5 Best Immigration Lawyers in Melbourne
Updated 22 September 2026 · How we rank law firms
Compare the 5 highest-rated immigration lawyers in Melbourne, ranked by Google rating across 2,008 client reviews (average 5.0 stars). A Home Affairs visa refusal for a Melbourne applicant is reviewed by the Administrative Review Tribunal at its Melbourne Registry, level 4, 15 William Street, near Flinders Lane. Note the date the decision letter arrived: the 28-day review period runs from notification.
Best immigration lawyers in Melbourne
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1
Australian Migration Lawyers Editor's pick
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2
Australian Migration Agents Editor's pick
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3
Latifa & Associates Editor's pick
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4
Fairfields Lawyers Editor's pick
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5
FourSquare Migration
4.97score -
6
Hannan Tew Lawyers
4.96score -
7
My Australian Visa | Immigration Law & Visa Services Melbourne
4.95score -
8
Global Vision Migration Lawyers Melbourne
4.95score
Editor's picks are chosen by our editors and labelled; the firms below them are ordered by score. Source: Google Maps business listings for “immigration lawyer melbourne”, checked 22 September 2026. Ordered by a review-weighted rating. How we rank law firms
Standouts among immigration lawyers in Melbourne
Highest weighted score
FourSquare Migration: 5.0 stars from 496 reviews.
Most reviewed
FourSquare Migration: 496 Google reviews, rated 5.0.
Highest rated with 100+ reviews
FourSquare Migration: 5.0 stars from 496 reviews.
Where are visa matters heard for Melbourne?
Visas are granted or refused by the Department of Home Affairs. Victorian merits reviews are run through the ART's Melbourne Registry at 15 William Street, and the Tribunal publishes an access guide for that registry. Judicial review of an ART decision goes to the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 2).
What Victoria-specific rules apply?
Victoria has no separate visa rules. The Migration Act 1958 (Cth) governs every visa and review in the same way nationally, and any Australian lawyer can act for a Melbourne client. The Victorian element is practical: the ART registry used for local cases and the practising certificate issued to Victorian lawyers.
A note on unregistered agents. Section 280 of the Migration Act 1958 (Cth) makes it illegal for an unregistered agent to give immigration assistance. Such agents hold no professional indemnity insurance, so when their error causes a refused visa, wasted fees or a lost pathway, there is no insurer to recover the loss from. Every practising Australian lawyer is required to hold that insurance.
How much does a immigration lawyer cost in Melbourne?
Fees for immigration lawyers in Melbourne depend on the matter, the lawyer's seniority and the fee model (hourly, fixed fee or conditional). Before any work starts, a law firm must disclose its costs in writing when they are likely to exceed the disclosure threshold. See How Much Does a Lawyer Cost in Australia? for typical ranges and fee models.
Free and low-cost legal help in Melbourne
Refugee Legal, a community legal centre on Exhibition Street in Melbourne, gives free advice to people seeking protection and runs a telephone advice line. See Free Legal Advice in Australia for more options.
Melbourne immigration lawyer FAQs
Why use a lawyer for a Melbourne visa refusal?
A lawyer can prepare the ART review and, if the ART decision contains a legal error, can also take the matter to court. A lawyer with a current practising certificate needs no separate registration with OMARA under section 280 of the Migration Act 1958 (Cth).
How long does judicial review of a visa decision allow in Melbourne?
An application to the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 2) must be made within 35 days of the migration decision under section 477 of the Migration Act 1958 (Cth). The court can extend that period only on a written application showing it is necessary in the interests of justice.
What documents does a Melbourne immigration lawyer need first?
The refusal or cancellation notice, proof of when it was received, your passport, visa grant notices and a copy of the application as lodged. For sponsored or partner visas, bring the sponsor's details too.
