How Do I Choose the Right Immigration Lawyer?

A decision to move to or stay in another country is a Really. Big. Deal.   

You’ve read all there is you can online. 

You’ve read our previous article on whether you need an immigration lawyer in Australia at all. 

You’ve thought about all the potential ramifications if, gulp, it all goes horribly wrong (we have some articles lined up that will cover these worst-case scenarios).

And after all that… 

You’ve decided you need professional advice. 

A good immigration adviser could mean the difference between visa approval and refusal. Particularly if your situation is a bit tricky. 

A bad one, though, can lead to literal nightmares. 

So, how do you find the great ones? 

First of All, Beware Unregistered Advice 

Before you do anything, make sure your immigration lawyer or migration agent is in fact registered. 

In Australia, the registration requirements for people who can give immigration advice can be a little complicated.  

In short, currently both migration agents and immigration lawyers must be registered as “migration agents” with the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (OMARA). 

Immigration lawyers must also hold a practising certificate from the local legal admissions board.

While registration is by no means a guarantee of quality, lack of registration almost certainly means you are dealing with a rogue. 

PRO TIP: How do you know your lawyer or agent is registered? 

It is a legal requirement for anyone giving immigration advice to have details of their registration, including their “MARN” (Migration Agent Registration Number), on their website.

Readmore The Single Biggest Differentiator Between Visa Approval and Visa Refusal