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How an immigration lawyer can help you

Do you want to move to or stay in Australia? Migration can be a long, confusing and sometimes overwhelming process, and everybody’s situation is different. An Australian immigration lawyer can help you navigate that process and maximise your chance of achieving your migration goal.

Referral for legal help for people impacted by the crisis in Afghanistan

If you or a family member needs free information about refugee protection, visa support and/or advice because of impacts caused by the crisis in Afghanistan, the Law Council would be pleased to assist by acting as a referral point to a legal service which may be able to assist you. Please email the Law Council at afghanistanreferral@lawcouncil.asn.au and provide your contact phone number and a brief outline of your situation, and we will refer your matter on to the appropriate organisation as soon as possible.

Please note that the Law Council of Australia does not itself provide legal advice but is working closely with its Federal Litigation and Dispute Resolution Section and Constituent Bodies to assist to refer people impacted by the crisis in Afghanistan to obtain legal advice.

What is an Australian immigration lawyer?

An Australian immigration lawyer is a highly qualified Australian legal practitioner with expertise in helping clients with all aspects of the immigration process. This may involve helping you prepare and lodge the right visa application, avoid visa cancellation and deal with the Department of Home Affairs in relation to your Australian visa or citizenship status, or represent you in an Australian tribunal or court.

Specifically, immigration lawyers can:

Give tailored advice

Give you independent legal advice tailored to your circumstances. They will not share this advice with anyone, including the government, unless you ask them.

Prepare and lodge applications

Prepare and lodge any application (such as a sponsorship, nomination, visa or citizenship application) with the Department of Home Affairs and ensure you submit appropriate supporting documents.

Provide process support

Support you during the application process by explaining any requests made by the Department of Home Affairs and responding to those requests on your behalf.

Assist you to resolve any issues with your visa or citizenship status

Assist you to resolve any issues with your visa or citizenship status, if, for example, the Department of Home Affairs is seeking to cancel your visa, revoke your citizenship or restrict your sponsorship status.

Leverage their experience

Use their experience or knowledge of related areas, such as family law or criminal law, to identify and address potential issues that could stand in the way of you achieving your migration goals.

Be a representative

Represent you at the Administrative Appeals Tribunal or in court, if required.

Be an advocate

Advocate on your behalf on any request for Ministerial intervention in your case.

Help with application decisions

Help you decide which application to lodge with the Department of Home Affairs, such as a visa application, to achieve your desired outcome.

Why work with an immigration lawyer?

You might think working with an immigration lawyer is an unnecessary cost when you can do your visa application yourself. But migration is more than just a visa application — there are lots of important decisions that you must make during your migration journey and an immigration lawyer will give you honest and strategic advice and support that is tailored to your circumstances. Starting the migration process with an immigration lawyer will help to ensure that your migration journey is as smooth as possible. Having the right advice will save you time and money in the long run.

Who else can help with my migration journey?

Friends and family who have settled in Australia may be able to help you, but be aware: there are many laws, policies and procedures relating to immigration, and these can change often and sometimes without notice. An Australian immigration lawyer will have a deep understanding of these laws, policies and procedures, and how they will apply to you and your migration goals.

Immigration lawyers have the expertise and qualifications to help with every step in your migration journey.
Immigration lawyers give legal advice that is tailored to your situation and designed to maximise your prospects of a successful outcome.
Working with an immigration lawyer will reduce the stress associated with your migration journey as well as ensure your outcome is achieved in a speedy and cost-effective manner.
Lawyers have ethical duties to protect your information as well as the advice they give to you. Legal professional privilege, along with confidentiality and privacy obligations, ensures that, unless you request otherwise, your information and any legal advice you have received will not be disclosed to anyone (including the Department of Home Affairs).

Next: Immigration time and costs