Cómo es un presupuesto correctamente desglosado

A quote for migration work is hard to compare if the total price is the only thing shown. One quote may include preparation, lodgement and follow-up, while another may exclude key steps and add them later. A properly itemised quote makes the scope clear before money changes hands, and it helps you compare like with like.

For registered migration agents, the Migration Agents Code of Conduct 2021 sets practical rules about this. In particular, section 46 deals with how fees and disbursements are to be set out, and sections 42, 49, 50 and 51 also affect how quotes, agreements and payments work in practice.

What "itemised" means in practice#

An itemised quote breaks the work into parts and puts a price, or a clear pricing method, against each part. It does not just say "professional fees: $X" with no explanation. Under section 46 of the Code, the fee structure must be set out in a way that makes the basis of charging clear.

In practice, that usually means one of two pricing models. The first is a fixed professional fee for a defined scope of work. The second is an hourly rate with an estimate of the time likely to be spent, plus a note that actual hours may be more or less depending on what work is required.

A proper quote also separates professional fees from disbursements. Professional fees are the provider's own charges for their work. Disbursements are third-party costs, such as translation, interpreting, police checks, medicals, barrister fees, expert reports, courier charges or Department charges.

The point of itemising is not only transparency. It also reduces disputes later about what was included, what triggered an extra charge and when payment was due.

The parts a proper quote usually includes#

A clear quote usually starts by identifying the provider. For a registered migration agent, that includes the business name and MARN. The MARN is important because advertising and representations by a migration agent must identify them properly under section 25 of the Code. If a person says they can provide immigration assistance but does not hold registration or practise as an Australian legal practitioner, that raises issues under section 280 of the Migration Act 1958. You can check details at nuestro verificador de operadores.

The next part is the scope of work. This is the list of tasks the quote covers, for example:

• initial review of documents
• eligibility and criteria assessment
• document checklist and planning
• preparación de formularios
• drafting and collating application material
• lodgement of the application
• routine correspondence after lodgement
• response to standard requests for further information
• keeping records and copies

A proper quote then states the charging method. If it is a fixed fee, it should say that the fee is fixed for the listed scope. If it is hourly, it should show the hourly rate and an estimated range of hours, for example a lower estimate for a straightforward matter and a higher estimate if complications arise.

GST should be dealt with clearly. A quote should say whether the price is GST inclusive. The cleanest format is to state that all professional fees are GST inclusive, so there is no doubt about the actual amount payable.

Disbursements should be listed separately, not folded into professional fees without explanation. Where exact third-party prices are not yet known, the quote can list the type of disbursement and say it will be charged at cost, or provide an estimate if available. Department charges should also be shown separately from the provider's professional fees.

A proper quote often also gives an expected timeline for each stage, not a promise of outcome. This may include how long onboarding takes, when the provider expects documents to be reviewed and how long after receiving complete documents an application may be ready for lodgement.

Fixed fee versus hourly, and what each should show#

A fixed fee can be easier to compare across providers because the total for the defined scope is visible upfront. It works best when the work can be described clearly and the likely steps are known. Even with a fixed fee, the quote still needs detail about what is included and excluded.

An hourly quote can also comply with section 46, but only if the basis of charging is explained properly. A bare hourly rate is not enough for comparison. A useful hourly quote shows the rate, an estimated number of hours, the types of work expected within that estimate and the circumstances that may increase time.

For example, an hourly quote might separate work into file opening, document review, preparation, client correspondence, lodgement and post-lodgement follow-up. It may also say that time is billed in set units, such as six-minute or fifteen-minute increments, if that is the provider's practice. If minimum charges apply for calls or emails, that should be stated clearly.

Neither pricing model removes the need for a written agreement. Under section 42 of the Code, the terms of the engagement must be in writing. Under section 51, a migration agent must not ask for or receive payment before the client has agreed in writing to the services and fees.

Inclusions, exclusions and assumptions matter#

The most useful part of an itemised quote is often the inclusion and exclusion section. This is where two similar-looking totals can turn out to cover very different work.

Inclusions are the tasks covered by the quoted professional fee. A clear list might include one main application, one set of routine submissions, one response to a standard request for information, and routine communication by email. If Form 956 will be used to appoint the provider as authorised recipient or recipient of documents, that may also be listed as part of setup. Form 956 sits within the broader framework of section 312A of the Migration Act.

Exclusions are just as important. Common exclusions include merits review, judicial review, ministerial intervention requests, character issues, health waiver work, responses to allegations of false documents, PIC 4020 issues, and complicated requests for further information. False or misleading documents can lead to serious consequences under sections 234 and 245AR of the Migration Act and PIC 4020, so quotes often carve out that kind of work for separate pricing if it arises.

