Immigration Lawyers Sydney
At CMI Legal, we help people navigate Australian immigration law with clarity and care. Whether you’re preparing visa applications, responding to a visa refusal, or planning a pathway to permanent residence, our immigration lawyers bring practical strategy and steady representation. As a Sydney-based law firm serving clients across Australia and overseas, we act for individuals, families, students, skilled workers and visa holders from every background.
BOOK A CONSULTATION
Whether you’re ready to apply or just weighing up your visa options, we’re here to help—choose a quick 15-minute session for general advice or a comprehensive 45-minute session for in-depth discussion and tailored guidance.
Preliminary Migration Law Consultation
Comprehensive Migration Law Consultation
Need Help with Your Visa Application or Appeal? We’re Here to Guide You
Every immigration matter is different. Some people need help with a partner visa or student visa, while others must have to act quickly after a Department of Home Affairs decision. Our Sydney immigration lawyers provide legal services that include strategic planning, document preparation and representation before the Administrative Review Tribunal (which replaced the Administrative Appeals Tribunal) and, where appropriate, the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (often called the federal circuit) or the Federal Court for migration court appeals.
We support visa applicants from all walks of life, skilled workers pursuing employer sponsorship and skills assessment, families reuniting across borders, and long-term residents preparing for Australian citizenship. We assist with permanent residency and permanent residence pathways, and with resident return visa renewals to maintain travel rights. From straightforward visa applications to complex litigation, our immigration lawyer team brings extensive experience and careful preparation to each brief.
Legal Help for Visas, Appeals & Residency in Sydney
Citizenship and permanent residence pathways
We advise on eligibility for Australian citizenship, preparatory steps for permanent residence and navigating prior compliance issues. We also help the Australian permanent resident community with resident return visa applications to keep their travel facility active and plan the transition to Australian citizen status when eligible.
Work visas, and skilled migration
We advise you on the right visa subclass, employer nomination, skills assessment, occupation lists and state pathways. Whether applying onshore or from overseas, our immigration lawyers ensure your visa application meets immigration requirements and Home Affairs policy.
Business, investor and entrepreneur pathways
If you plan to invest or run a business in Australia, we advise on the relevant visa subclass, business planning, funding evidence and ongoing compliance. Our migration lawyer coordinates the application process and liaises with Home Affairs to reduce delays and risks while you focus on operations.
Partner Visa
We can assist you in applying for a Partner Visa, allowing you to live with your spouse or de facto partner in Australia. From checking eligibility to submitting your application, we provide complete support and ensure your application is in line with Australian immigration law.
Work & Skilled Migration
Whether you're a skilled worker or an employer looking to sponsor a worker, we assist with various skilled visas. We help professionals navigate the process of applying for employer-sponsored visas and temporary work visas to secure a future in Australia.
Australian Citizenship
We help you understand the eligibility requirements and guide you through the entire application process, ensuring all legal aspects are covered so you can transition smoothly into life as an Australian citizen.
Business Visa
For entrepreneurs, investors, and business owners looking to expand their operations in Australia, we offer legal guidance on obtaining the appropriate Business Visa. We help you prepare your business plan, investment strategies, and financial documents to ensure your application meets Australian commercial law standards.
Partner, de facto and family visas
We prepare partner visas (including evidence for de facto and married couples), parent and dependent child applications, and applications for a permanent partner visa when eligible. We assemble relationship evidence, address character grounds where relevant, and manage health waiver issues where available—keeping you within visa conditions throughout the entire process.
Student visa and graduate pathways
We can also assist with student visa strategy, extensions and course changes, and ensure the Genuine Student requirement is addressed in line with Department of Home Affairs guidance. Where a refusal occurs, we advise on bridging options and review rights before the Administrative Review Tribunal. We also help with transitions to skilled migration when studies are complete in Australia.
Protection and humanitarian matters
We represent non-citizen applicants seeking protection, prepare claims and submissions, and appear at review. Where necessary, we brief counsel for Federal Court judicial review. Sensitive cases are handled with confidentiality and urgency, and we remain mindful of border protection settings that may affect processing.
Visa refusals and visa cancellation
If you face a visa refusal or visa cancellation, timelines are tight. We assess prospects, prepare submissions and represent you before the Administrative Review Tribunal (formerly the Administrative Appeals Tribunal). For judicial review, we file in the Federal Court or, where appropriate, the Federal Circuit and Family Court (the federal circuit) under the Migration Act. Ministerial intervention requests can also be considered on a case-by-case basis where exceptional circumstances exist.
Parent Visa
If you wish to sponsor your parents to come to Australia as permanent residence, we offer assistance with Parent Visa applications. We provide legal advice on the eligibility criteria, including income assessments and sponsorship requirements, ensuring the process is seamless for families.
