How much does an immigration lawyer cost?

The cost of an immigration lawyer in Australia can range from $250 to $500 per hour, depending on their skill level and your case requirements. Each part of the immigration process can be priced according to application fees, the current price of visas and unforeseen problems, like an appeal. Most cases that require an immigration lawyer will not cost any less than $1500 to $2000.

Costs in Australia 

Location is not as much a factor as an immigration lawyer’s credentials. The amount of knowledge and education plays an important part in the price of an immigration lawyer.

 

Skills and experience of the lawyer through university education and a period of practical supervised work is required to receive the level of expertise in Australian migration law and procedures. An immigration lawyer can help you get the best possible outcome for your case and ensure your applications are correct. When your ability to work and live in Australia is at stake, it would be in your best interest to ensure you receive help from a lawyer to get your desired outcome.

The factors impacting the cost when hiring an immigration lawyer may include partners, visas, appeals, students and necessary travel.

Length of the case: The case’s duration is always a factor in Australian immigration fees. While some lawyers may charge by the type of case, it always comes down to the amount of time needed for research and filings.

Skills and experience: The lawyer’s expertise not only runs a higher fee but can provide comfort in the fact that you feel protected with the outcome. The longer a lawyer has been practising, the more they will charge for their time. However, you will trust in their abilities to get you the most favourable outcome. 

Case complexity: More complicated cases can take multiple filings and court time. For example, an immigrant involved in setting up an international business would need various licenses and travel cards.

 

What is the difference between a migration agent and an immigration lawyer?

You may hear the terms migration agent and immigration lawyer used interchangeably, but they are not the same. Migration agents are required to complete a 6-month training course be registered with OMARA. Immigration lawyers must have a Bachelors of Law degree, undertake practical work experience, apply to the Supreme Court for admission as a lawyer, in addition to being registered with OMARA. 

Both a migration agent and an immigration lawyer can help with straightforward cases. However, it would be best to hire an immigration lawyer for more complicated situations.

How much does a migration agent cost?

Because of the difference in education and experience, migration agent fees in Australia is lower than that of an immigration lawyer. Migration agent fees can range from $500 to $4000 per case.

 

An Australian visa cost can vary from $150 to $4000 depending on the reason for the visit and duration of the stay. Applications for visas are only around $20. However, this is only to begin the process. Lengthy screening may be ordered, and wait times can be long.

Work, study, living, medical and vacation are some of the reasons for applications for visas. Filing fees for visa application start at $135. The cost of applying for a partner visa cost can run roughly $7000 just for the application, which is one of the most expensive visas you can apply for. It can take anywhere from 17 months to 21 months for a partner visa to be approved. 

Assurance of support through a mitigation agent or an immigration lawyer can be worth its weight in gold. The immigration process can be complicated and challenging to understand for the layperson. The cost can be worth it in the long run.

How much do immigration appeals cost?

Review of immigration decisions can come under the Administrative Appeals Tribunal’s review. This extra step could cost $5000 to $10,000 in immigration lawyers fees. 

How much does citizenship cost?

There are different fees for individual cases in becoming an Australian citizen. The filing fee is only $285, but that just begins the process. General eligibility, resumption of eligibility, eligibility from Australian descent, adoption, partner, etc. are all mitigating reasons for different beginning fees.

You may think that an Australian immigration application fee is the only paperwork involved in becoming a citizen, but that is just the start. 

How to create an accurate estimate

It’s always advisable to research a couple of different immigration lawyers before committing to hiring one. Look online for their skills and experience, as well as testimonials from previous clients. Also, thoroughly research their fees to understand how much you could be paying in total. Keep in mind that some lawyers might charge an even higher fee for your first initial consultation.

Licencing and qualifications

Knowledge and skill are irreplaceable when it comes to a foreign country and legal aid. Your immigration lawyer should have completed an Australia law degree or equivalent program, as well as be admitted as a solicitor in their state. 

 

There are many websites that rate lawyers on their ability to perform according to their skill. Each territory can also provide information that could be useful in choosing an immigration lawyer.

How to save money hiring an immigration lawyer

Research to determine which parts of the process can easily be done yourself not to have to spend money on having an immigration lawyer do them for you.

 

 

 

* The cost data is based on Oneflare and third-party sources