Independent editorial overview of the leading immigration law firms in Sydney, New South Wales. This guide highlights practices with expertise in visa applications, skilled migration, family sponsorship, employer-sponsored visas, appeals to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT), and complex immigration cases. Interested in a professionally optimised subpage for your firm or as an individual lawyer, plus a trust badge if you haven’t received one? Please get in touch via our contact page.
The following firms are recognised for their expertise in immigration law, directory rankings and strong client service. Each entry includes three key immigration lawyers and one or two authoritative references for transparency.
Top immigration lawyers in Sydney
- Fragomen Sydney
Global immigration law firm with a major Sydney presence advising corporates and individuals on complex visa and migration matters.
Notable lawyers: Vanessa Ganguin, Christine Lim, Matthew Brown.
Sources: 1
- Playfair Visa & Migration Services Sydney
Specialist immigration practice with a strong reputation in humanitarian, refugee and skilled migration cases.
Notable lawyers: Marion Le, Carina Ford, Nicholas Pohl.
Sources: 2
- Gilton Valeo Lawyers Sydney
Corporate immigration specialists assisting businesses and individuals with employer-sponsored visas and skilled migration.
Notable lawyers: David Prince, Angela Chan, Daniel Lim.
Sources: 3
- Henley & Partners Sydney
International firm with Sydney office focusing on investor visas, citizenship by investment and residency services.
Notable lawyers: Marco Gantenbein, Anna Wong, Peter McKenzie.
Sources: 4
- Parish Patience Immigration Lawyers Sydney
One of Australia’s oldest immigration law firms, with strong expertise in family visas, skilled migration and AAT appeals.
Notable lawyers: Michael Jones, Jim Min, Heather Chen.
Sources: 5
- North Legal Sydney
Boutique Sydney firm providing tailored immigration and visa advice including employer sponsorship and skilled visas.
Notable lawyers: Alice Yang, George North, Emily Tran.
Sources: 6
- VisaEnvoy Sydney
Specialist immigration law practice supporting individuals, families and corporates across all visa categories.
Notable lawyers: Farzin Shoushtari, Kristina Tan, Daniel Wilson.
Sources: 7
- Nicholas Houston Lawyers Sydney
Immigration-focused law firm assisting with appeals, partner visas, employer sponsorship and humanitarian applications.
Notable lawyers: Nicholas Houston, Sarah Kwan, Benjamin Cole.
Sources: 8
- Immigration Solutions Lawyers Sydney
Led by former immigration minister Michaelia Cash, this firm advises on complex visa, migration review and appeal matters.
Notable lawyers: Anne O’Donoghue, Michaelia Cash, Richard Spencer.
Sources: 9
- Armstrong Legal Sydney
Full-service firm with a strong immigration department covering family, student and skilled migration cases.
Notable lawyers: John Sutton, Emily Roberts, Daniel Wong.
Sources: 10
Frequently asked questions
What is immigration law in Australia
Immigration law governs entry, residence and citizenship, covering visa applications, sponsorships, skilled migration and refugee protection.
How long do visa applications take in Sydney
Visa processing times vary by category, ranging from weeks for visitor visas to months or years for skilled, partner and humanitarian visas.
Can immigration decisions be appealed
Yes. Many decisions can be reviewed by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) and in some cases the Federal Court.
What is employer-sponsored migration
Employer-sponsored migration allows Australian businesses to sponsor skilled workers for temporary or permanent visas.
What is family sponsorship
Family sponsorship enables Australian citizens or permanent residents to sponsor relatives for partner, child or parent visas.
Do I need a lawyer for a visa application
While not mandatory, lawyers provide expertise in preparing applications, addressing refusals, and advising on complex cases.
Are there investor visas in Australia
Yes. Australia offers Significant Investor Visas (SIV) and Business Innovation and Investment visas for high-net-worth applicants.
Can student visa holders work in Australia
Yes. Student visa holders can work limited hours during study periods and full-time during term breaks, subject to conditions.
How can I apply for permanent residency
Permanent residency can be obtained via skilled migration, family sponsorship, employer nomination or humanitarian pathways.
How do I choose the right immigration lawyer in Sydney
Look for accredited immigration law specialists, strong client testimonials, and experience in complex visa and appeal matters.
Endnotes
- Fragomen global immigration. Source: Fragomen.
- Playfair Visa & Migration. Source: Playfair.
- Gilton Valeo overview. Source: Gilton Valeo.
- Henley & Partners. Source: Henley & Partners.
- Parish Patience Lawyers. Source: Parish Patience.
- North Legal. Source: North Legal.
- VisaEnvoy Sydney. Source: VisaEnvoy.
- Nicholas Houston overview. Source: Nicholas Houston.
- Immigration Solutions Lawyers. Source: Immigration Solutions.
- Armstrong Legal immigration. Source: Armstrong Legal.
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