How to find a good immigration lawyer
Whether you’re applying for a temporary visa, facing a visa cancellation or want to become a permanent resident, it’s useful to know how to find an immigration lawyer who can make your migration journey smooth and stress-free. Read our tips on what to ask an immigration lawyer before working with them.
The qualities of a good immigration lawyer
A good immigration lawyer will:
- analyse your circumstances;
- provide clear and detailed advice on your options;
- map out a pathway of the next steps to achieve your Australian migration goals;
- explain complex legal concepts clearly;
- be upfront about any professional fees and disbursements payable; and
- answer any questions you have.
You should feel comfortable asking your immigration lawyer questions and confident that they understand your goals.
Migration law is complex, with many layers, spanning legislation, regulations, policy and tribunal and case law. It is also constantly changing. On your first meeting, the experienced immigration lawyers at PAX Law will conduct a comprehensive assessment, identifying any potential issues and risks that may arise in your case, and develop a tailored strategy to address them that aligns with your individual circumstances and goals.
Where and how to find an immigration lawyer
To start your search for a good lawyer, review their firm’s website, check their areas of practice and expertise, and read their client testimonials and case studies. You should also check for client reviews on an independent platform such as Google Reviews or Facebook.
“Finding the right immigration lawyer is an important step in navigating Australia’s complex migration system,” says Con Paxinos, Director at PAX Law. “It’s easy to find an immigration lawyer with a quick online search, but important to undertake more research with anyone you’re considering working with.”
Professional registers and associations, such as the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (OMARA) or state legal profession boards for practising lawyers, also provide reliable information about the credentials and professional standing of registered people.
Referrals from friends, family or community organisations can also be a great way to find a good immigration lawyer – people you know can vouch for their competence and the support they received.
Once you have a shortlist of immigration lawyers who might suit you, an important next step is to speak with them to better understand their experience, approach and how they can help you.
Watch out for immigration lawyers who guarantee a visa outcome – nobody can guarantee a particular result. Also, be cautious if they pressure you to sign on with them quickly or cannot clearly explain the law. A reputable immigration lawyer will be transparent, realistic and honest about any possible risks of your case.
Ultimately, the right immigration lawyer is one who understands your goals, explains the law in a way that makes sense and who makes you feel supported, informed and confident in their strategy.
Need an immigration lawyer? PAX Law can help.
PAX Law offers comprehensive support across a wide range of Australian immigration matters. Our highly experienced immigration lawyers manage visa and citizenship applications, refusals, cancellations, and complex cases involving character, health and public interest issues.
In our initial consultation with a client, we provide comprehensive advice tailored to each person’s circumstances and goals. Once appointed to act on our client’s behalf, we prepare and lodge accurate and complete decision-ready visa and citizenship applications (including detailed submissions as required) and represent our clients in dealings with the Department of Home Affairs (DOHA). We also manage appeals on behalf of our clients before the Administrative Review Tribunal and in judicial proceedings.
As well as having offices based in Sydney and Adelaide, our immigration lawyers assist clients worldwide. Whatever your immigration goals are, we guide you through each step with clarity, professionalism and a focus on achieving the best possible outcome for you.
FAQs
If you’re working with an immigration lawyer, coming prepared with some questions can help you to determine if they’re a good fit for your needs. Here are some to consider:
- What type of experience do they have with cases that are similar to yours? This will help you understand whether they regularly handle similar visa types, refusals, cancellations or appeals. Experience with your specific visa type or issue is more important than general legal experience.
- What are the possible pathways available to you? What is involved with each one? What are the pros and cons of pursuing one pathway over another? Are there any risks of proceeding, and what is their recommendation?
- If there are any risks, issues or challenges with your case, how would they address them?
- What evidence will you need to provide? What type of assistance will they provide in terms of gathering the required information and supporting documentation?
- What is their approach to communication? How often will they provide updates, how can you contact them, when can you expect to receive a response, and who will handle your matter day‑to‑day?
- What are the expected costs and timeframes? Do any deadlines apply? Planning is an important part of the process for both you and your immigration lawyer to ensure that all requirements are met on time and that you know what to expect at each stage of the process. While cost is an important factor, it shouldn’t be the only one to consider. Focus on expertise, experience and whether you would feel comfortable and confident working with them.
- Your full immigration history, including details of any previous visas (granted, refused, cancelled) and any interactions with the Department of Home Affairs (DOHA).
- Information about your personal circumstances, including details about your family, employment, study, health and relationships that may be relevant to your visa pathway.
- Details on any potential issues that you are aware of, like character concerns, health issues, overstays, incorrect information provided to DOHA, and gaps in evidence. It’s important to provide accurate and complete information to both your immigration lawyer and to the DOHA.
- Get clear on the purpose of your visit. What are your immigration goals? What are your timelines for achieving them? Are you seeking to visit, work, study, or join family? For how long? Temporarily or permanently?
- Have any relevant documents prepared and ready to send to the immigration lawyer before your meeting, including visa grant notices, refusal letters, your resume, etc. At PAX Law, our immigration lawyer will provide you with a list of documents to supply before your consultation – this gives them an opportunity to review your case before your first meeting.