cannot validly apply for a partner visa (820) until you have held it for at least 3 years (Item 1214C(3)(g)). This is a validity requirement, not a discretion: the application will be rejected if you apply too early.
- Employer sponsored with complex business structuresif your employer is a start-up, has complex group structures, or the nomination involves unusual circumstances, the LMT and genuine position requirements need careful handling.
- You want to appeal a refusalappeals to the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) have strict time limits (usually 21 or 28 days) and require legal grounds. This is not a DIY task.
The cost comparison
A migration agent typically charges between AUD $2,500 and $15,000 depending on the visa type and complexity. A DIY kit costs a fraction of that. The question is whether your situation has complexities that justify the additional cost.
| Visa type | DIY kit | Migration agent |
|---|---|---|
| Visitor visa (600) | $350 | $500–$1,500 |
| Working holiday (417/462) | $320 | $1,000–$2,500 |
| Student visa (500) | $350 | $1,500–$3,500 |
| Partner visa (820/801) | $350 | $3,000–$7,500 |
| Employer sponsored (482) | $650 | $4,000–$10,000+ |
Note: these are typical ranges. Agent fees vary based on complexity, location, and the agent's experience. The government Visa Application Charge is additional to both options.
A hybrid approach
Many applicants use a hybrid approach: buy a DIY kit to understand the process and gather documents, then book a one-off consultation with a migration agent to review your application before lodging. This gives you the benefit of professional oversight at a fraction of the full-service cost. If you would like a consultation, you can request one here.
If you are unsure which path is right for you, take our free visa assessment. It will flag any complexity factors in your situation and recommend whether a DIY kit is sufficient or whether you should seek professional advice.
About the Author
Matilda, MARN 0958254
A Registered Migration Agent with 16+ years in migration and thousands of consultations across every major visa pathway.
General information only, not personal migration advice. Legislative references are current as at July 2026 but change periodically. Always confirm the current rules on the Department of Home Affairs website.
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