Assumptions explain what the price is based on. For example, a quote may assume that documents are provided in English or already translated, that there are no urgent deadlines, that family composition is straightforward, or that no legal submissions beyond standard covering material are needed. If those assumptions change, the provider may issue a revised quote or a variation.

This is why the cheapest total is not always the cheapest service. One quote may look lower simply because it excludes steps that another quote has included.

Payment stages, invoices, receipts and client money#

A proper quote normally shows when payment is due. This is often done in stages. For example, one instalment may be due on signing the agreement, another before lodgement, and another if post-lodgement work is required. Stage payments make it easier to match the money paid to the work being done.

Section 46 is relevant here because the structure of the fees should be clear, but payment handling is also governed by other parts of the Code. Section 49 requires an invoice or receipt that identifies what has been charged and paid. If money is held on behalf of a client, section 50 deals with client accounts and how those funds must be handled.

A quote should make clear whether any money paid upfront is for earned professional fees, future work, or disbursements to be paid later. If funds are to be held in a client account until work is performed or costs are incurred, that should be stated. The agreement should also say what happens if the matter ends early, for example whether unused client money is refunded and how final billing will be calculated.

It also helps if the quote explains the trigger for extra work. A variation clause may say that if the matter becomes more complex, the provider will give a new written fee proposal before doing additional billable work. That kind of wording makes later invoices easier to understand.

How to compare quotes fairly#

The easiest way to compare quotes is to line them up against the same checklist. Start with the scope. Check whether both quotes cover the same stages, the same number of applicants and the same level of post-lodgement work.

Then look at the pricing method. If one quote is fixed and the other is hourly, compare the likely total, not just the starting figure. Hourly estimates can expand if the assumptions are broad or unclear.

Next, check disbursements. A quote that looks lower may exclude translation, interpreting, police checks, medicals or courier costs. Department charges should be separate as well. For general pricing patterns across providers, the estimador de costos can help as a starting point.

Finally, check compliance points. Is the provider clearly identified with a MARN, if they are acting as a migration agent. Is there a written agreement. Is the fee structure understandable. Was the consumer guide given first, as required by section 38 of the Code. If you want quotes from registered providers in one place, you can describe the work and receive responses.

What section 46 looks like on a real quote#

Section 46 is about more than listing a number. In practice, a compliant quote usually lets a reader answer five basic questions without guessing.

First, what work is being done. Second, how the provider is charging for that work, fixed fee or hourly. Third, what third-party costs sit outside that fee. Fourth, when each amount becomes payable. Fifth, what happens if the scope changes.

If any of those points are missing, comparison becomes difficult. That does not automatically mean the provider has done anything improper, but it does mean the quote may need clarification before an agreement is signed.

A useful quote is also consistent with the later paperwork. The written agreement under section 42, the invoice or receipt under section 49, and any handling of client money under section 50 should all match the structure first shown in the quote. If they do not, that is a sign to ask for a clearer written breakdown.

Preguntas comunes#

What should be on a migration agent quote in Australia?#

A proper quote usually identifies the provider, including their MARN if they are a registered migration agent, then sets out the scope of work, the fee structure and payment stages. It should also show whether fees are GST inclusive, list disbursements separately and explain what is included and excluded.

Can a migration agent charge hourly rates?#

Yes, an hourly model can be used if the basis of charging is made clear under section 46 of the Code. A useful hourly quote usually states the hourly rate, an estimate of hours, what work sits within that estimate and what may cause the cost to increase.

Do migration agent quotes have to include GST?#

The quote should make clear whether GST is included. The clearest format is to state that professional fees are GST inclusive, so the actual amount payable is easy to compare against other quotes.

What if a quote is vague or extra charges appear later?#

A vague quote can be hard to compare because the scope and assumptions are not obvious. If extra charges appear later, the first documents to check are the written agreement, the original fee breakdown and any later written variation. For concerns about conduct by a registered migration agent, the guía del consumidor y página de quejas explain the process.

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Sobre esta guía. Esta es información general sobre cómo funciona un proceso en Australia. No es immigration assistance y no es asesoramiento sobre su situación. Según la sección 280 de la Migration Act 1958 solo un agente de migración registrado o un Australian legal practitioner puede darle eso. Los cargos del gobierno se indexan y la mayoría cambian el 1 July, así que verifique cualquier cifra en immi.homeaffairs.gov.au, y verifique cualquier agente en el registro de OMARA (autoridad de registro de agentes migratorios).