Re: 【COMMUNITY SERVICE】 Australian Registered Migration Agent - Free Initial Assessme
It is ok to use a Registered Migration Agent. Because the agent has a set of code of conduct which states on the setting of fees/billing process.
If in part (a) below, the migration agent provide an estimate of charges, whether an hourly fee with number of hours needed or a breakdown of charges, you think the charges are too expensive, just don't give written acceptance of the charges per part (b) below.
If you think the charges are acceptable, expect the migration agent to provide written confirmation of the services to be performed, fees for the services and disbursements. If the migration agent do not provide one, file a complain to the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (last resort).
The migration agent cannot charge more than what is in the written confirmation, not unless the give written confirmation to additional charges as in part (d).
Code of Conduct for registered migration agents
Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority
5.2 A registered migration agent must:
(a) before starting work for a client, give the client:
(i) an estimate of charges in the form of fees for each hour or each service to be performed, and disbursements that the agent is likely to incur as part of the services to be performed; and
(ii) an estimate of the time likely to be taken in performing the services; and
(b) as soon as possible after receiving instructions, obtain written acceptance by the client, if possible, of:
(i) the estimate of fees; and
(ii) the estimate of the time likely to be taken in performing the services;
and
(c) give the client written confirmation (an Agreement for Services and Fees) of:
(i) the services to be performed; and
(ii) the fees for the services; and
(iii) the disbursements that the agent is likely to incur as part of the services; and
(d) give the client written notice of any material change to the estimated cost of providing a service, and the total likely cost because of the change, as soon as the agent becomes aware of the likelihood of a change occurring.