Family Visa
Reuniting with your family members is important, and we are here to support you with various family visa options. Whether you’re applying for a child visa, remaining relative visa, or another family visa, we guide you through the process and ensure all the legal requirements are met.
Student Visa
If you're looking to study in Australia, obtaining a valid student visa is your first step. Our team helps with student visa applications, renewals, and ensuring you comply with visa conditions, making your educational journey in Australia a success.
Student Visa
If you're looking to study in Australia, obtaining a valid student visa is your first step. Our team helps with student visa applications, renewals, and ensuring you comply with visa conditions, making your educational journey in Australia a success.
Visa refusal or cancellation: what to do next
Act quickly. Review time limits are strict. We can file an application for review in the Administrative Review Tribunal (which replaced the Administrative Appeals Tribunal), or advise on judicial review in the Federal Court or in the Federal Circuit and Family Court (Division 2), depending on jurisdiction. In rare situations, the High Court may be available by special leave. We’ll explain when court appeals are useful and when other routes may be faster or more effective.
Whether you need to challenge a decision or apply for a bridging visa while sorting out your situation, we provide clear advice backed by extensive experience. We’ve helped countless clients overturn decisions and granted permanent residency after previous refusals.
Need Help?
Talk to a Sydney-Based Migration Lawyer Who Gets It? Book Your Paid Consultation and Get Practical Advice You Can Trust.
*Our Expert Migration Lawyers Offer 15-minute General Advice Or 45-minute In-depth, Tailored Consultations To Suit Your Needs.
What Other Immigration Services Our Lawyers Can Offer You?
We offer a wide range of immigration services designed to help individuals and families navigate the complex Australian immigration system. Our experienced team of immigration lawyers provides expert legal guidance across the following areas:
Visa Applications
- Work Visas: We guide skilled workers through the process of obtaining work visas, such as the Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189), the Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (subclass 482), and Employer-Sponsored Visas. Our team ensures that your application is properly prepared and meets all eligibility requirements, increasing your chances of approval.
- Student Visas: If you're planning to study in Australia, we help you secure a student visa (subclass 500) and navigate the specific requirements, such as proof of enrolment and sufficient financial resources.
- Partner Visas: We assist individuals applying for Partner Visas (subclasses 820 and 801) to reunite with their Australian partner or spouse. Our team helps you collect the necessary evidence to prove the genuineness of your relationship and support your application.
- Visitor Visas: Whether you are a visiting family or on vacation, we guide you through the process of applying for a Visitor Visa, ensuring that all required documentation is in place and that your application aligns with immigration laws.
- Business and Investment Visas: If you're looking to invest in or start a business in Australia, we provide expert assistance with Business Innovation and Investment Visas (subclass 188). This includes helping you meet the financial and business requirements for visa eligibility.
Permanent Residency Pathways
- Skilled Migration: If you’re a skilled worker, we assist you in navigating the Skilled Migration Program, helping you secure a visa that leads to permanent residency. We provide guidance on assessments, point-based systems, and eligibility requirements.
- Family Reunification: We help individuals sponsor their family members for permanent residency, including parents, children, and partners, through the family-stream visa program. Our team supports you throughout the application process, from gathering the necessary documentation to submitting the visa application.
- Business & Investment: For entrepreneurs and investors, we offer support with the Business and Investment Visa pathways, helping you meet the financial and business criteria to qualify for permanent residency in Australia. We also assist in preparing a comprehensive business plan that aligns with the Australian Government’s requirements.
- Regional Migration: We guide skilled workers or their family members looking to live in regional areas of Australia. There are several regional migration options available that may lead to permanent residency, and we provide support in finding the most suitable option for you.
Citizenship Applications
- Eligibility Assessment: We represent clients in appealing decisions made by the Department of Home Affairs. If your visa is refused or cancelled, we help you challenge the decision by submitting a review request to the AAT, presenting a strong case for reconsideration.
- Application Preparation: We assist you in preparing all necessary documentation for your citizenship application. This includes helping you meet the character and residency requirements, as well as completing the citizenship test and interview if applicable.
- Citizenship by Descent: If you have a parent who is an Australian citizen, we guide you through the process of applying for citizenship by descent, which can save you time and effort compared to other visa options.
Appeals & Reviews
- Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT): We represent clients in appealing decisions made by the Department of Home Affairs. If your visa is refused or canceled, we help you challenge the decision by submitting a review request to the AAT, presenting a strong case for reconsideration.
- Federal Court: In cases where the AAT decision is unfavorable, we can take your case to the Federal Court to seek a judicial review. We provide experienced representation to ensure that your rights are defended and that all legal avenues are explored.
- Ministerial Intervention: If all appeal options have been exhausted, we assist clients with submitting a request for ministerial intervention. This process involves seeking the intervention of the Minister for Immigration to overturn a negative decision.
- Visa Cancellations: If your visa has been canceled, we assist in challenging this decision and help you navigate the process of reinstating your visa or applying for a new one.
