5 Best Immigration Lawyers in Sydney
Updated 22 September 2026 · How we rank law firms
Compare the 5 highest-rated immigration lawyers in Sydney, ranked by Google rating across 1,650 client reviews (average 5.0 stars). A visa refusal made by the Department of Home Affairs can be taken to the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART), whose Sydney Registry is on level 6, 83 Clarence Street. Most applications must reach the ART within 28 days after the refusal is notified, so the decision letter is the first document to show a lawyer.
Best immigration lawyers in Sydney
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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
Kris Ahn Immigration Lawyers
4.97score -
6
The Immigration Lawyers
4.95score -
7
Albert Arthur Lawyers
4.94score -
8
Joy Migration
4.93score -
9
Migration Law Firm
4.93score
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 sydney”, checked 22 September 2026. Ordered by a review-weighted rating. How we rank law firms
Standouts among immigration lawyers in Sydney
Highest weighted score
Kris Ahn Immigration Lawyers: 5.0 stars from 586 reviews.
Most reviewed
Kris Ahn Immigration Lawyers: 586 Google reviews, rated 5.0.
Highest rated with 100+ reviews
Kris Ahn Immigration Lawyers: 5.0 stars from 586 reviews.
Where are visa matters heard for Sydney?
Visa applications are decided by the Department of Home Affairs, not by a Sydney court. Merits review of a refusal or cancellation goes to the ART, which replaced the Administrative Appeals Tribunal on 14 October 2024 and runs its NSW registry at 83 Clarence Street, between York and Kent streets. Judicial review of an ART decision is sought in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 2).
What NSW-specific rules apply?
None of substance. Visa law comes from the Migration Act 1958 (Cth) and applies identically in every state, so a Sydney lawyer can act for clients anywhere in Australia. The only local elements are the ART's Sydney registry and the NSW practising certificate that lets a lawyer give immigration assistance.
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 Sydney?
Fees for immigration lawyers in Sydney 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 Sydney
The Refugee Advice & Casework Service (RACS) gives free legal help to people seeking asylum through its helpline and in-person outreach days in Auburn. See Free Legal Advice in Australia for more options.
Sydney immigration lawyer FAQs
Why use an immigration lawyer in Sydney?
An immigration lawyer can handle a visa matter from the application through ART review to judicial review, and only a lawyer can run the court stage. Under section 280 of the Migration Act 1958 (Cth), an Australian legal practitioner needs no separate registration to give immigration assistance.
How long do I have to appeal a visa refusal in Sydney?
Under section 347 of the Migration Act 1958 (Cth), a review application must be made to the ART within 28 days after you are notified of the decision, or 14 days if you are in immigration detention. The ART cannot extend these periods.
What should I bring to a first appointment with a Sydney immigration lawyer?
Bring the Home Affairs decision letter and the date you received it, your passport and current visa grant notice, and copies of everything lodged with the application. A lawyer needs these to check the review deadline and the grounds of refusal.
