Expert Migration Lawyer Canberra Relies On

When it comes to navigating Australian immigration law, having a skilled migration lawyer in Canberra by your side can make a world of difference. Whether you’re applying for a visa, seeking permanent residency or going through the citizenship process, our experienced team at Snedden Hall & Gallop is here to help you every step of the way. An immigration lawyer in Canberra can offer comprehensive migration law services tailored to meet the specific needs of individuals, ensuring that your migration journey is as smooth and successful as possible.

With over 60 years of combined experience in migration law, our migration lawyers in Canberra have the expertise and in-depth knowledge to guide you through every step of the immigration process. We understand how overwhelming immigration matters can be, and our goal is to provide clear, actionable advice that empowers you to make informed decisions about your future in Australia.

Migration Lawyer Canberra Trusts

Choosing the right migration lawyer in Canberra is crucial to ensuring that your immigration application is handled efficiently and effectively. At Snedden Hall & Gallop, we are committed to offering the highest level of legal expertise and personalised service to each client. Whether you are a skilled worker, student, partner or someone seeking asylum, our team will work closely with you to achieve your immigration goals.

Our approach is client-focused, and we believe in building long-term relationships with our clients. We take the time to listen to your unique situation, understand your goals and develop a legal strategy that aligns with your needs. As your trusted migration lawyer in Canberra, we provide the legal expertise and support you need to successfully navigate the complex immigration system.

Over 60 Years of Experience in Migration Law

Our law firm has decades of experience handling a wide range of migration cases, and we have a deep understanding of the legal and procedural requirements that govern the Australian immigration system. Our team has successfully assisted countless clients in securing visas, permanent residency and citizenship, and we have extensive experience representing clients in appeals and tribunals.

We stay updated with the latest immigration laws, ensuring that you receive accurate, current and strategic advice. With us, you can rest assured that your case is in capable hands.

Tailored Legal Advice for Your Migration Needs

We understand that no two migration cases are the same. Whether you’re applying for a skilled worker visa, seeking family reunification or aiming for permanent residency, an immigration lawyer in Canberra offers personalised services tailored to your specific circumstances. Our team takes a hands-on approach, guiding you through each step of the process, answering your questions and helping you understand your options at every stage.

The potential to move to Australia can be exciting, but the process of immigration can be confusing and discouraging.

With ever-changing immigration policies and complex eligibility criteria, navigating the process can feel overwhelming for many individuals. Without expert guidance, small mistakes can lead to delays, rejections or missed opportunities.

To obtain an Australian visa, it is essential that you’re guided through the eligibility criteria by a professional migration agent. The immigration system is intricate, with various visa options, each requiring specific documentation and meeting particular conditions. A professional migration agent can help you understand the requirements, prepare your application correctly and avoid common pitfalls that could harm your chances. Your chances of success in obtaining a visa can often hinge on small but important details.

At Snedden Hall & Gallop, we take the time to understand your individual situation and tailor our advice to ensure your application is as strong as possible.

As migration agents and immigration lawyers in Canberra, you can trust in our highly specialised and reputable migration advice. Our expertise spans all types of migration, including temporary and permanent visas, family reunification, student visas and more. We are committed to providing you with the most current and accurate legal advice to optimise your chances of success. We can help you navigate the ever-changing legislation, obligations and policy framework applied by the Australian Department of Home Affairs.

With over 60 years of combined experience, our team is adept at handling even the most complex cases. Whether you’re applying for a partner visa or seeking asylum, we have the knowledge and skills to guide you through every step of the process, ensuring compliance with Australian immigration law.

Are you interested in working in Australia? The following visas are available to individuals who are qualified to work or train in an eligible skilled occupation in Australia and can meet all other requirements:

  • Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa
  • Business skills visa
  • Business talent visa
  • Business innovation visa.

These visa categories are designed to attract skilled professionals to fill labour shortages in Australia’s workforce, providing a pathway for qualified individuals to live and work in Australia.

You can read about the different types of skilled visas, and how they may lead to permanent residency, here.

Skilled migration offers the opportunity to gain long-term employment and eventually achieve permanent residency, depending on the visa pathway chosen.

An application for a working visa may require consideration of a combination of issues, including:

  • work experience
  • skills assessment
  • passing a points test
  • sponsorship by a state/territory government or an employer
  • English language capabilities
  • health and character checks
  • the proposed length of employment/visa duration
  • age restrictions
  • licensing and/or registration requirements
  • regional options.

Each of these factors plays a crucial role in determining your eligibility and the points test is often one of the most important elements in skilled migration applications. These requirements are always changing and close attention is needed to ensure compliance with the Migration Act.

If you are an Australian citizen (or a settled permanent resident), there may be scope for bringing your family members to Australia. There are a variety of visas by which families can migrate, including:

  • Partner visas
  • Fiancé (Prospective Marriage) visas
  • Parent visas (including contributory parent visas)
  • visas for remaining relatives, carers and children.

Family migration allows Australian citizens and permanent residents to reunite with their loved ones and share a life together in Australia.

Generally speaking, these visa applications allow you, as the Australian citizen or permanent resident, to sponsor the family member’s prospective migration.

The application process for family visas is thorough and requires significant documentation to establish the genuine nature of the relationship or the need for care.

