KEY POINTS
- Compare the scope of services as well as the quoted price.
- Identify government charges, disbursements and GST separately.
- A callback request does not establish a retainer or free legal consultation.
Define the matter before comparing prices
A quotation for a worker’s visa application may not include the employer’s sponsorship or nomination. A business with an existing approval may need a different scope from a first-time sponsor. Family applications, prior refusals, complex work history or agreement-based pathways can also change the work required. Compare the services included, rather than the headline price alone.
What to clarify in the proposal
Ask which applications and people are covered, what document guidance and preparation are included, and how communication will be managed. Identify government charges and third-party costs separately. Clarify GST, payment stages and how additional work would be discussed if the facts change or the Department raises an issue outside the agreed scope. A clear proposal helps both sides understand the engagement.
Prepare for a useful fee discussion
Provide a short summary of the role, employer approval status, applicant location and current visa, family members and any immediate deadline. You do not need to send sensitive documents through the initial callback form. A callback request starts a conversation; it is not a promise of a free legal consultation or a confirmed retainer.
Hypothetical example
A business asks for help sponsoring three workers, but one has a complex immigration history. The scope can distinguish the shared employer work from each worker’s application and any additional advice. This produces a more useful fee proposal than assuming all three matters require identical work.
Official sources
Information on this website is general information and does not constitute legal advice. Visa requirements and government charges can change. Obtain advice specific to your circumstances.