"But What If I Miss Something?"
The #1 fear stopping students from applying independently. Let's address it honestly.
Here's the truth:
80%+ of student visa applications are straightforward. If you're a genuine student with clean documents, you don't need a $3,000 agent. You need a good checklist and clear instructions.
Do You REALLY Need an Agent?
Let's be brutally honest. Here's when you DO and DON'T need professional help:
You SHOULD Use an Agent If:
Any country, any visa type. This requires professional assessment.
Character assessment is complex. Don't DIY this.
TB, HIV, chronic conditions - need expert guidance on waivers.
Divorced parents, custody issues, adoption - get professional help.
Need to explain why you stopped studying. Agent can help craft explanation.
Parents can't show clear income/assets. Agent knows alternative proof.
Honest advice: If any of these apply to you, investing $2,000-5,000 in a MARA-registered agent is worth it. Your visa is at stake. Find agents at mara.gov.au
You DON'T Need an Agent If:
Clean slate? You're 90% there already.
You have CoE from a real university? That's the hardest part done.
Bank statements, salary slips, property papers - you have proof.
You can read and follow instructions. That's literally all you need.
Healthy, clean record? Nothing to explain.
If you got into university, you can fill a government form.
Real talk: If you fit this profile, you're capable of completing the application yourself with the right tools and guidance. Agents provide organization and peace of mind, but the work itself is straightforward.
What Agents Actually Do (Demystified)
Let's break down exactly what you're paying for:
1. Document Checklist
They give you a list of required documents (passport, CoE, OSHC, bank statements, etc.)
GetVisaMate equivalent: Our 37-item interactive checklist with tips. Free.
2. Statement of Purpose (SOP)
They write (or heavily guide) your SOP based on a questionnaire you fill.
GetVisaMate equivalent: SOP Builder with guided questions. You write it, we structure it. You stay authentic.
3. Form Filling (Form 157A)
They ask you questions, you give answers, they type it into the government form.
GetVisaMate equivalent: Form 157A helper that organizes your answers. You copy/paste into official form. Same result.
4. Document Review
They check your documents are complete, correct dates, proper format.
GetVisaMate equivalent: Checklist with verification tips + you can ask family/friends to review. Second pair of eyes = free.
5. Application Submission
They log into ImmiAccount and click "Submit" on your behalf (after you pay visa fees).
Reality check: This is literally 5 clicks. You're paying $500+ for someone to click a button you can click yourself.
💡 The Uncomfortable Truth
For 80% of straightforward applications, migration agents are doing clerical work, not legal magic. They're following the same government checklist you can follow yourself.
The 20% who genuinely need agents? They have complex cases requiring legal expertise and risk assessment. That's where the $3,000 fee is justified.
"But What If I Miss a Document?"
This is the fear agents profit from. Let's address it with facts:
❌ Myth: One missing document = Visa rejected
Reality: If you miss a non-critical document, Home Affairs sends you a "Request for Information" email. You have 28 days to submit it. They literally tell you what's missing.
Source: Home Affairs procedure for incomplete applications. They WANT to approve genuine students.
❌ Myth: Agents have secret knowledge
Reality: Agents use the SAME Home Affairs website, SAME checklists, SAME forms as you. They don't have a hotline to immigration officers. The information is public.
Everything an agent knows is available at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au for free.
❌ Myth: DIY applications get rejected more
Reality: Home Affairs doesn't care who filled your form. They assess based on: (1) Genuine student? (2) Sufficient funds? (3) Health OK? (4) No character issues?Agent or no agent makes zero difference.
Your CoE, bank statements, and English scores determine approval - not who clicked "Submit."
✅ The REAL Insurance Policy
- Use a comprehensive checklist (like ours - 37 items with descriptions)
- Double-check everything before submitting (take your time, review twice)
- Ask someone to review (parent, teacher, friend - second pair of eyes)
- Follow official guides (Home Affairs has step-by-step instructions)
The $3,000 Question
With Migration Agent
DIY with GetVisaMate
💰 Agent Fees: $2,000 - $5,000
That's your first 2-4 months of rent in Australia. Or your flight tickets. Or emergency fund. Consider if professional help is necessary for your situation.
Thousands Apply Successfully Without Agents
Every year, 300,000+ international students get Australian visas. The majority apply independently using university support and free government resources.
Make Your Decision
Disclaimer: GetVisaMate is an educational tool, not a migration agent. We provide information and organization tools. Final decision and submission responsibility rests with you. For complex cases, consult a MARA-registered agent.