Immigration lawyers handle visas, citizenship and what happens when an application is refused or a visa is cancelled. It is federal law, and it changes more often than almost any other area of Australian practice.

The work splits into two very different halves: getting an application right the first time, and fixing it after a refusal. The second is considerably harder and more expensive than the first.

The work they handle

Partner, family and parent visa applications
Skilled and employer-sponsored visas, including labour agreements
Student visas and applications to change course or provider
Visa refusals and cancellations, including review at the tribunal
Citizenship applications and refusals
Character and health requirement issues, including waivers

When to call a immigration lawyer

Your application has been refused and there is a review deadline
You have received a notice of intention to consider cancellation
Your circumstances have changed while an application is pending
There is anything in your history that might raise a character issue
Your visa is expiring and you do not have a clear next step

What it costs

Immigration work is usually a fixed fee per application type, separate from the government's own visa application charge — which is often the larger amount and is not refunded if the application fails. Ask what is included if the department asks for more information, and what a tribunal review would cost on top.

How to choose

Check they are registered

Immigration assistance may only be given by a registered migration agent or an Australian legal practitioner. Verify registration before you pay anything.

A lawyer matters most when something has gone wrong

For a straightforward application a registered agent may be all you need. For refusals, cancellations, character issues or anything heading to a tribunal or court, use a lawyer.

Deadlines here are absolute

Review periods in immigration are strict and generally cannot be extended. Diarise the date on the letter the day you receive it.

Common questions

What is the difference between a migration agent and an immigration lawyer?

Both can be registered to give immigration assistance. A lawyer can also appear in court, advise on related legal issues and handle judicial review — which matters if your matter goes beyond the tribunal.

Can I appeal a visa refusal?

Usually there is a right of review, but the period is short and strictly applied. The letter refusing your application sets out the deadline — act on it immediately.

Will a criminal record stop me getting a visa?

Not necessarily, but it engages the character requirement and needs to be disclosed and handled carefully. Non-disclosure is treated far more seriously than the underlying matter.

How long do visa applications take?

Processing times vary enormously by visa type and change regularly. The department publishes current estimates, and any firm quoting you a guaranteed timeframe is overpromising.

This page is general information, not legal advice. Laws differ between states and every situation turns on its own facts — speak to a qualified Australian lawyer before acting. If you cannot afford one, Legal Aid operates in every state and territory.

Immigration Lawyers by suburb

By state and territory

Immigration Lawyers in New South Wales10 Immigration Lawyers in Victoria15 Immigration Lawyers in Queensland9 Immigration Lawyers in Western Australia3 Immigration Lawyers in South Australia6 Immigration Lawyers in Tasmania Immigration Lawyers in Australian Capital Territory3 Immigration Lawyers in Northern Territory