The evidence that needs to be provided will vary between applications; however, it’s imperative that, for partner and fiance visas, you prove the relationship between yourself and the applicant. The application will be heavily scrutinised by the Australian Department of Home Affairs so that they are confident that the relationship is genuine.

Our team will help you compile the necessary documents, provide expert advice on the strength of your evidence and represent your interests throughout the visa process.

Establishing that you meet general health and character requirements (also known as ‘public interest criteria’) is part and parcel of every visa application.

Understanding and meeting these criteria is crucial to ensure the application progresses smoothly. We help ensure that all public interest criteria are satisfied, and we assist with navigating any potential challenges.

Australia is a popular destination for study and is internationally recognised as providing high-quality education at all levels. We can help you evaluate the best visa category for your situation. We will consider:

  • the length of your studies
  • how many courses/degrees you undertake
  • your age
  • whether you are considering structured workplace training
  • if you completed your degree and wish to work in Australia temporarily
  • whether you are a guardian to a student
  • whether you are financially capable of sustaining yourself (and your dependents) during your visa validity period.

Student visas provide an excellent opportunity for international students to pursue education in Australia while experiencing life in one of the world’s top educational systems.

Our migration experts will help determine the best visa options based on your study plans and ensure you meet the financial and academic requirements to study in Australia.

You need to establish that you have access to the requisite finances to fund your travel expenses, general living and healthcare expenses, as well as international course fees.

Financial capability is a critical component in securing a student visa, and our team will assist in preparing the necessary documentation to prove that you can support yourself while studying.

Student visas are granted subject to strict conditions, including working restrictions. There is also an expectation that students will successfully complete their studies.

We provide guidance on understanding the conditions attached to your visa, such as work limits and compliance with academic requirements, to help ensure you remain compliant throughout your stay in Australia.

You can read more about student visas here and here.

Temporary residency is granted to people who come to Australia for a particular purpose, for example, to study, do an internship, to work for a particular company, or to visit as a tourist.

Temporary visas allow individuals to stay in Australia for a specific period and under certain conditions, depending on the visa type.

Temporary visas can be subject to limitations and conditions, which may include:

  • time restrictions on entering and remaining in Australia
  • work restrictions
  • study restrictions
  • health insurance requirements
  • restrictions on further visa applications while onshore.

It’s crucial to understand the restrictions on your temporary visa, as breaching these conditions could affect future visa applications or lead to visa cancellation.

Obtaining Australian citizenship is the ultimate step in the migration process. Permanent residents who have lived in Australia for a required period of time are eligible to apply for citizenship.

Australian citizenship allows you to fully participate in all the rights and privileges of Australian life, including voting, applying for an Australian passport and receiving consular assistance when abroad.

If you have lived in Australia for the last four years (including the last 12 months as a permanent resident and met the residence requirement), are of good character, have a basic knowledge of the English language and intend to reside in (or maintain a continuing association) with Australia, then you may be eligible for citizenship.

We will guide you through the citizenship process, ensuring that you meet all the requirements and assisting you with your application.

Once you meet the requirements of citizenship you may lodge your application. We can assist you in the citizenship application process and review any decisions that have been made regarding your citizenship

Our team will provide you with ongoing support to ensure a smooth and successful citizenship application.

Where a visa application is refused or a visa is cancelled, the applicant may be entitled to apply for review. Not all applicants are entitled to review under the Migration Act and there are strict timeframes for review. Therefore, if you receive an unfavourable decision, you must act quickly.

If your visa has been refused or cancelled, our team can assist you in lodging an appeal and guide you through the process of challenging the decision.

Time is of the essence in these cases, and we ensure that all deadlines are met, allowing you the best chance to overturn the decision.

Our Migration team are experienced lawyers and  registered migration agents:

Gerald Santucci
Dominic Cookman

As registered migration agents, our team adheres to the strict code of conduct established by the Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA), ensuring that all services provided are professional, ethical and in line with Australian migration law.

You can see the code of conduct which the Migration Agents Registration Authority (MIRA) uses to govern all registered migration agents in Australia here.

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Why You Need a Migration Lawyer in Canberra for Your Immigration Journey

Dealing with Australian immigration laws can be overwhelming and complex. A migration lawyer in Canberra can help you understand your rights, navigate the system and avoid costly mistakes that could delay or derail your application. Here’s why you need an expert by your side:

Avoiding Common Pitfalls in Migration Applications

Many individuals unknowingly make mistakes during the migration process, such as submitting incomplete documentation, missing deadlines or misunderstanding the visa requirements. Our team will help you avoid these common pitfalls, ensuring that your application is complete, accurate and submitted on time.

By working with an immigration lawyer in Canberra, you significantly reduce the risk of your application being delayed or rejected.

Navigating the Complexities of Australian Immigration Law

Australian immigration law is constantly evolving, with frequent changes to policies, visa eligibility criteria and application processes. An immigration lawyer in Canberra can keep up-to-date with these changes, ensuring that you receive the most current and accurate legal advice. We understand the intricacies of Australian immigration law and will help you navigate this complex area with confidence.

Contact Our Migration Lawyers in Canberra Today

Ready to begin your migration journey? Contact an immigration lawyer in Canberra today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward achieving your Australian immigration goals.

Trusted Immigration Lawyer in Canberra Committed to Your Success

We are committed to helping individuals navigate the complexities of migration law with professionalism, integrity and personalised service. Let an immigration lawyer in Canberra be your trusted partner in achieving your Australian migration goals.