Baker Deane & Nutt Solicitor Connie Park specialises in migration law. Photo: Baker Deane & Nutt Lawyers.
Visa and citizenship applications, Administrating Appeals Tribunals, and other matters of immigration can be confusing, overwhelming, and incredibly stressful. That’s why many people choose to enlist the services of an immigration lawyer.
Immigration – or migration – lawyers are highly specialised, registered law professionals who can provide expert immigration advice, help with lodging citizenship and visa applications, act on your behalf in court, and other relevant services.
But how do you find an immigration lawyer you can trust? In this article, we’ll outline some key things to consider when looking for a immigration lawyer, and a list of some of Canberra’s best services.
What makes a great immigration lawyer?
When it comes to something as important as your visa or citizen application, you need a trustworthy immigration lawyer with a wealth of knowledge and a passion for helping people. An unskilled, unreliable immigration lawyer could sabotage your chances of approval.
So, what exactly should you look for in an immigration lawyer? Here are a few traits we believe are important:
- Expertise. You want a lawyer that knows exactly what they are doing. They are familiar with the ins and outs of migration laws and processes and can help you achieve the best possible results given your unique circumstances.
- Experience. More often than not, the more experience a immigration lawyer has, the more reliable they are. With years spent on the job, they’ve seen it all. They know exactly how to respond to cancellations, rejections, and other less-than-perfect situations.
- Prompt. Sometimes issues of immigration are time sensitive. If that is the case, the last thing you need is a lawyer that takes longer than necessary to get the job done.
- Understanding. As we mentioned, matters of migration can be stressful. Your lawyer should be compassionate toward your situation and supportive of your decisions.
- Fairly priced. Yes, lawyers can be expensive, but if their services help you achieve your goal, the cost is certainly worth it. That being said, the best immigration lawyers charge a fair price.
The best immigration lawyers in Canberra
Riotact’s editorial team has combed through 20 years of on-site comments to compile a list of the most recommended businesses according to you.
To be listed in our Best of Canberra series, each business needs to have consistently received positive feedback on Riotact and Facebook as well as maintaining a minimum average of 4/5 stars on Google.
BDN Lawyers
BDN Lawyers is a full-service law firm that has helped Canberrans resolve legal problems for more than 150 years.
BDN recognises that Migration Law in Australia is both complex and subject to rapid change, and that it is absolutely crucial for agents to be registered with the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority.
From their offices in Canberra City and Queanbeyan, the team helps prospective migrants make informed decisions and meet legal requirements for a better overall result.
BDN solicitor Connie Park is also a Registered Migration Agent. She confidently guides clients - whether they are prospective migrants, family members or employers - through what can be a complex and challenging process.
"Absolutely hands down the best lawyers in the business. Compassion, empathy and understanding." Ben Day writes in a glowing Google review.
"Professionals to the highest degree. I will never use anyone but Baker Deane & Nutt again."
Snedden Hall & Gallop
Snedden Hall & Gallop’s highly specialised team of migration agents and immigration lawyers offers reliable, reputable migration advice to help clients navigate the ever-changing legislation, obligations and policy frameworks surrounding their visa application.
Led by Gerald Santucci, the Migration Law team works with prospective migrants, as well as employers interested in sponsorship, to reach their desired outcomes as quickly and smoothly as possible.
Staff are compassionate, attentive and dedicated to their role, covering skilled migration, family migration, student and temporary visas, Australian citizenship, migration decision reviews, and more.
"Ms Lee Usher-Clarke has been very kind and professional with my wife and myself," Claudio Mastronardi said in a late 2024 Google review.
"She has patiently explained the process of everything that needed to be done and answered all of your questions. She has been fully dedicated to our case and promptly provided what we needed."
Heenan & Browne Visa and Migration Services
Heenan & Browne Visa and Migration Services is an independent law firm that specialises only in migration law. All staff are registered and have years of experience helping people from all over the world settle in Australia.
Their services are strategic and personalised, covering all areas of migration for individuals and businesses.
Emma Stevens wrote in a Google review, "Throughout my time of applying for a partner visa, Zhanna was super helpful and attentive. She was quick at responding to my emails and was always accommodating."
NewStars Education and Migration
NewStars Migration and Education Group is a migration and education firm that provides migration, visa, and school application services for clients in Canberra and beyond.
With additional offices in major cities across the country, the team of 20-plus registered migration agents design and implement tailored plans for each and every one of their clients, prioritising client care and purpose-driven results above all else.
"Thank you very much to consultant Viola for helping me," Amelia said in her review.
"She was very patient and professional. Her response was very timely and her attitude was super good. She successfully submitted my application for me. Highly recommended!"
If you’re looking for more recommendations of migration services, check our article on the best migration agents in Canberra. Or if you’re after more legal services in Canberra, you might also like to read our article on the best law firms in Canberra.
You experience immigration lawyers in Canberra
Have you worked with a migration agent in the Canberra region? Whether your experience was positive or negative, let us know in the comments below. Your story will help our readers make an informed, educated decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does an immigration lawyer do?
Immigration lawyers provide advice and assistance to potential immigrants. They can help you prepare a visa application, advise you on which visa will suit you best, liaise with the government on your behalf, and represent you in court in relevant disputes.
What do I need in order to apply for a visa?
In order to apply for a visa, you must be able to produce a passport and proof of residence, and any other relevant documentation depending on what kind of visa you are applying for. Your immigration agent will be able to give you accurate, up-to-date advice not only on what exactly is required for your visa, but also which visa will suit your needs best.
Should my migration agent also be an immigration lawyer?
While it is possible for registered agents to not be lawyers, having your agent also be a qualified lawyer means they will possess a broader skill set and the ability to take the client right
through the review and appeal process. The added expertise and know-how will only benefit you in the long term.
How do I apply for permanent residency?
Talk to your migration agent - they will know exactly what is required of you for the visa you need in order to comply with current legal requirements and prerequisites. In a world where immigration and travel laws seem to shift and change almost constantly, having a professional on your side is crucial.
How much do Australian immigration lawyers cost?
This all depends on the complexity of your case how involved your chosen immigration lawyer is, for example, whether or not they represent you in court. Be sure to ask for a preliminary quote and don't be afraid to shop around for the right lawyer within your budget.
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