Our Sydney Immigration Lawyers Work in Four Simple Steps
Consultation and Case Assessment
We map your goals, identify visa options, and set out the application process step by step. You receive written advice on evidence and timelines, so the whole process is transparent from the start.
Preparation of the Right Documents
We build a persuasive record for your visa application, from identity and relationship evidence to employer letters and financials. Our entire team quality-checks the brief before lodgement to ensure each process step is complete.
Submission and Representation
We lodge visa applicant applications and appear at review, liaising with Home Affairs and the Tribunal. If judicial review is required, we brief counsel and manage filings in the federal courts with careful attention to Australia’s judicial system.
Ongoing Support and Updates
We keep you informed at each stage, explain decisions, and set out next steps, including resident return visa renewals and Australian citizenship applications when eligible. We stay with you through the entire process so you always know where you stand.
Where we work and how to start
We serve clients across Australia and overseas, with convenient access from Sydney CBD. Start with a confidential consultation. We’ll evaluate your situation, outline visa options and set a clear plan for the application process. If you need urgent help after a decision, contact our immigration lawyers in Sydney at 02 8386 8592 for immediate guidance. We collaborate with counsel and other law firms where needed so your matter has the right resources at the right time.
Why Choose Us as Your Immigration Lawyers in Sydney?
Local Insight And Professional Standards
We practise in immigration law and migration law every day. Our principal lawyer is a member of the Law Society of New South Wales. You get clear communication, careful legal services and prompt follow-up from a dedicated team in the Sydney CBD.
Experience With Simple To Complex Matters
From visitor visa queries to employer sponsorship to Administrative Appeals Tribunal/ Administrative Review Tribunal hearings, our team has handled a broad range of immigration matters. Clients value our practical approach and exceptional service.
Clear Pricing And Strategy
Our reputation as one of the best immigration lawyers in Sydney is built on results. We’re proud to support diverse communities across Sydney’s western suburbs, inner city, and regional NSW.
What Clients Say
Many clients describe us as among the best immigration lawyers in Sydney — While every matter turns on its facts, we measure success by service quality, durable results and referrals.
Our Immigration Lawyer Reviews
Client Testimonials and Reviews
They explained every step of the process clearly, responded promptly to any questions I had, and made complicated situations feel a lot more manageable. I felt like I was in good hands the entire time, and their calm, confident approach really helped me stay grounded.
Highly recommend CMI services to anyone needing immigration or legal assistance — couldn’t be more grateful.
Thanks again!
5 stars is insufficient to express their work. We were working Dee and she is an amazing and thorough professional. She goes above and beyond and explains matters that makes you understand things really well. Thank you Dee for your amazing work.
Common Immigration Questions We Answer
What’s the difference between an immigration lawyer and a migration agent?
Migration agents can help with paperwork and some visa services, but only a qualified immigration lawyer can advise on court strategy, appear in judicial review and manage complex immigration matters in federal courts.
Can I still apply for a visa if I’ve overstayed or been refused before?
Possibly, but timing is critical. We assess eligibility, bridging options and review rights, then map the application process or review pathway. Where appropriate, we consider ministerial intervention requests.
Do I need legal help for a partner visa?
A partner visa requires significant documentation and evidence to satisfy the Department of Home Affairs. As one of the best immigration lawyers in Sydney, we ensure your case is presented professionally to maximise your chances of success.
How long does a permanent residency application take?
Processing varies by visa subclass and evidence quality. We front-load documents to reduce delay and keep you updated while the Department of Home Affairs assesses the file. Many clients were later granted permanent residency after strong submissions.
What happens if my visa is refused by Home Affairs?
You may be able to appeal the decision. Our legal team regularly represents clients in the Administrative Appeals Tribunal and, when needed, escalates matters to the Federal Court. We follow proper administrative law procedures to ensure your rights are protected.
Can you help with Australian citizenship applications?
Yes. We support visa holders in their transition to Australian citizens, including document review, eligibility advice, and preparing submissions for the Department of Home Affairs. If past immigration breaches affect your application, we can assist in resolving those.
What types of visa services do you offer?
We provide a wide range of visa services, including skilled migration, student visas, partner visas, and business visas. We guide you through the full visa process, from eligibility to document preparation and final submission.
Do you also handle commercial or non-immigration matters?
Yes. While immigration is our core focus, our law firm also has experience in select areas of commercial law and family migration that often overlap with visa-related matters.
Are your lawyers accredited or part of any professional legal bodies?
Yes. Our legal team includes members of the Law Society of New South Wales and is recognised for adhering to the highest standards of ethical legal practice.
Can you help with my wife’s visa or a family application?
Yes, we help spouses and de facto partners prepare relationship evidence and meet policy requirements. We tailor advice to each family’s circumstances.
