Hi everyone,

My partner and I are getting ready to start our visa application process (looking at the 189 or 190 visa), and we’re currently undecided on whether to go through a migration agent or do it ourselves.

We’ve read that some people choose the DIY route to save on costs, but we’re a bit nervous about making mistakes that could delay the process. Has anyone here done a 189 or 190 visa on their own without an agent?

How was your experience DIY?

• Were there any parts of the process that were especially tricky?
• ​If you did make an error or missed something, how easy was it to correct?
• ​​​​​​⠀‹Looking back, would you still do it DIY or go with an agent?
• Roughly how long did your visa process take from start to finish? ​

Also, for those who used a migration agent:

• What was the average cost you paid?
• (If it’s okay to ask) who did you go with for your agent, and would you recommend them?
• ​​​​​​⠀‹Would you recommend using a UK-based agent (since we’re currently in the UK), or is it better to go with an Australian based one?
• ​​​​​​⠀‹â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹â� �‹Roughly how long did your visa process take from start to finish?

We would really appreciate hearing from others who’ve been through it. We are trying to get a realistic idea of what we’d be getting ourselves into.

Thanks in advance! 🙏

A lot of people on the forum obtained visas at a different time. For myself, I obtained a 176 visa some time ago, which would be similar to 190.

I started the process myself - used the immi guidance to check points required, what was needed for skills assessment, etc., and started compiling everything needed. This is a good place to start, as you need to do this even if using an agent.

I continued to do all I needed to be ready to lodge EOI - the expression of interest to try and get an invite to apply for a visa. I needed IELTS for points, and I was working in a licensed trade so had multiple requirements for the skills assessment. I also knew I would need state sponsorship to reach points requirement, so I confirmed those requirements / process.

At the end of this, and because there was a risk for medical approval for my son, at the point of lodging EOI, I also engaged an agent. At the time, I think this only cost around £2k, but not sure. I used an agent to ensure that any additional requirements for my son were noted and actioned early - even then, when we got to medicals, his was sent for additional review and further info was required.

If you have a good understanding of the process and requirements, have straightforward application, have time to manage it and are organised, then there is no reason why you cannot manage everything yourselves.

If you haven't visited the immi site yet, have a look here for 189 - https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visa.../points-tested

The step by step tab includes details of all that needs to be done, which was my starting point. And for help and advice, the forum peeps were very helpful

Thanks for sharing your experience, really helpful! I didn’t realise you could actually start the process yourself and only bring in an agent later if needed. I had assumed it was all or nothing from the beginning with an agent, so that’s good to know. Makes sense to do the groundwork first and only get help where it’s really needed. I appreciate the tip!

My own visa was a Spouse Visa, so totally different, and also many years ago. However even back then if anyone applying for Spouse had a possible medical or criminal record issue, I would have advised an agent be used at some point. Nowadays with so much more money, and more detailed requirements, having advice from an agent at some point seems sensible for almost any visa.
As old,Sparkles has said, you have to do most of the early work yourself, collecting documents, getting references etc so if you are confident you understand the requirements, get stuck in! An agent can be used at any point - throughout the whole process, post-EOI as in Sparkles case, or even just to review the application prior to sending. Most people would keep the agent engaged until the decision is made to grant/refuse, as then its easier to deal with requests for more info.
In later years I have used a migration agent in relation to another visa, and am more than happy to recommend him, George Lombard, who is now with Playfair Migration. Others with a good reputation are Alan Collet of Go Matilda, and Paul Hand of Suncoast Migration. All Aus based, though Alan has offices in the UK as well. Everything will be done by phone and email anyway, so I think reputation is probably more important than location. All these three have been contributors to this forum for many years too, so you can search for their posts.

Thank you for your detailed reply and for the recommendations. I’ll contact them this evening. I just wanted to ask, if I’m applying for a 189 visa and already have 70 points, would I still be required to take an English language test? Thanks

The two reasons for taking an English test are requirements of assessing body when assessing skills, and points as you have noted.

Whilst there is a minimum threshold for all applicants, points required may be higher depending on occupation. Latest results here - https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visa...itation-rounds

As you can see actual points required range up to 95 for some occupations