Migrating to Australia involves complicated visa laws, paperwork, and compliance with the Department of Home Affairs. The immigration process is easier, faster, and more secure when you hire an immigration lawyer (attorney). A qualified attorney provides expert advice, avoids mistakes that can cause delays, and maximizes your chances of success.
Getting an immigrant attorney in Australia is explained in this step-by-step guide.
Step 1: Identify the reasons why you need an immigration lawyer
Australia’s immigration lawyers assist with:
- Student, skilled, work, partner, family, and business visa applications.
- Refusals or cancellations of visas can be appealed.
- A temporary resident transitioning to a permanent resident.
- Citizenship application for Australians.
- Advice on complex cases (overstays, compliance, character, health).
Step 2: Verify Legal Credentials
A licensed lawyer is not the only person who offers immigration assistance. Avoid scams by following these steps:
- Make sure the attorney is an Australian solicitor.
- Ensure that migration advice services are registered with the Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA).
In order to provide immigration assistance legally, only lawyers and migration agents are allowed to do so.
Step 3: Find attorneys and shortlist them
Take note of:
- Expertise in handling your specific visa type.
- Client testimonials and positive reviews.
- A membership in a professional association, such as the Law Society or Migration Institute of Australia (MIA).
- Support in multiple languages, if English isn’t your first language.
Step 4: Schedule an initial consultation
Almost all immigration lawyers offer consultations (some for free, others for a small fee). In this meeting, you should:
- Describe your immigration goals.
- Get an idea of their success rate with similar cases by asking them.
- Make sure you understand your visa options.
- Costs and timelines can be estimated.
Step 5: Evaluate fees and services
Australian immigration law firms may charge:
- Visa applications with fixed fees.
- Rates for complex or appeal cases on an hourly basis.
Fee structures should be transparent and include all costs. Choosing a lawyer based on price alone is not a good choice. Instead, choose a lawyer based on value and expertise.
Step 6: Consult an attorney
When you have chosen an attorney, you should:
- Provide a scope, fee, and responsibilities summary in a contract or service agreement.
- Documents required (passport, certificates, financial records, proof of relationship, etc.).
- Communicate openly throughout the process.
Step 7: The attorney prepares and submits the application
You can expect your lawyer to:
- Organize and review documents.
- Prepare legal submissions (if necessary).
- Use the Department of Home Affairs’ application system to submit your application.
- Respond to immigration queries and monitor progress.
Step 8: Updates and follow-up
An immigration lawyer who is good at his or her job will:
- Your application status will be updated as soon as possible.
- If additional evidence is needed, advise on next steps.
- Assist you with appeals if necessary.
Step 9: Support post-approval
There are also many attorneys who can assist with:
- Renewals and extensions of visas.
- The transition to permanent residency.
- Applications for Australian citizenship.
- Settlement planning and family sponsorship.
Conclusions
Immigration attorneys in Australia can assist immigrants in obtaining a visa or residency in a smooth, efficient manner. Follow this step-by-step guide to verify credentials, engage services, and ensure your application is handled professionally.